Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-07-29

ingly. come ana nave Httie rue.
won't you?''
"Oh. couldn't possibly. thank you.
Some one would be sure to see us, and
fathers so strict"
There isn't building for half n
mile. Just jump in and have n spin
till we come TO the first house: then I'll
let you out and you can walk the rest
of the way home. Come, do. and make
up 10 me n little for my disappoint-
ment! I'll skip the candy pull If you
say the word"
Ii was an incredibly brief drive at
Marks rate of speed and as exciting
and bIissful as II was brief and danger
Gus. Patty thought. Did she imagine
IL or did Mark help her into the wagon
differently from-old DIR. Perry, for in
stanceI
The fresh breeze lifted the gold
thread of her curls and gave her
cheeks n brighter color, while her
breath came fast through her parted
lips and her eyes sparkled at the I'M
expected. unaccustomed pleasure. She
felt so grown up. so conscious of new
power, as she sat enthroned on the lit
tie wagon seat Mark Wilson always
liked his buggies "courtin' SIZE" so the
neighbors said that she was almost
courageous enough to agree to make
royal progress through the village-al-
most, but not quite.
Come on, let's shake the old Tables
ND and start 'em talking, shall weT
Mark suggested. I'm give you the
reins and let Nero have a flick of the
whip
mo. I'd rather not drive" she said.
I'D be afraid of this horse and. any
way, must get out this very minute
yes. 1 really must. If you hold Nero
can just slip down between the wheels.
You needn't help me-"
Mark alighted Notwithstanding her
objections. saying CALAMITY. Il don't
miss this pleasure, not by a jugful!
Come along, Jump
Patty stretched out her hands to be
helped. but Mark forestalled her by
putting his arms around her and lift
ing her down. A second of time only
was involved, but in that second he
held her close and kissed her warm
cheek. her cheek that had never felt
the touch of any lips but those OF
WaitstiIl. She pulled her sunbonnet
over her flaming face. while Mark.
with a gay smile of farewell, spranG
into the wagon and gave his horse g
free rein. ~--
Patty never looked up from the road
but walked faster and faster. her
heart beating at,ioreakneck speed. 1t
was a changed world that spun past
her Fright. triumph. shame. delight.
gratifieG vanity swan over her in turn.
\ few minutes later she heard once
more the rumble OF wheels on the road.
Il was Cephas Cole driving toward
her over the brow of Saco hill. Hell
have seen Mark she thought. but he
can't know I've talked and driven with
him. Ugh. how stupid and common he
looks"'
II heard your father BLOWN the
supper horn jest as | come over the
bridge" remarked Cephas, drawing up
in the road. He stood in the door
yard BLOWN like Bedlam. 1 guess
you're late to supper"
I'll be home in few minutes" sail
Patty. II got delayed and am a little
behindhand.''
I'm turn eight round if you'll
git in and femme take you back along
n piece. it'll save yon good five min
utes." begged Cephas abiectly.
"An right. much obliged. but it's
against the rules and you must drop
me at the foot of our hill and let me
walk up"
Certainly; I know the deacon. n
amt huntin' for trouble any more'n
you be. though I'd take it quick enough
if you jest give me leave, | amt no
coward. an l could tackle the deacon
tomorrow If so be l had anything to
ask him."
This seemed to Patty a line of con-
versation distinctly TO be discouraged
under all the circumstances, and she
tried to keep Cephas on the subject of
his daily tasks and his mothers rheu-
matism until she could escape from his
society.
How do you like my last job?" he
inquired as they passed his fathers
house. Some think I've got the ell
little dite too yaller. Folks that amt
never handled brush alters think they
can mix paint better n them that
knows their trade"
''If your object was to have every
body see the ell mile away you've
cnrcaadad sa{d