Putnam patriot., 1912-02-23
CHAPTER VII.
On the River.

On the Hfver.
 Betty stood under dripping unl- brella in the midst of a downpour.
 Just arrived by the four-horse coach that piled regularly between Wash ington and Georgetown. she had found the long board platform beside the canal crowded with her fellow passengers. Suddenly she became aware of tall, familiar figure nov ing through the crowd. It was Bruce Darlington. At the same moment he saw her, and with casual air that quite deceived her, approached.
 You're leaving tonight?" he asked.
 "Yes-isn't it miserable the way it why don't they hurry with that boat?"
 It's in the last lock now,' ex- plained Darlington, and gathering up Bettys hand luggage. he helped her aboard.
 By the time they had reached Wheeling, Betty had quite parted with whatever superficial prejudice she might have had concerning river-men. This particular one was evidently a very nice river-man, an exception to his kind. He made choice of the steamer on which she should continue her journey, and thoughtfully chose The Naiad--a slow boat.
 'T haven't thing to offer her-this Is plain madness of mine!" he kept sion of his face would become grim and determined. No more of the river for him-he'd get hold of some land and go to raising cotton; that was the way money was made.
 Slow as The Naiad was, the days passed much too swiftly for him. When Memphis was reached their friendly intercourse would come to an end. There would be her brother, of whom she had occasionally spoken he would be pretty certain to have the ideas of his class.
 The days, like any other days, dwin- dled. The end of 1t all was close at hand. Another twenty-four hours and Darlington reflected there would only be good-by to say.
 We will reach New Madrid to- night" he told her. They were watching the river. under a flood Of yellow moonlight.
 Darlington, with his back against a stanchion, watched her discontented- ly.
 You'll be mighty glad ts have this over with. Miss Malroy-" he said at length. with . comprehensive sweep toward the river.
 "Yss-shan't you?" and she opened her eyes Questioningly.
 "No." said Darlington with . short laugh. drawing . chair near hers and sitting down. :, Betty. in surprise, gave him . quick look, and then e quickly glanced away from what she encountered in his eyes. Az she looked. suddenly pale points of light appeared on . dis tant headland.
 ''Is that New Madrid-Oh, is 1t, Mr. CArringtonf" she cried eagerly. T reckon so." but he did not alter his position.
 But you're not iooking!"
 Yes. I am-Pm looking at you. reckon you'll think me crazy, Misa Malroy-presumptuo and all that but I wish Memphis could be wiped of the map. and that we could so on like this for ever."
 You mustn't talk sol am nothing to you"
 Yes, you are. You're everything to me-" said Darlington doggedly. You shall love me" She was pow. erless in his embrace. She felt his breath on her cheek, then he kissed her. Suddenly his arms fell at his side; his face was white T was a brute to do that-Betty, forgive mel I am sorry-no, I can't be sorry"
 They were alongside the New Mad, rid wharf now, and a certain young man who had been impatientiy watch. ing The Naiad's lights ever since they became visible crossed the gang-plank with a bound.
 "Betty--why in the name of good. ness did you ever choose this tub!' said the newcomer.
 Charley"
 Burlington stepped back This must be the brother who had come uD tho river from -AemDhis te meet her E but her brothSg's nane waa Ten! Nc leoks1 tAis stranger-this CAarisy