Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1913-05-23

reply, and the walk was ended in con.
straint.
There came a day when she set forth
to search for the nest Of the blue
heron, whose favorite haunt was in the
long, marshy tangle in the willow
thlcket, where Tanners brook ceased
its merry chatter and became a slug.
gish, silently flowing stream until II
emerged once more into the open mead
DIV as noisy and sociable as ever.
Susanna had never ventured near
the marsh alone. and therefore she did
not know It's treachery. She was look.
ing up into a ragged poplar for the
roughly constructed nest when her
feet left lrm ground and sank into the
oozy marsh mud. She pulled out one
foot only to feel the other sinking still
deeper in the mire, and finally the
free foot sank beside It, and she was
quite helpless in the cold grasp Of
the swamp. Twice she called for help
in a quavering voice before the strong
"HalIooF' OF Tanners farm hand re-
sp0nded.
When he saw her plight be uttered
an exclamation Of concern. and, plant
ing his feet on two arm hummocks, he
grasped her firmly and lifted her out of
danger. I'm afraid you've spoiled
your Shoes" he said r%uefully bending
to wipe the mud from them with HIS
handkerchief.
Never mind the shoes. Mr.. George"
said Susanna gratefully. How can l
thank you for getting me out Of that
p%redicament3 1 was walking along
with my eyes in the air, looking for
the nest of the blue heron, when | sank
In the mire."
George arose to his tall height and
flung his big straw hat to the ground.
"Follow me and step wherever ! dc
and I'll guarantee to show the nest.
I discovered 1t the other day"
Independent Susanna, who had di-
rected things for herself the last seven
years, walked meekly beside the farm
hand, who drew aside a clump of will
lows and said. Look hereI' The blue
heron sailed or his nest, dragging his
ungainly legs behind him. Susanna
snapped a picture Of the nest with 8
little pocket camera, and then they
walked across the fields toward Hol
den's orchard.
81 suppose we may say we are &C
quainted," smiled George whimsically
but l would like to start square will
you, Miss Whitmore." He hesitated
- ,rwg..,a lanlr ~ into hNs
bright blue eyes.
"Yes7" Susanna had crept under thu
fence and was standing on the otheI
side now, overcome by an embarrass
ment she had never felt before.
Pm not what | appear to be, Mis-
Whltmore. | came down here ant
tackled farm work in order to regain
my mental poise and to prepare for
hard winters work, but If Silas Tan
ner knew who l really was he wouldn'
have me around the premises. AS fol
his good wife and Miss Florine-wellP
He whistled ruefully and looked away
toward the Tanner homestead.
Susanna grew rather pale. "YoU
haven't told yet" she limited n~ervously
fearful of his confidence.
"Oh, of course l haven't l hope
you're not as narrow minded as tbs
rest Of 'em, but the fact Is Tm-an &C
tori" He snapped out the word anC
repressed a grim smile as he spoke, FOL
Susanna started violently. 81 won
bite" he added kindly.
Neither will l." flashed Susann,
marrilv. s'and I am an 0ctrassrl-
"What?" His eyes were sparkling
i~ncredulously, and he took a step for
ward.
Susanna Whitmore. alias Susanna
Fay"
mot the Susanna Fay2" he aske,
helplessly.
She nodded. "And your"
George Milbank. Why, rye beei
engaged to star with you this seasoI