Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1915-08-25

ground and politely said: May l help
you inT"
Bill stared, the girl smiled. and her
companion called: "Be careful. Berr1e,
don't hurt yourself, the wagon might
pitch."s ~.
The youth, perceiving that he had
made another mistake. stammered an
apology. ..-.- 49,,
The girl perceived his embarrass-
ment ami sweetly accepted his hand.
II am much obliged, all the same.
Bill shook with malicious laughter.
"Out in the country girls are war
ranted to jump clean over a measly
little hack like this" he explained.
The girl took seat In the back cor
ner OF the dusty vehicle, and Bill open
ed conversation with her by asking
what kind of time she had been hav-
ing lin the east" -
Fine" said she. =
Did ye get as far back as my old
town."
what town is that. Bill?' .~
"Oh, come off! You know I'm from
Omaha" -.
mo: only got as far as South
Bend" a j. ~.
The picture which the girl had made
as she dashed up to the pasture gate
her hat rim blown away from her
brown face and sparkling eyes-united
with the kindness in her voice as she
accepted his gallant aid, entered q deep
impression on the tourists mind, but
he did not turn his head to look at her
perhaps he feared Bills elbow quite
as much as his guffaw-but he listened
closely. and by listening learned that
she had been least" for several weeks.
and also that she was known, and fl;
vorably known. all along the line. for
whenever they met a team or passed
ranch some one called out, Hello.
Berrie!" in cordial salute, and the men.
old and young. were especially pleased
TO see her. ,s.,z 10 IA g:1: 5 ?s " 1
Meanwhile thes stage rose and fell
over the gigantic swells like tiny boat
on. monster sea. while the sun blazed
ever more fervently from the splendid
sky. and the hills glowed with ever
increasing tumult of color. Through
this land of color. Of repose. of ro-
nance. the young traveller rode, drink
ing deep Of the, germless air. feeling
that the girl behind him was won
jlrous part of this wild and unaccount-
able country. If,
He had no chance to study her face
again till the coach rolled down the
hill to "Yancy's." a ranch house. where
they were to take dinner and change
horses - ,' ~ -.
With intent to show Bill that he did
not greatly fear his smiles the youth
sprang down and offered hand to as
sist, his charming fellow passenger to
.alight, and she. with kindly under.
standing. again accepted his aid, tt
Bills chagrin. and they walked up the
path side by side.
This is all very new and wonderful
to me-" the young man said in expla-
nation. but suppose it's quite com.
monplace to you-and Bill"
"Oh. no-it's home!
"You were born here?' 4.
=. No. was born in the east, but I've
lived here ever since l was three years
old" e-
. by east you mean kansas?"
mo. Missouri" she laughed back at
him.
She was taller than most women
:>nd gave out IN air of fine unconscious
health which made her good to see, al
though her face was too broad to be
pretty. She smiled easily. and her
teeth We're white and even. Her hand
he noticed was as strong as steel and
brown US leather Her neck rose from
her shoulders like that Of an acrobat.
and she walked with the sense of Sc
curity which comes from self reliant
strength. --'a
She was met ut the door by old lady
Yancy. who pumped her hand up and
down. exclaiming: My stars! I'm glad
to see ye back! Pears like the country
is just naturally goin' to the dogs with
out YOU. The dance last Saturday was
a frost, so I hear-no snap to the fid-
din. no gimp to the jiggin'. 1t shore
ly was pitiful."
Yancy himself, tall, griZzled. sue
cinct. shook her hand in his turn.
MAS right. girl, the country needs We.
I'm scared every time ye go away fer
fear some Teller will snap We up"
The young tourist-he signed W. W.
Norcross in Yancy's register-watched
her closely and listened to every word
she spoke with IN intensity of interest
which led Mrs. Yancy to say privately:
"'Pears like that young 'lunger' amt
goin' to forgit We if he can help it"
What makes you think he's lun-
ger?'"
Don't hat to think. One look at him
is enough"
Thereafter softer lisht-the light Of
pity-shone in the eyes Of the girl.
":Poor fellow! He does look kind o.
peaked. But this climate will bring
him up to the scratch.' she added. with
optimistic faith in her beloved hills.
A moment later the downcoming
stage pulled in loaded to the side lines.
and everybody on it seemed to know
Berea McFarlane. 1t was hello here
and hello there and how are 70 no.