Mexico Missouri message., 1914-10-29

NO, but seriousiyi" protested ".
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 l will not gol" flung back Ora
ella.
"Oh. my dear grill" cried De Ian
cey, frowning 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 in!" protested Gracia
flushing holly. "Tm--"
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 1t 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, MOI" cried Gracia, pushing
him impulsively aside Il am not
ready now. And"
She paused and glanced at Bud.
Mr.. Hooker" che began, walking
gently toward him, what will you do
now?"
Il don'tt know" answered Hooker
huskily.
'Will you come with us-will you"
No" said Bud, shaking his head
slowly.
Then l must say Goodbye"
She waited, but he did not answer.
you have been so good to me-" she
went on, so brave. and-have l been
brave, too?" 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. wish now
that my mother were here. but-would
you mind? Before go 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.
hn gotA nd ,fa
less and choked.
You will not?" she asked, after a
pause.
mol" 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
went toward the horses with Phil.
Then. as the tears welled to his eyes,
he heard resounding slap and a rush
of approaching feet.
mol" came the voice OF Gracia,
vibrant with indignation. II say mol"
The spat of her hand rang out again
and then, with a piteous sobbing. she
came running back to Bud, hating
with the stiffness Of her long ride.
Il hate you!" she screamed, as Phil
came after her. "Oh, hate you! No,
you shall never have the kiss! What!
II Bud here has refused It, will give
kiss to you? All, you poor. miserable
creature!" she cried, wheeling upon
him in n sudden fit of passion. Where
we're you when l was in danger?
Where were you when there was no
one to save me? And did you think.
then, to steal kiss, when my heart
was sore for Bud? All, coward! You
are no fit ,pardner! No. I will never
marry you--never! Well. go then!
And hurry! Oh, how l hate you--to
try to steal me from Bud!"
She turned and threw her arms
about Rockers 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 will you take the
kiss?"
TRY mel" said Bud.
THE END