The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1912-01-02

anu except MS name odTd pulbeu
her lips comically over Craig's evi.
dent enthrallment-and once said,
shutting one eye "If there was
wireless station handy I'd sent flash
to that young man down in Texas
But she was a good fellow-much
too good to spoil sport. Elizabeth
meant 1t all for no more than sport
until, all at once, with no word OF
warning, Billy came to Old Town.
Couldn't help it-with home SO hot,
and all the things you told of going
on up here" he explained. "Hay rides
and boat rides, and auto rides and
everything. Gee! | felt l must get
into the game"
You'll have no trouble whatever,
honey" Sara said, coming up behind
Billy and Elizabeth. I'm nobody but
Sara" she went on. LET me recon-
mend myself, though, as the latest
improved variety of gooseberry. l
can look bless you, my children, in
three languages, and seven ways at
once. And you'll need to bless me
but for my vigilance Elizabeth
would have been run away with long
ago."
I'D say it-even without that"
Billy answered CALAMITY, holding both
Sara's hands and looking down into
her eyes. They were blue eyes. but
snappy for all that. They returned
his gaze steadily until Sara felt moved
to say:
you don't look Texas-not the least
btt-but. then, neither does Eliza
beth"
DO not forgive u.s. Nobody can
quite look Texas-it's the finest state
anywhere" Billy answered, loyalty
But We do the best we can"
and did, fit in beautifully. Craig, even,
could not resist him after the first
two hours. Billy had way with him.
as 1nsinuating as his gentle, slurring
drawl; moreover, he was gallant, also
beautiful spender, and plentifully
supplied with wherewithal to spend.
His spending was without ostentation,
yet he managed somehow to pay al
ways little more than his share.
Craig swore at him inwardly over the
fact. Aloud it was quite impossible.
Elizabeth exulted in Billy-as a
comrade, though not possession.
She had been too happy to think be-
yond the moment-she was happy
still. but with underneath sense of
disquiet. Something surprised now
and then, in Craigs eyes, some in
Election of his voice when he was off
guard. formed the roots of the dis
quiet Dimly she understood what
she had come to mean to him-as
dimly she felt that he ought to know
the truth-yet she would rather die
than tell him.
Thus, uneasy and perplexed. she
turned instinctively to the thought
OF Sara. Perhaps, If Sara tried, she
could make Craig forget-Elizabeth
had faith simply boundless in her
cousin. A level head had Sara-with
her. to will was to do. Elizabeth hoped
she might will to captivate Craig-if
1t were put upon the ground OF cousin
ly succor.
When woman disposes man some
times proposes. At the end of fort
night Billy's mind was made up He
ch,sckled a bit over the final making
up, saying to his cigar: We'll go
home to get married-all Of us-only
thing to do-it'll pacify the Judge and
Marse Willyum."
Marse Willyum was his father, the
Judge. Elizabeth's. After his disre-
spectful comment upon them, Billy
strolled over to the Rowland place,
smiling his most innocent smile.
He found things taking place there
things unusual In the wide dim
parlor rarely opened, Craig had set up
a picture nearly complete. the Spirit
OF Dawn-Elizabeth to the life, but
Elizabeth TRANSPORTED by love and
the morning. Billy looked at the pic
ture. his eyes dimming the least bit.
Then he laid a hand on Craig's arm,
saying: II must have that"
Craig shook his head--he dared not
speak Billy went on: 'Ill pay you
price for it. You can't deny I have
the right to It,"
Il won't sell It," Craig said CURLY.
Even II 1t were finished, nobody
could buy It,"
Then give it to me-" Billy per-
sisted
Craig glared at him-Billy smiled
"As wedding present.
you know" he went on You oughtn'u
to grudge 1t to me and-Sara," strid-
ing to that young woman. and Slip
ping his arm about her waist III
meant to say I'd give you the orig
inal," he added. But really reckon
she isn't mine to give"
shut up! And come out on the
porch" Sara interrupted. shaking her
head at Billy. Don't you see those
two can't speak until they catch
breath?"
Just as you say. boss" Billy an.
swered meekly, but chuckling hard.
Over his shoulder he saw Craig and
locked tight in each 9TH
er's arms.
l1nfnuuAad GuenIoio..