The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1912-02-15

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 a mighty fine girl, but
you are the one for me, Christie
Could you-could you care for such a
duffer as l am?"
Her lips we're smiling and SO were
her eyes, but it was pleading smile.
IL don't think 1t 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,"
Il supposed that was tt-that-that
you wanted me"
Yes, and-and you with love?"
Her head dropped slowly, so slowly
he did not realize the significance OF
the action until her lips touched his
hand.
II do" she said; you are the best
man in the world"
Fairbain could not move, could not
seem to realize what 1t all meant. The
outcome had been so sudden. SO sur
prising, that all power Of expression
deserted him. In bewilderment he
lifted her face and looked into her
eyes. Perhaps she realized-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. selfishly happy, while 9TH
ers are in such trouble. Have they
discovered Hope?"
mo; VIZ secured the whole town
and found 10 trace. Now they are out
side on tho prairie, but there can be
little charcs of their picking up a
trail before daylight"
And Hawle7?"
"He has vanished also; without
doubt they avs together. What do
you suppose he can want Of her? How
do you imagine he ever got her to
go with him? She ISN'T that sort OF a
girl"
She shook her head, shivering lit
tie.
"He must have mistaken her for
me-perhaps has got even yet discov-
cred his mistake. But what it all
means, or how he gained her consent
to go with him, cannot conceive"
She stood with hands clasped, star
ing out Of the window.
There is littla light showing al
ready" she exclaimed, pointing. "See,
yonder. Oh. l trus: they will find her
alive, and unhurt. That man, be-
lieve, is capable o. any crime. But
couldn't you be of some help? Why
should you remain here with me?
am in no danger"
You really WISH me to go, Chris
tie?"
mot that way-nct that way" and
she turned impulsively, with hands
outstretched. "Of course l want you
here with me, but | want you to help
bring Hope back
He drew her to him, supremacy hap
by now, every feeling of embarrass
ment lost in complete certainty of pos
session.
"And | will" he said solemnly,
wherever they may have gone shalt
follow. am going now, dear, and
when l come back you'll be glad to see
me?"
Shall II" her eyes uplifted to his
own, and swimming in tears. Il will
be the happiest girl in all the world, |
reckon. Oh, what night this has
been What a wonderful night! 1t
has given me name, a mother. ana
the man l 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 new day. and q
new life.
(TO BE CONTINUED)