The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1914-11-20

IN ana OUT among ever WOODED nliis.
They passed the region where the
cruel ak had swung and SCARED; the
trees became bigger. the forest denser.
Here and there they came to rapids
where the canoes had to be lifted and |
carried.
Her almost awed perception Of each |
unfolding beauty touched him. On a 1
little cabin, some trapper's winter |
abode. There the journey ended. When
the hut had been cleaned out, they dis
| missed the guide with orders to re-
| turn every three weeks with fresh
| supplies.
| Mindful Of his resolve, he planned
I, their days carefully, thinking only that
they might be perfect for her.
The man was swept out Of himself.
out Of his groove OF thought. as never
before. His struggles and victories
and disappointments receded; they
seemed part of another existence. II
he thought of them briefly at all, it
was but as price well paid for his
freedom. He did not guess that the
habit of thinking minutely for her
happiness was slowly prying loose
other and firmly fixed habits.
Two moons waxed and waned. The
guide came with supplies, and again
second time. On his third appear
ance, the time set for their departure,
Mark without consulting Kazia, sent
him back. She did not seem to notice
the change in plan
On the day when the guide should
have returned again, he did not come.
That evening storm arose, such az
rarely visits even those northern
woods Mark and Kazia were out on
the lake for lazy after-supper paddle,
watching the masses of black clouds
gather over the hills at the head of
the lake. There was a rumble of dis
tant thunder
Suddenly, overtaking the mountain
{ GUS yapor, appeared lower plane Of
clouds, flying before wind that struck
the water and sent line OF white
churning down the lake They were
not far out, but though they padded
swiftly, their light craft was tossing
, like cork before they reached shore.
They made their landing, dragged the
canoe to safety and fed to the cabin
, just as a wall of green and darkness
swept down upon them.
The fury was soon spent. The storm
passed beyond the lake. Still they
4 watched, in one Of their long siIences.
( She sighed and stirred. looking up
at him. 4 wonder" She paused.
yes ?"
m Have | hurt you?"
Hurt me?"
3 by loving you. BY coming here
mo" he cried. How could any
D one be harmed by perfect love? And
|. it has been perfect. can never for
get"
d His heart ached with deep poign
1 ant tenderness for her They were
> silent again. But after a time
Z drowsiness overcame him and he slept
) She did not sleep. Until morning
i she kept her vigil beside him Some
' times she would lean over and touch
d his outhung hand.
i When he awoke the sun was well vi
d over the hills. Kazia was standing II
j. the doorway, looking down the lake
She heard him stir and turned HI
saw her eyes.
L Il believe you haven't slept az ALL
" She did not answer that, but smiled
pointing.
!. The guide is coming. Let US hurry
D 1t is time for US to go"
d mol" He sprang to his feet.
81.
t hand, let us not talk of it. but hurry
We must go. I've thought it out, an,
4 it is best"
/" They breakfasted hurriedly and be
gan the brief preparations to leave
d putting the cabin in order and stow
ing into the canoes the little the,
d would need on the trip down the river
II They we're soon ready.
They were about to embark whel
. kazia. without explanation, turned an,
: went back to the cabin. Many min
y utes passed and she did not reappeaI
Then Mark followed her. He founi
her lying prone on the pile OF pin,
boughs that had been their couch. fac
buried in her arms. Harsh dry sob
4 shook her.
II With cry he dropped to his knee
beside her, gently stroking her hair
H trying to soothe her grief. He pleade,
II with her to stay.
il Soon she had regained control. Sh
sat up, facing him
A How can You think OF going? Bacl
II there we won't find it as it has beel
Il here"
II I'VE must" she answered. IAN,
Il now, while it's still perfect. 1t ha
| been that-not a thing to regret. Nv
| crowded into two months happines
4 enough for a lifetime II / must pa,
for it, ! am willing. i. And 70,
' have given it to me. Do you think
haven't seen how you've watched owe
me, thought only of me. to make i
perfect for me? | can never forge
that. And maybe. some day, shall
have the chance to repay you. pra,