Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1912-09-17

wearing blue and she says II you
should wear pink or red or anything
like that it would make her dress look
like an Indian blanket on a piebald
pony. l hope got those colors cor.
rect-her hairs red, you know"
"Red and white" corrected Helen
sweetly.
"Thank you," said Bobby solemnly
as he led her to seat. II reckon this
Is the last dance you'll ever have with
me as a care-free bachelor. Next time
I'll be an old married party!"
7. IT suppose So" said Helen.
II must 60 hunt your father up and
tear that there little wilder away
from his fascinating attentions" cried
Bobby gayly. "ses you at 10 tomor'
row."
Eyes"
| "Sure thing?"
eyes,"
! "Good," said Bobby, and If Helen
could have seen his face she would
have noticed that there was a strained
look in his eyes.
She saw nothing save the curiously
streaked hair Of the Widow Watkins
and Bobby's tall form bending over
her as he calmly carried her away
from big Bill Main, HeIen's father.
| Mr.. Mains eagle eyes roamed the
room and found his daughters pale
face staring appeal at him. The big
cattleman's harsh face seemed curl
ously softened as ne met her appeal
ing glance. and his eyes wore hurt
look as he pushed his fingers through
his grizzled hair.
"Well. daughter?" he asked.
Are you ready to 60, dad?"
Fright and ready" he returned
promptly.
When he drove up to the door in the
blackboard Helen was standing on the
steps muffled in wraps. It, was COO
outside and she shivered. As they
were about to drive of the lean form
of Jim Rawlins pushed close to the
wagon.
"See here, Helen" he whined, yor
was engaged to me for the Saratogy
Lancers-you know I can't dance any
Of them round dances. and / beer
waiting for you-they're starting W
now"
| I'm sorry, Mr.. Rawlins." she wal
beginning, when her father cut II
roughly:
Let her alone, FINISHES all tired
out" and with a vicious cut at his
horses dashed away, leaving the angry
Rawlins staring after them.
| The long drive back to the ranch
was silent one. When they came
within sight Of the lamp in the win
dow Helen yentured to break the 81
lence.
Dad, Bobby Ellis and Mrs. Wat
kins are going 10 be married at II
O'Clock. ! promised I'd go to the wed
ding. Will you drive me over?"
Bill Main stifled an oath. "Yes-Il
drive you over. Nelly" he said softly
Helen's eyes filled with tears-he haC
not called her Nelly since she was Z
little girl.
Il promised Mrs. Watkins ] would
come" he spoke in queer voice.
"You knew her before?" asked Hell
en- with sudden intuition OF what was
to follow
"Yes-she did what tried to make
you do. Married an old man and
lost her. It's too late now for me tt
make good to you, daughter. but II
send Rawlins packing tomorrow. It's
retribution on me for standing be
tween you and Bobby"
You mean-that you care for hel
now, father" whispered Helen.
Eyes"
Helen leaned her head against hel
fathers shoulder and presently his
| arm encircled her.
The next morning Bill Main and his
daughter drove to the parsonage in
Red Spider. While Mr.. Main tied his
horses Helen smoothed the white lawr
gown that she wore out Of courtesy fol
the Widow Watkins red hair.
Its mockery for me to wear white
today" she whispered to herself. fol
her face was winter than her frock
Impulse would have taken her thou
sand miles in the opposite direction
from the scene Of Bobby Ellis wed
ding, but she understood. or thought
she did. why he asked her to be there
1t was common gossip in Budlons
county that Bobby had been devoted
to Helen. and her presence, as well as
her fathers, there today would still
every voice.
| Mr.. Ellis and the widow were wait
| ing in the parlor Of the parsonage
Bobby was looking white and stern
and the widow was very lovely in pal
est blue that matched her eyes.
Before call in the sky pilot" said
Bobby rather nervously. 81 want to
say that this Is game did It &c
get Helen here and the widow helped
He cleared his throat and stared de
family at Bill Main. but Bill Main was
looking at his daughter.
TN going TO marry Helen now, and
I'd rather do 1t with your consent than
without, sir. What you got to say?"
Before Mr. Main could frame reply
Helen had rushed into Bobby's arms.
There's the answer, Bobby" said
| Bill Main seriously, but his face glow.