The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1915-09-09
NUMBER 36.


the horses quitting camp. But you've
got to stand pat now for Berries
sake"
But what can I do? I'm at your
service. What role shall l play? Tell
me what to do and l will do it."
McFarlane was staggered, but he an
swered: You can at least stay OH the
ground and help fight This is no time
to stampede"
You're right. I'll stay, and I'll make
any statement you see tit. I'll do any
thing that will protect sBerrie."
McFarlane again looked him square
" In the eyes. "Is there a-an agree
ment between you"
Nothing formal-that is. l mean 1
admire her, and told her. He STOP
ped. feeling himself on the verge of
the irrevocable. "She's splendid
girl" he went on. 'I like her exceed
ingly. but I've known her only few
weeks"
McFarlane interrupted Girls are
fiighty critters" he said sadly II don't
know why she's taken to you so terri
BILE strong. but she has. She don't
seem to care what people say so long
as they do not blame you. But if you
should pull out you might just as well
cut her heart to pieces His voice
broke. and it was long time before
he could finish. You're not at fault
know that-but If you can stay on
little while and make it an ounce or
two easier for her and for her mother
wish you'd do it."
Wayland extended his hand impul-
sively. "Of course I'll stay. never
really thought of leaving" In the
grip of McFarlane's hand was some
thing warm and tender.
Berrie could not be entirely deceived
She read in her fathers face subtle
change of line which she related to
something Wayland had said. did
be tell you what was in the telegram?
Has he got, to go away?' she asked
anxiously.
Yes. he said it was from his IA
ther."
What does his father want of him?''
He's on his way to California and
wants Wayland to 80 with him, but
Wayland says he's not going"
A pang shot through Berries heart.
HE mustn't go-he isn't able to CO.
she exclaimed, and her pain. her fear.
came out in her sharpened, CONSTRUCTED
tone II won't let him go-till he's
WELL"
Mrs. McFarlane gently interposed.
Hell have to go. honey. if his father
needs him.
Let his father come here" She
rose and, going to his door, decisiyely
| knocked. May l come in?" she de-
manded rather than asked before her
mother could protest II must see
|. you."
Wayland opened the door, and she
entered, leaving her parents facing
each other in mute helplessness.
Mrs. McFarlane turned toward her
husband with face of despair. She's
| ours no longer, Joe Our time of be-
reavement has come"
He took her in his arms. There.
there. mother. don't cry. 1t can't be
helped You cut loose from your par
ents and came to me in just the same
way Our daughters a grown woman
and must have her own life. All we
| can do is to defend her against the
coyotes who are busy with her name.''
/ But what of him, Joe: he don't care
for her as she does for him. Can't you
/ see that?"
Hell do the right thing. mother; he
told me he would. He knows how
much depends on his staying here now.
/ and he intends to do it."
But in the end. Joe after this scan
/ dal is lived down. can he-will he
1 marry her? And if he marries her can
they live together and be happy? His
way of life is so different He can't
content himself here, and she can't fit
in where he belongs. It all seems
hopeless to me. Wouldn't it be bet
ter for her to suffer for little while
now than to make a mistake that may
last lifetime
.Mebbe 1t would, mother. but the
decision Is not ours. She's too strong
for us to control. She's Of age, and II
she comes to full understanding of
the situation she can decide the ques-
ton whole lot better than either OF
u.s.
/ That's true" she sighed. In some
ways she's bigger and stronger than
both Of us. Sometimes | wish she
were not SO self reliant
/ When Wayland caught the startled
look on Berries face he knew that she
had learned from her father the con-
tents of his telegram and that she
would require an explanation.
"Are you going awayi" she asked.
"Yes. At least. l must go down to
Denver to see my father shall be
gone only overnight"
"And will you tell him about our
trip? she pursued, with unfinching d.
rectness "And about-me!"
He gave her chair and took seat
himself before replying. Yes, ] shall
tell him all about it and about you and
your father and mother. He shall
know how kind you've all been to me- =
= He said this bravely. and at the mo-
ment he meant 1t. but as his fathers
big. impassive face and cold, keen eyes
| came back to him his courage sank.
j ana in spite of his firm resolution some
3 part Of his secret anxiety communicat-
, ed itself to the girl, who asked many
questions with intent to find out more
q er Norcross was.
Wayland's replies did not entirely re
1 assure her. He admitted that his ia
tIier was harsh and domineering II
! character and that he was ambition.