The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1914-10-17
CHAPTER VII.
The Incredible Thing.

The incredible Thing.
Broad daylight, the top of morn:
ing as rare as ever broke upon the
north country: Alan Law opening be,
wildered eyes to realize the substance
of a dream come true.
True It proved itself, at least, in
part. He lay between blankets upon a
couch OF balsam fans, in a corner OF
somebody's camp-a log structure.
weatherproof, rudely but adequately
furnished. His clothing, roughdried
but neatly mended, lay upon a chair
at his side.
He rose and dressed in haste, at
once exulting In his sense Of complete
rest and renewed well-being, prey
to hints of an extraordinary appetite,
and provoked by signs that seemed to
bear out the weirdest flights Of his de-
l!rious fancies.
There were apparently indisputable
evidences Of woman's recent pres.
ence in, the camp: blankets neatly
folded upon a second bed OF aromatic
balsam in the farther corner; an effect
OF ordcrliness not common with
guides; pair of dainty buckskin
gauntlets dependingsfrom a nail in the
wall; and-he stood staring witlessly
at it for more than minute-in an
old preserve. jar on the table, q single
rose, warm and red, dew upon Its
petals!
There was also fire in the cook
stove, with a plentiful display OF
things to cook; but despite his hunger
Alan didn't stop for that, but rushed
to the door and threw it open and him.
self out into the sunshine, only to
pause, dashed, chagrined, mystified.
There was no other living thing in
sight but a loon that sported far up
the river and saluted him with a
shrek OF mocking laughter.
The place was cleft in the hills,
q table ofalevel land some few acres
in area, bounded on one hand. be.
meath the cliff from which he had
dropped, by rushing river fat with
recent rains; on the other by a second
cliff OF equal height. Upstream the
water curved round the shoulder OF
towering hill, downstream the cliffs
closed upon it until it roared through
q narrow gorge.
Near the camp, upon strip. OF,
shelving beach that bordered the river
where 1t widened into deep, dark
pool, two tr..,:es were drawn up, hot.
toms to the sun. Dense 'thickets of
pines, oaks, and balsams hedged In
the clearing.
He was, 1t seemed. to be left severe
ly to himself, that day; when he had
cooked and made way with an enor-
nous breakfast, Alan found nothing
better to do till time for luncheon
than to explore this pocket domain.
He Toasted famously again at noon;
whiled away several hours vainly whip
ping the pools with rod and tackle
found in the camp, for trout that he
really didn't hope would rise beneath
that blazing sun; and toward three
o'clock lounged back to his aromatic
couch for a nap.
The westering sun had thrown q
deep, cool shadow across the cove
when he was awakened by Emporium
ate hands and a voice of magic,
Rose Trine was kneeling beside him,
clutching his shoulders. calling on him
by name distracted by an inexplica,
BILE anxiety.
He wasted nov time discriminating
between dream and reality, but gath
cred both into his arms. And for o
moment she rested there unreslstingr
sobbing quietly.
What is it? What Is 1t, dearest?"
he questioned, kissing her tears away.
ITO find you all right. ]
was so afraid" she cried brokenly.
& "of what? Wasn't I all right when
you left me here this morning?"
She disengaged with an effort, rose
and looked down strangely at him.
II did not leave you here this morn.
ing, Alan. wasn't here"
That brought him to his own feet
in jiffy. "You were not!" he STAN
mered. Then who-?"
Judith" she stated with conviction
"Impossible! You don't under.
stand"
The girl shook her head. yet ]
know; Judith was here until this
morning. tell you'll know san
her only a few hours ago She pasted
us in q canoe with one OF her guides
ISiiiie Ne VA Ghed a hlding on ttta
banks. Not that alone, but another 81
her guides told mine she was her