The Newport plain talk. (Newport, Tenn.) 1909-1939, 1914-08-26
Never mind" she said I'll fix that.
I'll tell them that kidnaped him!"

Never mind" she said, I'll fix that
I'll tell them that l kidnapped hint"
mo. but seriously!" protested De
Lancey, as Bud chuckled hoarsely
you can't cross the line without being
passed by the inspectors, and-well,
your father is there to get you back"
But will not go!" flung back Ora
cia.
"Oh, my dear grill" cried De Lam
cey, frowning in his perplexity, you
don't understand, and you make it aw-
tul hard for me. You know they're
very strict now-so many low women
coming across the line, for--well, the
fact is, unless you are married you
can't come in at ALL"
But I'm I'M" protested Gracia
flushing holly. TIM"
They'll deport you,' said De Ian
cey, stepping forward to give her sup
port.
Il know it's hard, dear" he went
on, as Bud moved hastily away, but
I've got it all arranged. Why should
we wait? You came to marry me,
didn't you? Well, you must do it now
right away! I've got the license and
the priest all waiting-come on before
the rurales get back to town and re-
port that you've crossed the line. We
can ride around to the north and come
~ 20
We"
ooh, no, no." cried Gracia, pushing
him impulsfvely aside. 81 am not
ready now And"
She paused and glanced at Bud.
"Mr. Hooker" she began, walking
gently toward him, what will you do
now?'
Il don't know answered Hooker
huskily.
"Will you come with us-will you
NO" said Bud, shaking his head
slowly.
Then l must say good-by?"
She waited, but he did not answer
you have been so good to me" she
went on, so brave, and-have | been
brave, too?" she broke in pleadingly.
Hooker nodded his head, but he did
; not meet her eyes.
"Ah, yes," she sighed. you have
heard what Phil has said. | wish nov
that my mother were here, but-woult
you mind? Before go want to-giv'
you kiss"
She reached out her hands impul
sively and Hooker started back Hi
l eyes, which had been downcast, blaze
suddenly as he gazed at her, and thel
thSy fitted to Phil.
i NO. he said. and his voice was life
less and choked.
You will not?" she asked, after
pause.
MOI" he said again, and she shran
away before his glance.
Then good-by,' she murmured, turf
ing away like one In a dream and Blu
heard the crunch of her steps as sh
went toward the horses with Phi
Then, as the tears welled to his eye:
he heard resounding slap and rus
of approaching feet.
mol" came the voice of Graci'
vibrant with Indignation. Il say no!
The srat of her hand rang out agai
and then, with piteous sobbing, sh
came running back to Bud. haltin
with the stiffness of her long ride.
II hate you'll" she screamed, as Phi
came after her. "Oh, hate you! N
you shall never have the kiss! What
if Bud here, has refused it, will Civ
kiss to you? All, you poor, miserab
= creature!" she cried, wheeling upo
him in a sudden fit of passion. "Whel
were you when l was in danger
Where were you when there was +
one to save me? And did you thin
then, to steal a kiss, when my hea
/ was sore for Bud? All, coward! Yc
are no fit pardner! No, will new
marry you-never! Well, go thel
And hurry! Oh, how l hate you
:. try to steal me from Bud"
She turned and threw her arm
about Hooker's neck and drew h
NJ rough face down to her.
!. You do love me, don't you, Bud
a she sobbed Oh, you are so good
so brave! And now will you take Il
;, kiss?"