Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1911-03-03


and fresh-turned earth, with so clear
light to show him his way.
He stepped out brislly at first,
swinging his stick and watching his
shadow, a squat, incredibly agitated
silhouette in the golden dust. But
gradually and insensibly the peaceful
influence Of that still and lovely hour
tempered his hearts impatience; and
he found himself walking at a pace
more leisurely. After all, there was
no hurry; he was unwearied, and Matt
land Manor lay less than five miles
distant.
Thirty minutes passed; he had not
covered third of the way, yet re-
mained content BY well-remembered
landmarks, he knew he must be near
ing the little stream called, by courtesy,
Mayannis river; and, in due course, he
stepped out upon the long wooden struc-
ture that spans that water. He was
close upon the farther end when
upon hapchance impulse-he glanced
over the nearest guard rail, down at
the bed Of the creek. And stopped In.
continently, gaping.
Stationary in the middle OF the de-
preston, hub-deep in the shallow wa
ters, was motor car; and 1t, beyond
dispute, was identical with that which
had occupied his thoughts on the ferry
boat. Less wonderful, perhaps, but to
him amazing enough, 1t was to dis
cover upon the drivers seat the girl
in gray.
| His brain benumbed beyond further
capacity for astonishment, he accepted
without demur this latest and most as
founding OF the chain or amazing CO
incidences which had thus far enliv-
ened the nights earlier hours; and
stood rapt in silent contemplation,
sensible that the girl had been un-
aware of his approach, deadened as
his footsteps must have been by the
blanket of dust that carpeted both
road and bridge deep and thick.
On her part she sat motionless, evi.
IDENTIFY lost in reverie, and momen-
tarily, at least, unconscious of the en-
barrassing predicament which was
hers. So complete, indeed, seemed her
abstraction that Maitland caught him.
self questioning the reality of her.
And we'll might she have
seemed to him pale little wrath of
the night, the simmer of gray that
she made against the simmer of light
on the water-a shape almost trans.
parent, slight, and unsubstantial->
seeming to contemplate, and as still
as any mouse.
Looking more attentively, 1t became
evident that her veil was now raised.
This was the first time that he had
seen her so. But her countenance re-
mained so deeply shadowed by the
visor of mannish motoring cap that
the most searching scrutiny gained. no
more than dim and scantily satisfac-
tory impression of alluring loveliness.
Maitland turned noiselessly, rested
elbows on the rail, and, staring.
framed theory to account for her
position, If not for her patience.
On either hand the road, dividing
struck off at a tangent, down the
banks and into the river bed. 1t was
credible to presume that the girl had
lost control of the machine temporari-
ly and that it, taking the bit between
its teeth, had swung gayly down the
incline to its bath
Why she fingered there, however,
was less patent The water, as has
been indicated, was some inches below
the tonneau; 1t did not seem reason
able to assume that it should have in
terfered with either running gear or
motor.
At this point in Maitland's medta-
tions the gray girl appeared to have
arrived at decision. She straight.
ened up suddenly, with little reso-
lutte nod Of her head lifting one small
foot to her knee, and fumbled with the
laces of her shoe.
Maitland grasped her intention to
abandon the machine, with her deter
mination to wade Clearly this would
seem to demonstrate that there had
been breakdown, irreparable so far
frail feminine hands were concerned.
One shoe removed, its fellow would
follow, and then. Out Of sheer
chivalry, the involuntary witness was
moved to earnest protest.
DON'T" he cried, hastily. II say,
don't wade!"
CTo BE coNTINUED.)
1