The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1914-06-26

nasty tumble.
Thanks, I'm feeling better every
moment" Oliver tried to sit up and
his new acquaintance slipped another
pillow under his head. please tell
me-" went on the young forester. how
1t happened that l am indebted to
your kindness"
We'll, it's short story" smiled, the
other, sitting down on the edge of the
bed. MY name is Benson spend
the summer months here with my
daughter, Nan. Two hours ago a
riderless horse wandered into the yard.
Nan called me, and together we went
back along the trail and discovered
you lying unconscious with a nasty
cut In your head. We brought you
here-and that's all-except that
bound UP your wound. 1t may pain
you for day or SO but after that you
will have no trouble with 1T"
Oliver suitably expressed his thanks
for the care he had received from the
Bensons, and then, his curiosity no
longer within bounds, he asked them
how they had contrived this bit of civ
ilization in the primitive forest.
John Benson was professor Of
biology In small western university;
he had built the camp as a secluded
resting place during the summer
months. His children. OF whom there
were several, married and single. took
turns in staying with him, and this
being Mans turn, she had arrived that
very morning.
Oliver blessed his swn good fortune,
and feeling better, insisted upon get.
ting up and resuming his patrol. The
sun was drawing long. reluctant shad.
ows on the velvety lawn In front Of
the log cabin when he rode out OF the
yard, sitting little unsteadily in the
saddle, but strangely contented despite
his painful wound.
The lonely aisles under the pines
were peopled with girls-charming
golden-haired, blue-eyed girls,
all identically like Nan Benson; in
fact, they were all Nan Bsnsons!
Whats happened to you, oiiver?"
asked Dixon, as they sat at supper
that night.
Beauty threw me and the fall dam
aged my head" explained Oliver, who
had been unusually thoughtful. during
the meal.
"You look more as If the fall had
damaged your heart" retorted Dixon.
I've heard you sigh five times. Be-
fore supper you we're humming Thine
Eyes So Blue and Tender and just
now when l asked you II there was
any more butter in the pantry you
murmured Yes, DEAR and let me tell
you, Ollie, my boy, don't permit such
familiarities from any man, no matter
how young and good looking he may
bel"
Here Dixon lodged under the table
in order to escape the piece of cold
corn bread which Oliver had thrown
at him; and then Oliver, having gone
to the door in order to cool his burn
ing cheeks, received another delight
full sensation.
There was a sound of hoofs on the
forest road and there stepped into the
moonlight two horses. The riders were
Professor Benson and his daughter
Good evening, Mr. Penfield," said
the professor as Oliver came forward
to greet them. Nan and | we're wor-
ried about your wound and we rode
over to inquire after 1t. Hope you are
feeling better"
Oliver assured them that he was
feeling better and having exchanged
a few words with the father and
daughter, he walked along beside
Mans bride rein until they reached a
turn in the road which would bring
the Bensons near home.
Oliver held Mans little hand in his
own for brief second. Then he stood
hatless, watching them until they dis
appeared down the winding trail. He
stood there, motionless, until long aft
er they had vanished from his sight.
Suddenly he reused himself, rubbed
his eyes dazedly and slowly returned
home. Here, Dixon, having done up
the evening chores, was reading the
back number Of a popular magazine.
He looked up as his friend entered.
81 forgive you the corn bread,
Oliver" he said with mock serious
ness; now that understand the mat
ter"
Understand what matter?" de-
manded oliver, yawning sleepily.
Whats happened to you'll"
what has happened to me?" re-
peated oliver.
why, you're in love, don't you
know it?"
"In love? And not know It? Why.
that's the last thing expected would
happen to me way out here" muttered
Oliver as he stood in the doorway
staring into the moonlit forest, and
dreaming of the shy look in Nan Ben
sons eyes.
Dixon smiled to himself and resumed
his reading.
An hour later oliver turned around,
blinking at the lighted room. II say,
Dixon, have we any telegraph forms?"
he asked abruptly.
Dixon tossed the pad across the