The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1912-05-02

Copyright. by w. G. Chapman.

wart countryman, quiet, uncommuni-
cative, he showed Jocelyn many a pool
and stream where monster fish lay
lurking, and each day, as Jocelyn
strobe at his side or followed him
along the forest trails, he felt the
blood coursing more swiftly through
his veins and a newer zest for life.
And in the evenings many a yarn.
would be spun round the camp fire
while the water, rushing through the
sluice gates, kept up an u~ndercurrent
Of monotonous sound. Then Jocelyn
would tell of his adventures by land
and sea; stories of tiger hunts in In
dia, of service in Egypt, of all the
crowded incidents of his three years
career as a lieutenant in the Guards.
To Nelly Farland he seemed amazing;
even his stories Of New York and
London left her with staring eyes and
quivering breath, for she had never
been twenty miles from this forest
settlement in which she was born, and
these things had never been revealed
to her save as stories in books. And
here was one who had actually trav-
eled in other lands and brought back
his impressions at first hand! Jocelyn
gradually addressed himself more and
more to her; he fell into the role Of
mentor; at last, interested in her, he
began to plan a future for her, spoke
of the possibilities of her obtaining an
education. But their talks always ended
in a strange silence which disconnected
him, and they would sit gazing at
the water as it rushed through the
sluice gates underneath. And one
evening when they were sitting thus
alone, after the silence had lasted for
a longer time than usual, Jocelyn sud.
denly perceived that the girl was cry
ing.
why, Nelly" he said, half Joking,
half reprovingly, what is the mat
ter?"
She turned away and buried her face
in her hands, weeping more bitterly.
Overcome with sympathy-no more, he
would have sworn-Jocelyn placed one
arm around her in kindly fashion.
"New, Nelly, tell me all about it."
he said. why are you always un-
happy after l have been talking to
you? Is it my fault?"
She raised her head and looked at
him t%ragically, nodding her head SLOW
ly. Jocelyn was overcome with con-
sternation.
what have 1 done?' he asked.
II don't know how to tell you,' she
answered, drying her eyes. But things
seem SO different now than before you
came. l didn't know them"
Didn't know what, Nelly?"
"All these things that you have
been telling me-" she burst out. II
didn't understand how ordinary we
are, l guess; l thought all folks was
like us, more or less, except the rich
ones, millionaires and such like, that
come to the summer hotels round
about and run round in their automo-
biles. And you've told me I'm common
and u%neducated and"
"My dear Nelly, l didn't say that"
said Jocelyn in expostulation. when
I spoke of an education 1 meant a
higher one"
That's just it," sobbed the girl, her
grief breaking out anew. "I'm low.
And fathers low, too, and Joe Por-
ter"
Jocelyn, almost terrified by the wild
ness of her grief, gathered her into his
arms and tried to console her. She
laid her head upon his shoulder and
sobbed unrestrainedly. At last he re-
leased her and she a back into the
cottage, leaving him, in great perplex-
ity, standing upon the lock and watch
ing the roaring torrent beneath him.
His thoughts were in a turmoil. Love
for the girl had never entered his
heart, he knew; what he was acutely
conscious of was a sincere pity and
much self-blame. He had little an
ticipated such a result as this from
his talks with her. At last, breaking
off the train of his c%ogitations in dis
gust, he went to bed, registering a
mental vow to be more circumspect in
future.
On the following morning Bill Far
lands fever, which had Frustrated him
for an entire week, took a turn for
the worse, and it was decided to sum-
mon a doctor from the nearest town.
One Of the lumbermen who occasion
ally came into the camp volunteered to
send a telegram from the depot. Mean
while, in accordance with their ar
rangements. Jocelyn and Porter set
out upon a two days journey to a
famous trout stream in the district,
where it was hoped that many monster
fish would be secured. The men start
ed late and camped that night beside
the pool. Porter had seemed to be
more communicative than ever that
day, but Jocelyn was not prepared for
the denouement of the morrow.
Porter awakened him at dawn and
led the way along the trail by the
lakes margin to where a boat lay in
the underbrush. He dragged it to the
margin of the water, motioned to Joce-
Ign to enter, rowed him out to the
middle Of the lake, and then, as Joce-
Ign unwound his line, stopping the
oars, found tongue.
Il seed you t'other night with Miss
Nelly, Mr.. Jocelyn," said Joe.
"Indeed?" replied JOcelyn. casting