The Delta independent., 1912-11-15

IL tne dlOTeSdlu lb a NOllldl,
oh, mos. unfortunate is the man!
Thu sday was Mayor Bedight's day Of
attendance upon Margaret Farms
worth, who prosecuted the case
against him on the morning of his ar
rival. She entered the arena after an
earnest conference with Judge"
Vinng, who seemed unusually dis
trait and worried.
mfr. Bedight," began the lady attor-
ney, in a professional tone, Il want
to get some balsam for a pillow this
morning. Do you know the tree when
you see it?"
"Yes-Ive been in the North Woods
on many vacation and am familiar
with the fora and fauna Of the coun-
try. / am at your SERVICE" responded
the mayor.
They set out ON foot along . path
way that led into the wood. Once in
side the forest 1t wound in = trail like
that the calf made. through spruce
and hemlock, poplar and maple, with
now and then a white birch adding .
touch Of vivid contrast to the green.
The girl, an enthusiast. was walking
ahead and babbling Of the nature pic
lures along the way.
Suddenly Bedight felt something
hit him in the back. A. though q pei
let thrown from close range. He
turned inquiringly. From . clump of
brush along the trail . woman's hand
waved at him and a white paper nut
tered to the path. Turning. the mayor
retraced his steps. The messenger
crouched low and Bedight. having Sc
cured the message, touched his nm
gers to his lips and waited her salu-
tation, chaste and replete with appre-
citation.
And then from ahead came the sur.
prised call Of Miss Farnsworth.
"Hurry!" cautioned a voice from be-
hind the clump Of greenery.
Coming" cried Bedight. turning
and forging ahead through the wood.
A pair Of pheasaats arose with
drumming whirr from beside the path.
"There!" exclaimed the mayor. ac-
cepting the birds as the foundation
for clever ruse. you've frightened
them away"
"Oh, why didn't you tell me?" re-
preached the girl, getting a fleeting
glance Of the brown beauties as they
fioated OF through the trees.
Bedight, with the note clutched in
his hand. made reasonable apologies
for his thoughtlessness and the girl.
unsuspecting. led on. chattering de-
lightedly. 1t was q day of days to be
in the wood and youth is ever buoyant
and gay. Plainly the girl was in
tune with the mood Of the time and
the place. and like the beatitudes
natural. The man felt himself pleased
with her. for he. too, loved the soil
tude and the harmonies Of the forest.
Presently she sighted a scarlet tan
ager and ran ahead. Bedight. waiting
for the opportunity, unfolded the slip
Of paper. In 4 woman's handwriting
this warning was written:
"BE CAREFUL. SHE IS TRYING
TO TRAP YOU"
Bedight smiled and tucked the note
In his pocket.
Miss Farnsworth was sitting upon
a fallen monarch OF the wood when
he caught up with her. In her hands
she held lichen that had taken her
fancy. OF the party at Mine Hosts
hotel, no girl was prettier than Mar
garet Fernsworth and few as intellec-
tual. Vivacity and spirit predominant
ed and as Bedight looked at her he
did not belittle her ability to make
things interesting for him.
She sprang to her feet as he drew
near. and ran after a big brown but
terfiy. Bedight sat down on the log
and waited. Suddenly he heard a
scream, the voice OF a woman in pain.
Miss Farnsworth sat upon the
ground holding her ankle In both
hands. Her lips were tightly drawn
and her face Eave evidence Of pain.