The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1913-08-15

over two weeks. They were coming
the next day, Kitson, Bayly and the
rest. There was not another hour to
lose.
Can you get me a red cancer" she
asked. "And not tell anyone? l want
it tomorrow morning surely"
Carteret promised He would have
promised the evening star If she had
asked for it in that tone All that
Cay in the rain he hunted a red canoe.
There was not such a thing at Indian
Neck, he was told, but down the river
three miles, he found a canoe hauled
up beside an old cabin, and its owner
parted with it for a weekly rental.
Red paint he found at the village
store, and another bill changed hands
that he might turn the canoe upside
down in, the hotel barn and paint it.
Put in plenty of dryer, old man."
advised Don, taking a last look at
him before dinner. You're doing
fine. Who's it for? The little red
head?"
Jaw, shut up, can't your" groaned
Carteret huskily. You shouldn't be
allowed to speak of a girl"
80? She has red hair, hasn't she?
Or is it chestnut? Is she going to
paddle her own cancer"
Carterets low toned humble men,
toned place not on the summer tour
lists map. Doggedly he finished his
job. and the little trim canoe stood
resplendent in its coat of red Vivian
came out to look at 1t, and she was
radiant.
IT'S so dear of you, Mr.. Carteret,
to hurry it for me-" she said. III
Pay for it tomorrow, and for your
time"
Carteret's response was very fervid.
He wanted no pay for this work of
love. He adored her. He was her
willing slave.
Are you really?' she unused. Then
wait for me down at the bend of the
river tomorrow at sunset, just where
the rapids end
The following morning four
strangers arrived at Indian Neck. They
were men, with certain curious arti-
cles of baggage, and they hired the
corner suite of the hotel, and mixed
not with the local gathering of wits
in the corridors or office. They went
over the ground on both sides of the
fells and the rapids carefully during
the forenoon. The noon train brought
five more, three women and two men,
and Vivian herself greeted them like
long delayed and welcome guests. She
took them out and showed them her
red canoe, and Carteret stood in the
ofI1ng and meditated on the develop
ments of the case.
But Don did more. He stopped dead
short on his way past the party at
the foot of the hotel steps, and beamed
down on Little Red Head" as he
dubbed her. s,N
What are you going to do with
that canoe"
She dimpled mischievously, and met
his gaze fairly.
IF you are down below the rapids
at sundown tonight, you will see, Mr..
Marden, and I'm hoping you will be. "
The tallest man in the new lot of
guests approached
Possibly you are not aware, sir, A."
he began in friendly fashion, that
our Miss Lovejoy is known from the
Atlantic to the Pacific coast"
"Oh, Mr.. Kitson," pleaded Vivian,
flushing. Don't. 1 haven't told any
one here, and I've had such a good
time all by myself. 1t will be bad
enough when it's over"
Don looked the whole aggregation
over deliberately. He turned again to
Vivian.
You're going to shoot the falls In
that canoe, aren't your"
"Well, what If should?" She was
laughing at him.
Nothing. only this. I'll be in the
rapids at the foot to get you out If
you do"
You keep out of it, boy" warned
Kitson, kindly. This is business"
'Ill be there" repeated Don, dog
gedly, and .stalked away to his fishing.
And at sundown Indian Neck had
its first big thrill of the entire season.
The red canoe was borne to the lake
above the falls. And there appeared
sundry wild tribesmen, painted chiefs
! and braves who bore a found maiden
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