The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1911-12-27
GOLDENHAIR
BY LOUISE MERRIFIELD
(copyrisht 1911. By Associated Literary Prss..,

Leslie was very gao 10 De uoiue-
She left the elevator with buoyant
step. opened the door to the studio
suite, and breathed a sigh OF supreme
happiness. Home was home after all,
II was a warm Indian summer
night. She decided not to light the
gas. The view Of the city was too
enthralling at that late hour to spoil.
She threw her cloak and hat on the
hall settle. and went on into the re-
ception room.
Yes. 1t was just as she had left 1t,
two months before. The janitor's wife
had been up and cleaned for her. and
left the windows open. she noticed
The couch was not in its usual place.
She turned around and nearly fell
over a chair placed at new angle.
laughed. and dropped down on the
couch.
Just for a minutes rest she told
herself. after the long day Of travel.
and even with that thought weighing
on her. she fell asleep. exhausted but
happy.
The closing Of the outer door was
what Weakened her She heard il far
of In her dreams. and wakened listen
Ing Steps sounded through the hall.
quiet. rather slow. but steps. As she
propped herself on one elbow. and
looked cautiously out beyond the
hsngings at the arch. she saw the
figure Of q man outlined distinctly
against the half light. He was tall
and young. she could tell that much
even as she stood with averted face
before the dining-room door. He en-
tered the inner room. after a pause.
and she caught the scratch Of a match
1t was a daring burglar. More. he was
whistling softly under his breath az
he moved about
Leslie rose dsterminedly. Packed
under the sidsboard was = full tea
set OF silver. and various precious
family odds and ends that she had
taken from the family home in Yer
mont to brighten her city abode. The,
should not fall into the sack Of any
Rallies Il she could save them.
What are you doing here?"
He turned at her voice. IL was a
tribe shaky. hut determined. Her
wavy blond hair was rumpled. her
cheeks flushed from her short sleep
and her blue eyes very wide and start
lingly bright. She was figuring the
distance to the telephone In the hall
even while she watched him.
Yet his answer was an old one. and
most touching In his simplicity.
I'm hungry" he said. gently.
oh, you poor fellow" she ex-
claimed before she thought. Cant
AxA pIA all N
you have to follow this lifef You
don't look-that kind"
Its bully OF you to say So he re-
turned warmly. hands In pockets.
leaning across the table toward her.
with eyes full Of frankest admiration.
I'm swfully hungry. don't you know"
And there isn't . thing to eat In
the icebox. I've been away for two
months"
Il know Il"
And you thought I was still alb
sent" she flashed back. Please don't
think I'm nervous. I'm not q hit. but
won't you take your hands out Of
your pocketsf l keep thinking you
are going to leap at me-and brass
knuckle me-"
by Jove. I'm sorry" His hands
came from his pockets instantly
Honestly, l haven't anything desper-
ate on me-.
Haven't youi Because you didn't
expect to meet anyone. ] suppose.
Can't We compromised Truly. I'm
shivering tacksL I never even saw a
burglar before. Couldn't you take
what cash I have on bandits about
twenty dollars. I think-and call It
on! That would get you something
to eat. and grubstake you to the town.
% TO speak"
The two faced each other. the broad
dining table between. He looked
straight into her eyes until the gaze
wavered and dropped.
You're the Quickest girl ever
saw" he said. fervently. Il didn't tell
you 1t nrst because It was such q rip
ping joke. you know. but you're In the
wrong apartment"
II ann" gasped Leslie why. no.
I'm not. I've been asleep on the couch
in thssoe"
1T y my couch" he murmured hap
PLY. I'm glad you slept on 1t. Gold
enhaiS. Did you also drink from my
bowl and eat from my table. and sit