The Red Cloud chief., 1914-07-16

pine needles into the orchard.
The way through the orchard led
among tall grasses and wild tangle
of strawberry vines. At last he came
to a small and thriving kitchen garden
and walking between rows OF sweet
corn he came to q tumble-down de-
tached kitchen.
A glance within showed that II was
untenanted and simply served as q
etorehouse for firewood and for garden |
tools. Now there appeared the fine old |
house, dignihed even In Its splendid
ruin.
Smoke was curling upward from q
tottering chimney. Expecting to and
some good natured nanny within.
presiding over the frying bacon whose
redolence assailed his nostrils, Scott
thrust his head among the vines that
half covered the open window.
Quickly spoken words. uttered in the
contralto voice of his huntress of the
woods, fell on his ears before he real
lied that he was an eavesdropper, anG
he withdrew and hastened around to-
the formal entrance Of the old man,
sion.
But the words would not be forgot
ten.
Uncle Dick, / wish | had never
/ heard of the Grinnel museum!" cried
| the passionate young voice. II rsed to
! love the b-birds--and Have hardened
! my herr' oga'ns. Tie sweet wild things
| and XII "a them fcr the sake Of e-rn-
/ ing bread and butter! You remember,
ur Gle, that ! would never even wear
feathers OF wing in my hats''
Certainly, remember, my dear
had sounded the voice OF an old man,
q weak voicc.
II thore was any other way Ct earn,
irs money for Us, I'd" Che brave
voice faltered and 1t was then that
Scott fed.
He sounded the biz brass knocker
and he heard II echo through empty
halls. While he waited he could ina
CINE the disaster that had befallen the
inmates of the cid house, once the
nucleus of q great estate employing
many black people to serve in field and
garden and house.
There came a shutting step beyond
the closed door end locks and chains
clanked within The door creaked
slowly open as II lamenting the unac,
crstomed disturbance and disclosed
. the figure of an.Gncient negro garbed
in shabby Taiment, although his cloth.
, ing was clean a.l his linen immacu,
late He bcbbed white head and
, peersd ~ Scott f'om dim eyes.
Good manning sah,' he said, court,
e. Isly.
Coed morniug, uncle; is your mas
! ter at homer" qusried Scott.
"Marse Blair? Yassah, ole marse is
. always home. Jes' walk dis away,
, sab"
Scott followed him into cold, dim
sitting room, furnished with fine old
, mahogany. Uncle George eft him to
, return presently with cooling drink
l or which foated sprigs OF fragrant
, rlint.
, Then Colonel Blair tottered in. ar
ancient relic of the Confederacy.
Sir, | am honored." he said holding
n out a hand.
1 II must apologize fo- this intrusion
r began Scott when they were seated
d MY name is Clayton, Scott Clayton;
!, I'm an ornithclcGigt In way. an
writing a book aDcut BIRDS ard fire
a that I need some hep Same one la:
suggested that your niece
r MY grand.niece." corrected Coione
Blair.
" Your grand.nicce might be able Il
assist me, as she Is thoroughly verset
) in bird lore. You see ! shall be severa
months longer IN preparation and I
It sLc could help me the remuneratio,
would be no object" Scott's voic'
. trailed away suggestively.
"Mr. Clayton, l am very grateful
?. Circumstances make 1t necessary 10
my little grand.niece to support bot
/ G, US and her present employment |
d rost distatestful to her-it would b
'r to any woman's delicate instincts, bu
q Amy is a gallant soldier and she ha
m not finched in the face of-of-actua
le poverty and disagreeable duty. ! wi
'e venture TO say that she will be deligh
s. ed to take up more congenial work
IL you will excuse me, i will call her t
20 take part In our conference"
He hobbled from the room and Scot
q found himself waiting impatiently fo
the coming of his huntress OF the pin
Ie woods Presently she came, garbed |
" - n soft white gown, and her dark eye
~ ~ were shining like twin stars and he
- soft lips were parted In smile.
no The conference was short one an
m when Scott left the house he had el
nr gagged Amy Blair as his assistant {
an the muniflcent salary of s15 week
IN more than twice the amunt she ha
he earned with the museum.
he Their acquaintance began over II
of dead body Of a scarlet tanager whiC