The Washington herald., 1914-12-10
DAILY SHORT STORY.
GRAY FEATHER.
BY GLADYS GORDON.

Copyright, lsli)
over to the westward lay the serrated
ranges Of the Sweetwater mountains In
the foreground was a green and fertile
valley through which trickled silver
stream.
Helen Madison. sitti.-5 her sturdy lit
tie pony, climbed to the top OF Eagle
IiII and looked down into the valley
looked across the valley, looked every
where save into the face Of the strong
brown Young man who was waiting for
her to speak.
Helen" he said at Iast, and his voice
was stern.
..Yesc'' She turned a cold face to his.
There was no fire in her dark eyes. no
Iovc-nothing. Save, perhaps, disdaln and
indifference.
You have not forgiven me?' he asked
slowly.
There is nothing to forgive. You
are free to choose your own way gave
back your freedom last night"
Il know-I did not believe that you
would throw me over just because L
wanted to make this venture with DICK
man: I have invested every penny IN the
abandoned mine, but have faith in its
development, though it is hazaroous
undertaking in more ways than one.
Il was satisfied to marry you ana set
tlo down on the ranch with you." said
Helen obstinately. How could she ex-
plain to Dan Summer that her hurt lay
in the fact that he was willing to post
pone their wedding in order to speculate
in the old Mizpah mine in the hope OF
getting a fortune out of 1t? Dan "oulu
never know why she had refused to coun-
tenance his going-nor why they hsu
quarreled.
I know-dear. know" he said smil-
ing tenderly at her averted face. But
I have made the venture-the die Is
cast-yet you will not forgive me- you
will not waltz"
1T is too late" she said.
Then, it is good-by?"
1T is good-by."
We NAV meet some day." she said,
Carelessly.
The muscles around Dams lips tight
ened. He lifted his broad felt hat with
the old gallant grace she loved
Then. I will say good-by now Miss
Madison"
Helen WINGED.
"Good-hy," she said, steadily.
She did not turn her head as he rode
down the hill. When he had disappeared
from view she shook her shoulders and
breathed deeply. "Oh. it's good to be
freer' she cried. devoutly.
Pretty lady so glad-heap cry" said
a dry voice at her elbow.
Helen turned quickly and saw the squat
ty form Of a demure little Indian squaw
astride a ragged pony.
You frightened me"' she cried with
an unsteady laugh.
How, Gray feather"
How" saluted Gray Feather solemn
ly.
"Oh, you have papoose with youI Do
let me see him. cried Helen, touching
the bundle on Gray Feathers back.
Gray Feather swung the cradle around
to her arms and uncovered the sleeping
face Of the dark-skinned Indian baby.
Him grand papoose," she smiled fondly.
Have you named him yet?'' asked
Helen, touching the little fingers.
Gray Feather grunted response
What do you call him? Strong Arm,
like his big father?'
''No-my man no want papoose called
Strong Arm: so we name him for big
kind man who save my mans life one
day. Indian love white brother, Dan
Summer, name papoose Dan Summertime
he always sile like big white brother
sol"
The baby smiled a grave Indian smile
and opened beady black eyes. II would
like to kiss him. cried Helen, impul-
sively.
Gray Feather smiled and held up the
cradle and Helen kissed the velvety cheek
OF Dan Summertime
so did big white brother kiss papoose,"
approved Gray Feather demurely.
Helen blushed scarlet and looked an
noyed.
A keen look came into Gray Feathers
dark eyes. She laid q slender, red-browp