Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-06-30

} her at golf or any game. She gave
Bertrand the merest recognition. In
, fact, she almost turned her back on
him, and her nod was small and
chilly. What had he done? He teed
off, wondering The girls little red
brown head was uncovered to the sun,
her blue dress blowing in the breeze.
She gave a vicious drive and missed
the ball. That was unlike her usual
careful. deliberate game.
Wondering what he should say to
her about Rawson he missed his own
drive and mathematical himself in
vigorous words, hereafter concentrat-
ing his mind on the business of the
game in hand. He was no man to do
two things at once. When he was
nearly around the course he looked
up and saw the sky clouding. Also
he saw Nonas blue dress disappearing
into the wood beyond, Rawson still be.
side her. He frowned and holed in
with fine accuracy. He was leaving
Carter far behind.
Before long he felt a drop Of rain
on his face, made wild drive, and
in searching for his ball, the caddy
being evidently Of no account, he came
close to the little wood with its wild
paths and rustic seats. The caddy
told him, what he knew hemself that
it was beginning to rain, soft, swift.
summer shower. He sent his clubs
back by the boy and turned into the
wood. He did net mind wetting.
He loved the wet, fresh grass, the
budding flowers. the great trees. He
went up q path and then through
brush up slope to an immense elm.
II would shelter him and he could en-
Joy the outdoors and think.
Leaning against the great trunk, he
suddenly remembered Mona and sort
Of fear for her possessed him. Had
Rawson gotten her back to the CLUB
house? There was neither car line,
house, nor other shelter in this direc-
ton, and he knew she was afraid Of
storm. OF course the fellow knew
i enough to look after her-but Bertrand
was nervous. The sky was growing
very black and thunder began to rum
BILE distantly. He deliberately started
out to lcok for the girl.
He had not gone a rod when he
heard swish in the bushes. and
turning, heard a queer little fright
ened sound. He saw nothing, but
without consciously intending to he
called out:
Mona! Where are you?" In mo-
ment he saw her come from behind a
tree. She was very pale, and as he
rushed to meet her. she came quickly
close to him. clinging to his arm. He
drew her back under the big elm
What does this mean" he asked
sternly. where is Rawson? What
3oi, o1@
Mona" He had his coat off and was
wrapping her in it.
Invent away and left him. on,
| there he comes now"
It was he. indeed, his not unpleas-
ing, but hard, face worried. Bertrand
! stepped out.
IF you are looking for Miss Waite,
she is with me. I shall look after
, her now" he said coldly
The other man laughed.
, II thought that you were behind
things!' he said coolly. You don't
need to be. so protective. ] only In
sisted on knowing whether she was
going to marry me or not. She has
played with me all summer, and
was tired Of it. She had no need to
run away from me. You can see that
I couldn't leave her in this storm. Now
you are responsible, and will leave
you. I believe I shall also wish you
joy" he said, coolly.
He croshed off through the bushes.
Bertrand, turned to Mona. "Was he
annoying you in any way? If he was
he shall pay for it. Tell me just what
happened? Did he tell me the TRUTH"
| She leaned against the rough tree
trunk and nodded. Eyes. he told the
truth. It was silly, but all of sud.
den WAS afraid-not of him-but
of myself It was as if he had me
hypnotized or something. I was afraid
that he might make me promise
and, after all, did not want to,
John. 1t was awful! And SO I ran
away. I went off up the wrong path,
away from the links. instead OF to-
ward them; and couldn't find my way
out. And l heard him following me-
| OF course, he had to-the storm was
breaking. but could not bear to have
! him find me. And theni- heard
your voice and" She began to cry.
John Bertrand laughed.
BLESS your dear little heart, Nona!'
he said 81 was out looking for you!
I had had my eyes open all afternoon"
She did not resist when at frightful
peal of thunder he came and put his
arms protectingly about her She was
very STILL
IT should ask you when you in.
tend to marry me would you run away
through the wet woods like a Wild,
silly thing, Nona?" He looked down,
waiting for an answer.
She nodded denial against his
arm where his head rested.
"Tell me-" he urged.
"You know" she breathed, chow
much I-care!'
Then the young man was very glad
with a gladness entirely new to him.
The sweetness Of life was In his
heart; the sweetness Of young, wet,
growing things about him.
At length the rain ceased the sky
cleared, burst of sun came out.
They would have their wolrd to face
and must not look too happy That
would tell the tale sooner than they
wished It told. They we're half way
across the green when, without warn