Eastern Colorado times., 1913-01-31
BYRoNWnLIAMs

you zee IL
"Yes-I've been in the North Woods
on many vacation and am familiar
with the fora and fauna Of the coun-
try. am at your SERVICE" responded
the mayor.
They set out on foot along path
way that led into the wood. Once in.
side the forest 1t wound in a trail like
that the calf made. through spruce
and hemlock. poplar and maple, with
now and then white birch adding a
touch Of vivid contrast to the green.
The girl, an enthusiast, was walking
ahead and babbling Of the nature pic
lures along the way.
Suddenly Bedight felt something
hit him in the back. as though a pei
let thrown from close range. He
turned inquiringly. From clump of
brush along the trail woman's hand
waved at him and white paper fut-
tered to the path. Turning. the mayor
retraced his steps. The messenger
crouched low and Bedight, having Sc
cured the message, touched his fln-
gers to his lips and waited her salu-
tation, chaste and replete with appre-
citation.
And then from ahead came the sur
prised call Of Miss Farnsworth.
"Hurry!" cautioned voice from be-
hind the clump Of greenery.
Coming" cried Bedight, turning
and forging ahead through the wood.
A pair of pheasants arose with
drumming whirr from beside the path.
"There!" exclaimed the mayor, ac-
cepting the birds as the foundation
for clever ruse, you've frightened
them away"
"Oh, why didn't you tell me?" re-
preached the girl, getting a feeting
glance of the brown beauties as they
f1oated off through the trees.
Bedight, with the note clutched In
his hand, made reasonable apologies
for his thoughtlessness and the girl,
unsuspecting, led on, chattering de-
lightedly. It was a day Of days to be
in the wood and youth is ever buoyant
and gay. Plainly the girl was In
tune with the mood of the time and
the place, and like the beatitudes
about her. sought to be congenial and
natural. The man felt himself pleased
with her, for he, too, loved the soli-
tude and the harmonies of the forest.
Presently she sighted a scarlet tan
ager and ran ahead. Bedight, waiting
for the opportunity, unfolded the slip
of paper. In a woman's handwriting
this warning was written:
"BE CAREFUL. SHE IS TRYING
TO TRAP YOU"
Bedight smiled and tucked the note
in his pocket.
Miss Farnsworth was sitting upon
fallen monarch of the wood when
he caught up with her. In her hands
she held lichen that had taken her,
fancy. OF the party at Mine Hosts
hotel, no girl was prettier than Mar
garet Farnsworth and few as intellec.
tual. Vivacity and spirit predominant
ed and as Bedight looked at her he
did not belittle her ability to make
things interesting for him.
Shc sprang to her feet as he drew
near, and ran after big brown but
terfly. Bedight sat down on the log
and waited. Suddenly he heard
scream, the voice Of woman in pain.
Miss Farnsworth sat upon the
ground holding her ankle in both
hands. Her lips were tightly drawn
and her face gave evidence Of pain.
"What is it?" questioned Bedight,
apprehensively, going up to her and
taking hold Of her arm.
Help me to stand" she directed.
gripping his arm.
He raised her. She let her foot
touch the ground, WINGED and toppled
toward him.
There's a wood choppers cabin
just ahead" she groaned. Could
could you carry me there?" blushing.
For answer he picked her up in his
arms She threw her arms about his
neck and clung to him, her hair
brushing his cheek. In sight of the
hut she whispered:
"Wait! Let me down minute"
She stood leaning against him, her
full, ripe lips teasingly near. For u
moment ss he looked into her faith
omless eyes, Bedight felt the weak
ness of man for woman coming over
him. To combat 1t, he moved farther
away, supporting her at arms length
'It would be well to leave me at the
cottage and go back for help. Look
inside, please, while ! lean against
this BIRCH" she directed.
There's probably a burglar in the
woodbox or man under the bed"
he said laughingly, as he started
toward the cottaga.