The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-12-17

lenge. They were coming to = rocky
stretch, but she went over It full tilt.
with . result that half away across 1t
q trace snapped short off.
Molly did not mind such q trifle-
put Prue was wiser. Tugging hard at
the reine she stopped the mare by
turning her into . fence corner. As
sne sat there ruefully wondering II
engagement with the Duntons, pursuit
became overtaking-a man said.
young lady. this is providential-
never should have caught up with you
to give you back what you lost
Lost" Prue echoed, suddenly look
ing behind. The blackboard was bare
and the man held out to her the
hatbox crushed out of all shape. IRAN
over it before could STOP" he ex-
planned. He had got down and walk
not broken anything. Hat boxes are
SO full of possibilities tremble at
sight of them
"Nothing's broken-unless maybe
my luck" Prue answered giggling.
Then artlessly. she explained. winding
down train tonight-so this is my only
onliest chance. Otherwise I'd have
made them come to me. Now-may-
be 1 can get there in time-it all de-
ponds on whether between US we can
mend that wretched trace"
"I doubt 1t. You see. I'm a duffer
at such things" the stranger explain
ed. But suppose we do this: let me
drive you to the gate at the parson-
age-you say the Duntons have board
out your accident was just outside
But. won't it take you out of your
way?" Prue demanded, flushing red.
mot a Bit" the stranger answered.
smiling consolingly. I'm fact have
to pass the place; the parsonage was
NJ 10 nd ms rIra -
so you're strange here" Prue COM
mented.
He nodded. Eyes. But for that I'd
change rigs with you and let you drive
all the way. 1t happens I also have
an engagement to keep. With q lady
you SEE can't very well break it. Is
it bargain? I assure you I'm re-
spectacle at least"
Dear me! Who would think it?"
Prue said lawlessly, beginning to laugh
and scrambling down. The stranger
smiled wickedly. In a wink they were
away. going at slapping pace that
made up for time lost.
Thus Prue was able to walk into
the parsonage living room exactly to
the minute of promise. She was look
ing her best-flushed and happy. Mrs.
Dunton liked the look of her so we'll
she did not in the least demur at the
price. Its ridiculously cheap at a
hundred" she said. SO heartily Prue
blushed beet-red. She wanted to get
away quickly-home was a long way
off, but Mrs Dunton kept her, assuring
her she must not think either of walk
ing or risking that frislky mare again.
She would be sent home properly
trust Mrs. Dunton for that-with her
check and the very best grateful thanks
of that lady. Meantime, she must have
tea-it was almost time. 1t really
seemed as though the rich lady pur-
posely detained the girl. who felt her.
self shameless plunderer. She had
confessed as much to her unknown res
cuer. He had laughed at her con-
science. saying with a twinkle. Don't
you know things are worth what they
will fetch?"
| Prue did not think SO now. Under
the warm human kindness of the
| woman she had thought q pretender.
she grew FESTIVE. She got up mean
ing to say, Now really must go, but
you are not to bother sending me. !"
when in walked her knight Of the road.
smiling at her. Quizztcally as he was
smothered in Mrs. Dunton's well-nour-
ished arms. Joseph, my son. Miss
Hazen." that lady made haste to ex-
plain. "Only think. he has come all
this way because he won't let his old
NANNY and his pet sister make a
journey alone. Now, what do you think
of that?"
THAT he is very kind" Prue an
answered, looking down, wishing the
earth would swallow her. He had taken
her hand though she did not hold it
out. AS he pressed it gently he said
under his breath, I'm positive 1 never
saw you before. And just as positive I
mean to see you again.
He kept his word. Today, Mrs. Pru-
dence Dunton is very happy woman.
noted for her poise, yet she bushes
unaccountably whenever she looks at
one of the family relics coonskin cap
with three striped tails behind and q
copperas homespun lining.-(Copyright
1914. by the Mcclure Newspaper Syndi-
cate. New York City,