Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-06-08


blood coursing more swiftly through .
his veins aad 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
sluics gates. kept up an undercurrent
OF monotOnOus sound. Then JoCelyn 1
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 FaTland 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
10 her save as stories in books. And
here was one who had actually trav
eled in other lands and brought back
/ his impressions al 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 10 plan 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 IN
happy after | have been talking to
You? Is ir my fau'f2"
She raised her head and looked at
him tragically, nodding her head slow
y. .Tocolyn was overcome with con-
steTuailOn.
What have | done" he asked
81 don't know how to tell YOU" she
answered. drying her eyes. But things
seem so different now than before you
came. | didn't know them"
Didn't know what, Nelly?"
AN these things that you have
been telling me-" she burst out. Il
didn't understand how ordinary we
are, | guess; thought all folks was
il-g -,
ones. millionaires and such ike. that
come 10 the summer hotels round
about and run round in their automo-
biles. And you've told me I'm common
and u1Cducated and"
My dear Nelly, didn't say that"
said Jocolyn in expostulation When
| spoke of an education / 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-
I 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
sObDed uIrestrainedly. At last he re
! leased her and she ran back into the
' cottage, leaving him. in great perplex
+ i'y, standing upon the lock and watch.
! ing the roaring torrent beneath him.
His thoughts were in a turmoil. Love
L for the girl had never entered his
heart, be knew; wha. he was scutely
conscious Of was n sincere pity and
i much selfblame. He had little an
D his talks with her. 1T last. breakiue
70 OF the train OF his cogitations in dis
. gust. he went to bed. registering q
Il mental vow to be more circumspect in
future
On the following morning Bill Far
: lands fever. which had Frustrated hin
for an entire week. took a turn fol
. the worse. and il was decided to sum
- mon a doctor from the nearest town
One Of the lumbermen who occasion
q ally came into the camp volunteered Il
T. send telegram from the depot. Mean
i while, in accordance with their ar
e engagements. Jocelyn and .orter Sc
/ out upon a TWO days journey to
3 famous trout stream in the district
i where ii was hoped that many monster
fish would be secured. The men start
II ed late and camped that night besid,
o the pool Porter had seemed TO b,
more communicative than ever tina
o day, but JoceIyn was not prepared TO
the denOuement of the morrow.
I Porter awakened him at dawn an,
led the way along the trail by tn
n lakes margin to where a boat lay ii
e. the underbrush. He dragged Il 10 III
d margin Of the water. motioned to Joce
9 lyn 10 enter. rowed him out TO tn
a middle Of the lake, and tlren. as Joce
lyn unwound his line, stopping tn
oars. found tongue
r I seed you t'other night with Mis-
n Nelly. Mr.. JOCelyl." said Joe
is Indeed" replied Jocelyn, castini
diligently.
1. II seed you with that girl, Mr.. Joe,
e lyn." the guide repeated. i see
" your arms around her. And. 5eggin
II your pardon If its a liberty I'm tai
IS ing. sir. there's a question l would uk
rs TO ask you"
st Go ahead" said Jocelyu. caechin
e, his fly in a bunch Of weeds and reelin
IN his line