Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1912-05-29
By JOANNA SINGLE

hen, so he slowed down his little run
about. Selwyn never took a risk
with the lives on foot He came down
the smooth road between its rows Of
guarding eucalyptus trees and won
dered if he would have to blow the
horn again before the slender figure
ahead of him would leave the middle
of the highway. He saw the girls
hair. yellow in the setting sun.
She did an astonishing thing
wheeled suddenly and spread her
slender arms apart, signaling him to
stop. He could not lift his hat. for
his dark head was already uncovered
to the soft California breeze, but he
bowed most politely. The girl went
crimsOn-she could not have been
more than eighteen, and seemed I'M
able to speak for a moment.
Are you-going to-San Mateo? /
ought to catch a train"
Going right there!" he lied in
simultaneously. though much annoyed.
Get in" He leaped out, helped her
to the seat beside him. and cranked
up again. CTanking always spoiled his
temper. He was silent, when again
he took the wheel She shrunk from
him timidly.
When Is your train due?" he
finally asked, speeding up. and passing
another machine by a margin that
made the girl shiver
I-d0n't-know," she stammered
How queer this all vast Another mile
slipped away beneath them. and the
sun was a bit nearer setting He
turned suddenly upon her. suspecting
the unusual.
Look here, you know I'm
stranger. but If anything is-wrong I
might help you" To hi5 con-
BternGtiOn she began promptly to cry,
tears rolling down her cheeks. She
was a mere child, too. and he was
nearly thirty. In the glance he saw
that she was well bred. well clad-a
lady. Il am awfully old and wise
wise enough for two. and if anybody
has broken your dolly I will-where's
your purse?" he asked suddenly
How can you take a train with Meth
ct purse nor nat?" She carried not
even a handkerchief Her blue eyes
Widened with fear.
Il didn't tell you the TRUTH" she
said. II am not running away. That
bs-I concluded not to run away and
] just went down the road"
Il don't understand. Try to tell
me-" He was getting impatient.
Tell me what to do! I'm a stran-
ger here. came on trip My aunt
left me a month ago with the Austins
while she went to Los Angeles She
took sick theirs, so have to stay on
and Dickie-"
He knew Dickie Austin altogether
TOO well. He urged her to continue,
and noted the sweet curve of her chin
and throat
'Dickie came home from Boston
He-well, he--fnaIly | promised to
run away and marry him. And when
I looked out of the window and saw
him coming with his machine was
frightened. l didn't want to go with
him. So I slid out the back door in
sn instant and went down the wrong
road. ] asked you to take me up be-
cause I was afraid he would find me.
] can't tell his mother. and be won't
let me alone. ] want to fiEd my aunt"
Again she wept. Selwyn was in
CONSERVATION. He slowed down and
thought a little. Pretty fix to be In!
But who was IT she resembled? Her
face was llke-like-
81 ought to tell you who | am |
am from ST. Paul. Minnesota. am
Kittie-Katharine James, -" His
face was clear again
"Ah-Clara's little sister! Don't
you remember? l spent a Christmas
weekend at your house four years ago
John Selwyn! I'll break Dick Aus
tin's good-for-nothing neck!" The
tears turned to smiles. The girl nod
ded her head. She knew now who he
was.
"Of course I'll look after you" he
said What is Mrs Austin about. let
ting her son poster her guest? You
surely are not-do not care for the
little wretch?"
She rubbed her arms over her
eyes It's like a bad dream. He
made me think / did until the very
last minute. Mrs. Austin always left
Us together. She is awfuIly worried
about something. Isguess it's money.
Dickie said he was in trouble and I
was sorry for him He said they
would have to give up the place
And he thought he would marry
vOu for your fathers monevpp Ki++ie
had not thought of this. and gave a
little scream. Il guess it's time an old
friend appeared Look here, nv sis
ser is at a hotel in Frisco. | shall
take you there tonight. and Il the
morning we will see"
He turned the machine suddenly.
and sent it ahead at terrific speed. re-
tracing the way they had come.
rs the Austin place that big gray
stone place with the palms ?"
She nodded an affirmative to his