The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1913-09-13

'sN(& going to the dance: tired OF
Inclbg going to ride over to the Wa
1 Df@e and take picture of it by
oonliHht. It'll take hours to get a
ctux8:aand it's going to rain. amt it p
sC&snly looks like it," was Bert's
lei ", and Tony could get no 9th
w but of him.
hi lode over the trail to Red Spi-
i Ailence. Light clouds scudded
10 the sky now and then, blOtting
Il Il face Of the full moon. In the
III vest dark clouds were piling up.
AZ the dance hall they separated, and
Dilts did not know that Bert Reid had
|n IA quietly downstairs again and.
oJ9fing his horse. had plunged in the
n}3fion Of Water Drop canyon.
Nt<e miles over the southeast the lit
s43ANon amorued green and cool
q 1 from the dusty plains. At the
f( end. where it narrowed to q
point, there. fell from the rocks
! z6ka silver rope of sparkling wa
When the moon was at the full
&As a favorite objective point for
L evening rides.
Bert rode rapidly toward the can
r he was concerned to note that the
Clouds were piling up toward the
f(b Soon they would overtake the
moon sailing over the canyon.
hoped that Nan Laren had chang
er mind and had stayed at home.
1id not intend to thrust his COM
upon her. but he would keep
lu sight of her and thus protect
From the dangers of the night. His
oddened into grim lines as he
&tt that she didn't want him near
He couldn't understand her sud-
{ slike for him. She had always
10 kind and so sweet that he had
cherished hopes Of winning her
IEnself. In that event he might
BIS savings out of the bank and
ri fhe small ranch on Red Spider
But now well. he avoided Red
r creek: he didn't like to see the
fanch any longer.
len be reached the mouth Of the
<6n he paused and looked within.
W. like stage setting, and it was
ny effective. Overhead the black
u had gathered from all quarters
I there remained the moon shining
m out of a small circle of blue sky.
g canyon was bright as day, and
= = at the extreme end was girls
~ standing on high. jutting rock.
ff by the black pony drowsed sleep
Hft slipped from his saddle and
"a his horse. Then be walked
q the narrow trail that led straight
; 50 Water Drop. his eyes fixed on
1Fl's slender form. Now he could
I1e her the black bulk Of her
SGfnp S5i 81 3 shelf :t,iti :
M Esorbed was she In the taking OF
= coveted picture that she did not
III his approaching footsteps until
J was almost upon her.
Then. startled. she turned with a
(ght cry. and the camera went crash
8 down on the stones below.
ITS only me-" cried Bert, leaping
inward to catch the falling camera,
IL he was too late. for it eluded his
(Ser hands. He lost his balance. his
ot slipped on the fiinty rocks, and he
1iheavily and lay motionless.
For a moment the girl stood there
slough stunned by the sudden oc-
1rence. Her face was very white In
= Inst glimmer of moonlight Black
III effaced the moon, and a heavy
of thunder vibrated overhead. !.
TITS horse neighed shrilly from the
i490n entrance. and the black pony
16wered.
sE am afraid" the girl whispered to
lFDeh, and tears ran down her cheeks
f2She slipped down from the high
lek and felt her way over the stones
i9nrd the fallen man. Vivid fash
0f lightning guided her, and pres
nv she had lifted his head into her
j and was calling On him to speak
Eher.
GliH he lay there, unresponsive, and
- clasped him closely, and with a
|fle sob OF despair she laid her cheek
Ghis. Then came the rain-not gen
1drops Of summer shower, but an
blanche of water as If poured out OF
u heavy clouds.
ha first wet dash reused Bert Reid
teonsciousness. "I must get to Wa.
u Drop" he said thickly. She will
jfafraid there all alone"
I'm here, Bert" said the school.
Ssaln's voice. wonderfully meek and
1fnL
sHere?' he echoed, and then he be.
El)na aware that her arms were In
1l{f1g him. that with her body she
= trying to shield him from the
IiBx1 downpour and that once OF
lfcD her cheek touched his. Wonder
3Nnnders!
That made you come here tonight
1 a3alone?" he stammered.
~ was unhappy, and / hoped you
oafld come. too," she whispered.
You wanted me? I thought you
ated me. Miss Nan"
"9ometimes did because you were
y 30 slow about Mans face was
ftdd and turned away from him. he
,adhed up a hand and drew her lips
owh to his.
aStow about
about telling me that you loved
le,5 she quavered happily.
BeEt Reid laughed contentedly. Il
as lso bursting with love, honey, that
suspected every man, woman and
hid yes. and every critter-from here
the boundary could read my secret
nd i tried to tell you. but you
oulfn't let me-"
81 know. but you ought to have told
o anyway" cooed Nan in his ear.