Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-09-19
CHAPTER XIV.
Wherein Chicago Comes to the Timber.
lost.

GJ from behind the trees lining
The Brushwood road. The picture of
vine covered cabin, great dropping
tree, a green clad girl and man bend
ing over her very closely flashed into
view. Edith Carr caught her breath
With a snap. Polly Ammon gave Tom
lowering a quick touch and wickedly
wlnked at him.
Several days before Edith had re-
turned from Europe suddenly. She
and Henderson had called at the Am
mon residence, saying that they were
going to motor down to the Limbcrlost
70 gee Philip q few hours and urged
Mat Polly and Tom accompany them.
Mrs. Ammon thought It better to have
Polly along to support Philip than to
allow him to confront Edith unexpect-
eddy and alone. Polly was full Of
spirit. She did not like Edith and did
not relish the thought OF her as a Sis
ter. Two days before her father had
EXTRACTED promise of secrecy, given
her Philips address and told her to
lend him the finest emerald ring she
could select. Polly knew how that
ring would be used. What she did not
fnow was that the girl who accompa
MED her went back to the store after
ward. made an excuse to the clerk that
she had been sent to be absolutely
sure that the address was right and so
secured It for Edith Carr.
Two days later Edith had induced
Hart Henderson to take her to Ona-
basha. By the aid Of maps they To-
It merely to see the place. Henderson
hated that trip and implored Edith not
to take 1t. but she made no effort to
:onceal from him wnat she suffered.
and it was more than he could endure.
The sunlight etched with distinct
ness the scene at the west end of the
chain. Instinct1vely, to save Edith.
Henderson set the whistle blowing.
He had thought to 60 on to the city,
but Polly Ammon stood, crying, "Phil.
Phil" Tom lowering was on his feet
shouting and waving, while Edith in
her most imperial manner ordered him
to turn into the lane leading through
!he woods beside the cabin.
Fix it some way that get a min
ute alone with her." she commanded
as he stopped the car.
THAT is my sister Polly, her fance
Tom lowering, a friend Of mine nam
ed Henderson and began Ammon.
Edith Carr" volunteered Elnora.
And Edith Carr" repeated Philip
Ammon. "Elnora. be brave for my
sake. Their coming can make no diff
ference in any way. won't let them
stay but few minutes. Come
with mev'
do looked scared?' inquired FL
nora serenely. "This is why you have
not had your answer. l have been
waiting just six weeks for that motor.
You may bring them to me at the
arbor."
She could see that Miss Carr was
splendidly beautiful. while she moved
with the hauteur and grace supposed
to be the prerogatives Of royalty. And
she had instantly taken possession Of
Philip Ammon But Ammon also had
brain which was working with rapid
1ty. He knew Elnora was watching
so he swung around to the others.
"Give her up, Tom!' he cried. ~
didn't know l wanted to see the little
nuisance SO badly, but do. How nre
father and mother? Polly, be good to
Elnora." he whispered.
"Um-hoh," assented Polly. And aloud,
II never saw such beauty. Thomas
Asquith Levering, you come straight
here and take my hand!"
Edith's move to compel Ammon to
approach Elnora beside her had been
easy to see; also its failure. Hender-
son stepped into Ammon's place rs he
turned to his sister. Instead Of taking
Polly's hand lowering ran to open the
gate. Edith passed through first, but
run, with Phil holding her arm, and
swept up to Elnora. Polly looked for
the ring and saw It, That settled mat
tiers with her.
"You lovely, lovely, darling girlw
she cried. throwing her arms around
Elnora and kissing her. With her lips
near Elnora's ear. Polly whispered.
6IsIcT-OcdT, uedT BlSteF.
Elnora drew back, staring at Polly
In confused apHsen1k She was
beautiful girl dressed 1nnme wonder
full way. Hsr eyes sparkling
and dancing %3paS shsDAuned to
make way 70, tse offers she kept one
Of Elnora's hands in~hers. Edith bow
ed low. muttered something and touch
ed Elnora's fingers. In that instant
only pity was In Elnora's breast for the
flashing dark beauty.
"Come into the shade" she urged.
"You must have found 1t warm on
these country roads. Won't you lay
aside your dust coats and have a cool
drink? Philip. would you ask mother
to come and bring that pitcher in the
springhouse?"
They entered the arbor, exclaiming
at the dim. green GOODNESS. Mrs. Com
stock came deliberately. talking to Am
mon as she approached. Elnora gave
her one searching look. but could dis
cover only an extreme brightness of
eye to denote any unusual feeling.
Polly instantly went to her and held
up her face to be kissed. Mrs. Com
stocks eyes twlnkled. and she made
the greeting hearty.
Soon the pitcher was empty, and e.
nora picked II up and went to refill II.
While she was gone Henderson asked
Philip about some trouble he was hay.
Ing with his car. They went to the