The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1915-08-14

she heard her own name spoken.
Bud looked at Phil, who for once
was at loss for words, and then he
answered slowly.
Your father is Gown at the sta.ioe,"
he said. looking for-you."
! Well. he can't have me-" cried Ora
cha defiantly. I'm across the line
now! I'm free. l can do what l
please"
But there's the immigration office"
interposed Phil paciacally. You will
have to go there-and your father has
claimed you were kidnapped"
"Ha. Kidnapped" laughed Gracia,
who had suddenly recovered her
spirits. And by whom?"
"Well-by Bud here" answered De
Lancey hesitatingly.
Gracia turned as he spoke and sur
veyed Hooker with a hooking smile.
Then she laughed again.
Never mind" she said, I'll fix that.
III tell them that kidnapped him!"
NO, but seriously" protested De
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 will not go!" flung back Ora
cha
"Oh. my dear girl" cried De Lam
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 int" protested Gracia
flushing holly. Pm"
They'll deport YOU" said De Lam
cey. stepping forward to give her sup
port.
4 know it's hard, dear" he went
on, as Bud moved hastily away, but
I've got 1t 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 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. Them
We"
"Oh. no. MOI" cried Gracia, pushing
him impulsively aside. Il am not
ready now. And"
She paused and glanced at Bud.
Mr. Hooker" she began, walking
gently toward him, what will you do
now"
Il don't 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, 80 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. I wish now
that my mother we're 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
No" he said, and his voice was life
less and choked.
You will not?" she asked. after a
pause
Mo-" he said again, and she shrank
away before his glance.
Then good-by," she murmured, turn
ing away like one in 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 a resounding slap and rush
of approaching feet.
NO" came the voice of Gracia,
vibrant with Indignation. Il say MOI"
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!
if Bud here has refused it. will ! give
a kiss to you? All, you poor, miserable
creature." she cried. wheeling upon
him in a sudden fit of passion. Where
were you when | 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, | will never
marry you-never. Well. go then!
L