The Detroit times., 1914-05-16
CHAPTER XXI.
(Continued.

almost AKIN 10 PUN. Auu Muen NV
lay down tor the night sne slept with
MS arm for her pillow.
The man was swept out OF himself,
out OF his groove OF thought, as never
before. HIS struggles and victories
and disappointmenIs receded; they
seemed part OF another existence. IL
he thought OF them briefly at all, II
was but as a price well paid for mis-
freedom. He did not guess that the
habit OF thinking minutey for her hap
pfness was sfowfy pFyiHg ieese- other
and firmly fixed habits.
Two moons waXed and waned. The
guide came with supplies, and again
a second time. On mis- third appear
ance, the time set for their departure
Mark without consulting Kazia sent
him back. She did not seem TO notice
the change la plan.
On the day when the guide should
have returned again. he did not come
That evening a storm arose, such as
rarely visits even those northern
wood. Mark and Kazie were out on
the lake for a lazy after-supper paddle,
watching the masses OF black CLOUDS
gather over the hills at the head OF
the lake. There was a rumble or dis
tant thunder.
Suddenly. overtaking the mountain
Gus vapor, appeared a lower plane OF
clouds, flying before a wind tnal
struck the water and sent a line OF
white churning down the lake. They
were not far out but though they pad
died swiftly, their light craft was toss
ing like a cork before they reached
shore. They made their landing, drag
eed the canoe to safety and fed to the
cabin lust as a wall of green and dark
ness swept down upon them.
The darkness was but momentary.
With the rain came lightning, playing
necessarily, revealing the sway1ng TOT
est. Crack and roll of thunder, pune
tuated by the crash OF rent trees
drowned the strident wind and flashing
waves. Once a forked fame leapeo
down a giant spruce near by Win
report that shook even the stout caplh'
In the doorway. sitting close togetner'
they watched the charge or the STORM
awed by this mood of their wilderness.
The fury was soon spent Inc
storm passed beyond the lake. Inc
thunder became low diminishing
prowl The mass OF clouds broke
into flying streamers, stragglers fallen
out OF the battle. The Strangers
passed. The young moon laid pallid
sheen over drenched forest and rest
less lake. The wind died down to a
gentle grooming breeze. Still they
watched, in one OF their long 81
lences.
she sighed and stirred. looking up
at him. IL wonder" She paused.
"Yes?"
"Have hurt you?"
Hurt me?"
"By loving YOU. BY coming here.
mo" he cried. How could any
one be harmed by perfect love? Ana
Il has been perfect can never FOR
get. Where did you get the VIII TO
give-to give ALP"
From you"
mo, never had if. once
thought had found Il. but at the nrst
pun of i'll wind 1t died
''Nor had /, except for you. but
now I can love all the world. Ihat 10
WHY. | think. we have not sinned.
He did not laugh at her. His heart
ached with a deep poignant tenderness
for her. They were silent again.
Rut after a time drowsiness overcame
him and he slept
She did not sleep, Until morning
she kept her vigil beside him. some
times she would lean over and toucn
his outfiung hand.
When he awoke the sun was well up
over the hills. Kazia was standing IN
the doorway. looking down the lake
she heard him stir and turned. He
saw her eyes.
az believe YOU haven't slept at al!
She did not answer that, but smiled
pointing.
"The guide is coming. Let US hurry
II is time for us TO go.
mo" He sprang 70 his feet.
please" she put out an appealing
hand, 'let us not talk OF u, but hurry.
we must go. I've thought IL out ana
Il is best"
They breakfasted hurriedly and be-
gan the brief preparations 70 leaVe'
putting the cabin in order and STOW.
ing into the canoes the little they
would need on the trip down the
river. They were soon ready.
They were about 10 embark when
Kazia. without explanation, turned
and went back 10 the cabin. Many
minutes passed and she did not re-
appear Then Mark followed her. he
found her lying prone on the pile OF
nine boughs that had been their
couch. face buried in her arms. Harsh
dry sobs shook her.
with a cry he dropped to his knees
beside her, gently stroking her hair
irving to soothe her grief He plead
soon she had gained control she
sat UP, facing him.
"How can you think of going? Back
there we won't find 1t as 1t has been
here"
eve must" she answered. And
now. while It's still perfect II has
been that--not thing TO regret. I've
crowded into two months happiness
ed with her TO stay.
enough for a lifetime. II must pay
for Il, I am willing. -. And you have
given Il to me. Do you think |
haven't seen how you've watched
over me. thought only OF me, to make
II perfect for me? | can never forget
that And maybe, some day, shall
have the chance 10 repay you. | pray
that may have the chance.
at is ] who will have to repay YOU
But why leave such happinessF LET
us stay here. where love is free and
clean and strong"
IF we only could! But we must go
Because Il wouldnt stay perfect.