Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1914-07-02

Nan called me, n 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
Won for a day or SO but after that you
will have no trouble with It."
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 a 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 own good fortune,
and feeling better, insisted upon get.
ting up and resuming his patrol. The
u was drawing long. reluctant shad'
ows on the velvety lawn in front OF
the log cabin when he rode out Of the
yard, sitting a little unsteadily in the
saddle, but strangely contented despite
his painful wound.
The lonely aisles under the pines
were peopled with girls-charming
gtrls-golden-haired, blue-eyed girls,
all id~entically like Nan Benson; in
fact they were all Nan Bansons!
What's 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 were humming Thine
Eyes So Blue and Tender and just
now when | 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
be-"
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 ! were wor.
ried about your wound and We rode
over to inquire after it. 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 a 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.
Il forgive you the corr bread,
Oliver" he said with mock serious.
ness; now that l understand the mat.
ter"
Understand what matter?" de.
manded Oliver, yawning sleepily.
What's 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 1t? 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. Il say,
Dixon. have we any telegraph forms?"
he asked abruptly.
Dixon tossed the pad across the
table and Oliver scrubbed a few lines
and GEM the message to the nearest
station early the next morning.
Mrs. West received the telegram
that evening as she went down to din
ner. She read the yellow sheet with
flashing eyes:
IT'S happened to me at last!
(signed) Oliver"
ct knew It would happen" she cried
t~ragically. Beyond the farthest
reaches Of civilization-where one
wouldn't reasonably expect to find a
Rtrl-Oliver has chosen to fall in love
i know ! shall detest her!"
But divers sister couldn't possibly
do anything Of the sort, after she had
met Nan.
Copyright. 1914. by the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndicate.)