Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1912-09-26
CHAPTER XIV.
Wherein Chicago Comes to the Timber
lost.

ervlONK, honk. honk! Hart Hen
derson set the alarm of the big
I'LL automobile going as it shot
~ from behind the trees lining
the Brushwood road. The picture Of
a vine covered cabin, a great dropping
tree, a green clad girl and a man bend
ing over her very closely flashed into
view. Edith Carr caught her breath
with a snap. Polly Ammon gave Tom
winked at him.
Several days before Edith had re-
turned from Europe suddenly. She
and Henderson had called at the Am
NOR residence, saying that they were
going to motor down to the Limberlost
to see Philip a few hours and urged
that 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-
edly 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 a promise Of secrecy, given
her Philips address and told her to
send him the finest emerald ring she
could select. Polly knew how that
ring would be used. What she did not
know 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-
Gated the Comstock land and passed
1t merely to see the place. Henderson
hated that trip and implored Edith not
to take it, but she made no effort to
conceal from him what 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. I%nstinctively, to save Edith,
Henderson set the whistle blowing.
He had thought to go on to the city.
but Polly Ammon stood, crying, "Phil,
PHILIP 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
the woods beside the cabin.
Fix it some way that 1 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 a make nc diff
ference in any way. I won't let them
stay but a few minutes. Come
with me!w
"Do l looked scared?" inquired FL
nora serenely. "This is why you have
not had your answer. I 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
WILL Luc uduLcul dLu SldSC SuppUScu
to be the prerogatives of royalty. And
she had instantly taken possession Of
Philip Ammon. But Ammon also had
a brain which was working with rapid
ity. He knew Elnora was watching
so he swung around to the others.
"Give her up, Toni" he cried. RI
didn't know I wanted to see the little
nuisance so badly, but l do. How are
father and mother? Polly, be good to
Elnora." he whispered.
"Um-huh," assented Polly. And aloud,
II eve saw such a beauty. Thomas
Asquith lowering, 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 it's failure. Hender-
son stepped into Ammon's place as he
turned to his sister. Instead Of taking
Polly's hand lowering ran to open the
gate. Edith passed through first, but
Polly darted in front Of her on the
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 girl"
she cried, throwing her arms around
Elnora and kissing her. With her lips
near Elnora's ear, Polly whispered.
"Sister-dear, dear sister,"
Elnora drew back, staring at Polly
in confused amazement. She was a
beautiful girl. dressed in some wonder
full way. Her eyes were sparkling
and dancing, and as she turned to
make way for the others 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" s: urged.
"9ou must have found it 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?"