The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1912-02-15

- he wuIed. But you have noveQ
been that way; you-you have acted
a. though was somebody
nice, and not just music-hall singer
Perhaps It's just your (xay, and may
be. deep down you don't think I'm any
better than the other do, but-but |
want you to think I am. and 1 am
going to tell you the truth. and you
must believe mel am q good girl"
Great Godl of course you are
he blurted out. Don't you suppose
know? That isn't what has beer
bothering me. lassie. Why, I'd n
fought any buck who'd a sneered al
you. What wanted to know was
whether or not you really cared fe-
any Of those buffers. Can you tell me
that, Christief"
She lifted her eyes to his face. hea
lips parted.
IT can answer anything you asks
And you do not care for themf"
NO"
He drew his breath sharply, hid
round face rosy.
Then you have got to listen to me-
for I'm deadly in earnest. I'm an old
rough. bald-hsaded fool that don't
know much about women| neves
thought before I'd ever want to-but
you can bet on one thing. I'm square
Anybody in this town will tell you
I'm square. They'll tell you that
whatever I says goes. I've never run
around much with women; somehow
I never exactly liked the kind I've
come up against, and maybe they did,
MT feel any particular interest in me-
I didn't cut much shine as q ladies'
man, but, I reckon now, It's only be-
cause the right one hadn't happened
along. She "a here now, though, all
right, and knew 1t the very first time
I set eyes on her. Oh, you roped and
tied me all right the first throw. May.
be did get you and that half-sistes
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 q
duffer az I ann"
Her lips were smiling and 90 were
her eyes, but 1t was pleading smile.
tt don't think 1t would be 50
very hard" she admitted. mot II you
really wanted me to-"
you know what I mean-that love
you-wish you to be my wife?"
II supposed that was it-that-th
you wanted mo-"
YES, and-and you will lover"
Her head dropped slowly. 50 slowll
he did not realize the significance Of
the action until her lips touched his
hand.
II d." she said; you are the best
man in the world"
Fairbain could not move, could not
seem to realize what It 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 perplex1ty, 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, selflshly happy, while 9TH
ers are In such trouble. Have they
d}scovAred Honavs
mo; we secured the whole town
and found no trace. Now they are out
side on the prairie. but there can be-
little chance Of their picking up q
trail before daylight"
"And Hawley?"
HE has vanished also; without
doubt they are 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 q
girl"
She shook her head, shivering q lit
tie.
He must have mistaken her for
me-perhaps has not 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 a little light showing al
ready" she exclaimed, pointing. "See,
yonder. Oh, trust they will find her
alive, and unhurt. That man, 1 be-
lieve, is capable of any crime. But
couldn't you be of some help? Why
should you remain here with me? I
am in no danger"
"You really wish mo to go, Chris
tie?"
mot that way-not that way" and
she turned impulsively, with hands
outstretched. "Of course 1 want you
here with me, but want you to help
bring Hope back"
He drew her to him, supremely hap
py now, every feeling of embarrass-
ment lost in complete certainty of pos
session.
And I WILL" he said solemnly.
Wherever they may have gone shall
follow. I am going now, dear, and
when come back you'll be glad to see
met"
Shall II" her eyes uplifted to his
own, and swimming in tears. II will
~ III a. III