The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1913-08-07
ony after awhile, "but I declare II I
,n,,ldn,f lilo f0 no hor pa fonf0hf

certainly looks like It," was Bert's
Erlef reply. and Tony could get no 9th
3 word out Of him.
They rode over the trail to Red Spi-
Ter in silence. Light clouds scudded
6cross the sky now and then, blotting
out the face Of the full moon. In the
northwest dark clouds were piling up.
8 At the dance hall they separated, and
Tony did not know that Bert Reid had
6lipped quietly downstairs again and,
Mounting his horse. had plunged in the
6Irection of Water Drop canyon.
Five miles over the southeast the lit.
10 canyon afforded a green and cool
iAtreat from the dusty plains. At the
Rrther end, where 1t narrowed to q
sharp point, there fell from the rocks
bove a silver rope Of sparkling wa.
-. When the moon was at the full
hts was favorite objective point fol
4overs' evening rides.
Az Bert rode rapidly toward the can.
8bn he was concerned to note that the
aSfk clouds were piling up toward the
enith Soon they would overtake the
SSair moon sailing over the canyon.
Il He hoped that Nan Laren had chang.
~ her mind and had stayed at home
- did not intend to thrust his com.
hy upon her. but he would keep
4 him sight OF her and thus protect
9Gr from the dangers uf the night. His
~ ddened into grim lines as he
u<Dnght that she didn't want him near
He couldn't understand her sud
dislike for him. She had always
IN so kind and so sweet that he had
liy cherished hopes Of winning her
oe himself. In that event he might
2fe his savings ont Of the bank and
a4 the small ranch on Red Spider
z[kk But now well. he avoided Red
der creek: he didn't like to see the
)e ranch any longer.
hen he reached the mouth Of the
Son he paused and looked within
vas like stage setting. and it was
fxe1rtiiy effective. Overhead the black
E10lkls had gathered from all quarters
,4nf1i there remained the moon shining
16un out Of q small circle Of blue sky
Th6 canyon was bright as day. and
doWn at the extreme end was girls
leotm standing on a high. jutting rock
fl1e6r by the black pony drowsed sleep
l1ort slipped from bis saddle and
E<fed his horse. Then he walked
- the narrow trail that led straight
Water Drop. his eyes fixed on
hrs slek = form Now he could
6esJde. her ~ black bulk Of hei
fera resting cr a shelf OF rock. and
bsorbed was she In the taking OF
loveted picture that she did moi
bis approaching footsteps until
Ols almost upon her.
hen. startled. she turned with q
u cry. and the camera went crash
own on the stones below.
Is only me-" cried Bert, leapinG
Fard to catch the falling camera
he was too late, for It eluded his
Ter hands. He lost his balance, his
l6ot slipped on the dinty rocks. and he
lfell heavily and lay motionless.
For a moment the girl stood there
% though stunned by the sudden oc
currence Her face was very white in
the last glimmer Of moonlight Black
clouds effaced the moon, and heavy
roll of thunder vibrated overhead
Bert's horse neighed shrilly from the
canyon entrance, and the black pony
answered.
T am afraid" the girl whispered tc
herself, and tears ran down her cheeks
@ she slipped down from the high
rock and felt her way over the stones
toward the fallen man. Vivid fash
~ Of lightning guided her. and pres
emily she had lifted his head into hel
lap and was calling on him to SPEAK
10 her.
Still he lay there, unresponsive, and
she clasped him closely, and with q
little sob of despair she laid her cheek
to his. Then came the rain-not gen
Ne drops Of a summer shower, but ar
avalanche Of water as If poured out Of
the heavy clouds.
I The first wet dash reused Bert Reid
70 consciousness. II must get to Wa
ter Drop" he said thickly. She viii
be afraid there all alone"
"I'm here, Bert" said the school
ma'am's voice. wonderfully meek and
fearful.
Here?" he echoed, and then he be
came aware that her arms were In
folding him. that with her body sht
was trying to shield him from the
heavy downpour and that once OF
twice her cheek touched his. Wonder
Of wonders!
''What made you come here tonight
oil aloneY' he stammered.
81 was unhappy, and I hoped you
would come, too," she whispered.
"You wanted me? thought yor
hated me. Miss Nam"
Sometimes l did because you were
so-so-slow about Mans face was
lifted and turned away from him. Hs
reached up hand and drew her lips
down to his.
"Slow about
"About telling me that you loved
me-" she quavered happily.
Bert Reid laughed contentedly 81
was SO bursting with love, honey. that
suspected every man, woman and
child-yes. and every critter-from here
to the boundary could read my secret
and I tried to tell you. but you
wouldn't let me.'
II know. but you ought to have told
me anyway" cooed Nan in bis ear.
-O