The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1912-04-05
PAGE NINE.

nI reef any particular interest in me-
I didn't cut much shine as ladies'
man. but. reckon now. it's only be-
cause the right one hadn't happened
along. She is here now, though, all
right, and | knew 1t the very first time
| set eyes on her. oh, you roped and
tied me all right the first throw. May
be did get you and that half-sister
mixed up bit, but just the same you
were the one | really wanted. Hopes
all right; she's mighty fine girl, but
you are the one for me, Christie.
Could you-could you care for such q
duffer as | ann"
Her lips were smiling and SO were
her eyes, but 1t was pleading smile.
I'll don't think It would be SO
very hard" she admitted, mot If you
really wanted me to"
you know what mean--that love
you-wish you to be my wife?"
81 supposed that was it-thatthat
you wanted me.
yes, and-and you will lover"
Her head dropped slowly. so slowly
he did not realize the significance OF
the action until her lips touched his
hand
81 do" she said; you are the best
man In the world" M
Fairbain could not move, could not
seem to realize what It all meant. The
outcome had been so sudden, so sur
prising, that all power Of expression
deserted him. In bewildermont he
lifted her face and looked into her
eyes, Perhaps she reallzed-with the
swift intuition OF clever woman
the mans perplexity, for instantly she
led his mind to other things.
But let us not talk of ourselves
any more, tonight There is SO much
wish to know; so much that ought
to be done" She sprang to her feet.
''Why, It is almost shameful for US TO
stay here, selfshly happy, while 9TH
ers are in such trouble. Have they
discovered Hope?"
NO; we secured the whole town
and found no trace. Now they are out
side on the prairie, but there can be
little chance of their picking up q
trail before daylight"
And Hawley?"
HE has vanished also; without
doubt they are together. What do
you suppose he can want Of herr How
90 you imagine he ever got her TO
go with him? She isn't that sort of
girl"
She shook her head. shiyering lit
tie.
He must have mistaken her for
me-perhaps has not even yet discov-
cred his mistake But what. 1t all
means, or howshe gained her consent
to go with him, cannot conceive"
She stood with hands clasped, star
ing out Of the window, y
There is little light showing al
ready" she exclaimed. pointing. See,
yonder oh. trust they will find her
alive, and unhurt. That man, | be-
| iieve, is capable of any crime. But
couldn't you be of some help? Why
should you remain here with met
am In no danger"
You really wish me to go, Chris
tie?"
Not that way-not that way" and
she turned impulslyely, with hands
outstretched "of course want you
here with me, but want you to help
bring Hope back"
He drew her to him, supremely hap
py now. every feeling of embarrass-
ment lost in complete certainty of pos
session.
And WILL" he said solemnly.
Wherever they may have gone shall
follow. am going now, dear and
when come back you'll be glad to see
me2"
Shall II" her eyes uplifted to his
own. and swimming in tears. 81 viii
be the happiest girl in all the world,
reckon oh, what night this has
beenl What wonderful night! 1t
has given me name. mother, and
the man love-"
He kissed her, not In passion, but
in simple tenderness, and as he turned
away she sank upon her knees at the
window, with head bowed upon the
sill At the door he paused and
looked back, and she turned and
smiled at him. Then he went out.
and she knelt there silently, gazing
forth into the dawn, her eyes blurred
with tears-facing a new day, ard .
new life.
(To be continued next week.