The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1914-11-14

veyed Hooker with q hooking smile
Then she laughed again
Never mind, she said, III tx that
III tell them that kidnapped him!"
mo, but seriously!" protested De
Lancey, as Bud chuckled hoarsely.
You can't cross the line without being
passed by the inspectors, and-weH.
your father is there to get you back"
But viii not go!" flung back Ora
cia.
"Oh, my dear girl!" cried De Ian
cey, frowningNin his perplexity, you
don't understand. and you make it aw-
full hard for me. You know they're
very strict now-so many low women
coming across the line, for-wen, the
fact is, unless you are married you
can't come in at all"
But I'm in" protested Gracia
flushing holly. I'm"
They'll deport you" said De Ian
cey. stepping forward to give her sup
port
Il know it's hard. dear" he went
On, as Bud moved hastily away. but
I've got it 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 ruraIes 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, no." cried Gracia. pushing
! him impulsively aside. I am not
ready now. And"
She paused and glanced at Bud
Mr.. Hooker" she began. walking
gently toward him, what will you do
now?"
q don't know" answered Hooker
huskily
will you come with us-win you"
NO" said Bud, shaking his head
slowly.
Then must say Goodbye"
She waited, but he did not answer
You have been so good to me-" she
went on, so brave. and-have been
brave, too?" she broke in pleadingly-
Hooker nodded his head, but he did
not meet her eyes.
"Ah, yes" she sighed You have
that my mother were here, but-would
you mind? Before go I want to-give
/ you a kiss"
! 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
No. he said. and his voice was life
/ less and choked-
You will not?" she asked. after
pause.
MOI" he said again. and she shrank
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
J went toward the horses with Phil
, Then, as the tears weIled to his eyes,
| he heard a resounding slap and rush
of approaching feet
Mo-. came the voice OF Gracia-
vibrant with indignation. 4 say no."
The spat of her hand rang out again
and then. with piteous sobbing. she
/ came running back to Bud, hating
/ with the stiffness Of her long ride
81 hate you!" she screamed, as Phil
1 came NST- On, 1 AdlC gOA- nv.
you shall never have the kiss! What!
! if BUD here has refused it, win I give
a kiss to you? All, you poor, miserable
creaturel" she cried. wheeling upon
him in sudden lit of passion Where
we're you when I was in danger?
Where were you when there was no
one to save me? And did you think.
| then, to steal a kiss. when my heart
was sore for Bud? All, coward! You
are no lit pardner! No. 1 will never
marry you-never! Well. go then!
| And hurry Oh. how 1 hate you-to
try to steal me from Bud"
| She turned and threw her arms
about Hooker's neck and drew his
| rough face down to her.
"You do love me, don't you. Bud?"
she sobbed- Oh. you are SO good
so brave! And now viii you take the
| kiss?"
Try mel" said Bud.
THE END