Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1914-11-19

veyed Hooker with a mocking snile.
Then she laughed again.
Never mind" she said, TN tx that
I'll tell them that ! kidnapped himl"
No. but seriouslyl" protested Do
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 I will not go." flung back Ora
ella.
ooh, my dear girl" cried De Lam
cey, browning In his perplexity, you
don't understand, and you make 1t aw-
full 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. Tin"
They'll deport you" said De Ian
cey. stepping forward to give her sup
port.
Z know it's hard, dear" he went
on, as Bud moved hastily away. but
I've got 1t 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
in at the other side of town. Then
we"
"Oh, no, mol" cried Gracia, pushing
him impulsfvely aside. Il 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-win YOU"
NO" said Bud. shaking his head
slowly.
Then ! must say good-by?"
She waited, but he did not answer.
You have been 80 good to me-" she
went on, so brave, and-have I been
brave, tool" 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. I wish now
that my mother were here, but-would
you mind? Before ! go l want to-give
you a kissi"
She reached out her hands impul-
sively and Hooker started back. His
eyes, which had been downcast, blazed
suddenly as he gazed at her, and then
they fitted to Phil.
Mo- he said, and his voice was life
less and choked. stdi3f .fiJ' I
"You will not3" she asked. after a
pause. . NJ gti
H. moi" he said again, and she shranh
away before his glance.
Then good-by," she murmured, turn
ing away like one in a dream, and Bud
heard the crunch Of her steps as she
| went toward the horses with Phil.
! Then, as the tears welled to his eyes
he heard a resounding slap and a rush
of approaching feet
mol" came the voice of Gracia
vibrant with indignation. Il say NOT
The spat of her hand rang out again
and then, with a piteous sobbing, she
came running back to Bud, haltine
with the stiffness of her long ride.
II hate you'll" she screamed, as Phil
came after her. ooh, I hate you! No
you shall never have the kiss! What
If Bud here has refused 1t, will / give
a kiss to you? All, you poor. miserable
creature!" she cried, wheeling upor
him in a sudden fit of passion. Where
we're you when I was in danger1
Where were you when there was nc
one to save me? And did you think
then, to steal a kiss, when my hear
was sore for Bud? All, coward! You
are no fit pardner! No, I will nevel
marry you-never! Well, go then
And hurry! Oh, how hate you--tc
try to steal me from Bud!"
She turned and threw her armi
about Hooker's neck and drew bill
rough face down to her.
"You do love me. don't you, Bud?'
she sobbed. Oh. you are SO good
so brave! And now will you take thu
kiss?"
TRY mel" said Bud.
THE ENn