Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1915-09-22

with you?'
I'VE started together. but the horses
got away. and he was obliged to go
back after them. He also is likely to
turn up soon.'
II am frightfully hungry" interrupt
ed the girl. Cant you hand me out a
hunk of bread and meat? We've been
riding since daylight
Berrie suddenly appeared at the door.
Sure thing" she called out "Slide
down and come in"
Moore removed his hat and bowed
Good morning. Miss McFarlane. l
didn't know you were here. You know
my daughter Siona?"
Berrie nodded coldly. 1--WE met her."
He indicated the other woman. And
Mrs. Belden, Of course, you know
Mrs. Belden, the fourth member of
the party, a middle aged, rather tlabby
person, just being eased down from
her horse, turned on Berrie with bat
terry Of questions. Good Lord: Ber-
RE McFarlane what are you doing over
in this forsaken hole? Where's your
dad? And where is Tony? If Cliff
had known you was over here he'd
have come too"
Berrie retained her self possession
Come in and get some coffee. and
we'll straighten things out"
Apparently Mrs. Belden did not
know that Cliff and Berrie had quar-
relied. for she treated the girl with ma
ternal familiarity. She was good ma
tured, we'll intentioned old sloven. but
most renowned tattler. and the girl
feared her more than she feared any
other woman in the valley. She had
always avoided her, but she showed
nothing Of this dislike Mt the moment.
Wayiand drew the younger wOman's
attention by saying. Its plain that
you. like myself. do not belong to these
parts, Miss Moore
What makes you think so:' she
| brightly queried.
Your costume is too appropriate.
Haven't you noticed that the women
who live out here carefully avoid con-
venient, and artistic dress3 Now, your
outfit Is precisely what they should
wear and don't" .%..&
This amused her. II know. but they
all say they have to wear out their
Sunday 60 to meeting clothes, whereas
can rig out proper.> I'm glad you
like my rig"
At the moment he was bent on draw
ing the girls attention from Berrie.
but as she went on he came to like
her. She said: mo. don't belong here,
but come out every year during vaca-
ton with my father. l love this coun-
try. It's 50 big and wide and wild.
Father has built little. bungalow
every day Of our stay"
you're Smith girl" he abruptly
asserted.
What makes you think SOP
"Oh, there's something about you
Smith girls that gives you dead away
"Gives US away? like that!'
my phrase was unfortunate. I like
Smith girls" he fastened to say.
In five minutes they were on the
friendliest terms-talking Of mutual
acquaintances-a fact which both puz-
zled and hurt Berea. Their laughter
angered her, and whenever she glanc-
ed at them and detected Siona looking
into Wayland's face with coquettish
shipper she was embittered. She was
rupted the dialogue
Norcross did not relax, though he
considered the dangers of cross exam
nation almost entirely passed. In this
he was mistaken, for no sooner was
the keen edge Of Mrs. Belden's hunger
dulled than her curiosity sharpened.
Where did you say the supervisor
WASP" she repeated
The horses got away, and he had to
90 back after Them" again responded
Berrie, who found the scrutiny Of the
other girl deeply disconcerting.
when do you expect him back?''
ANY minute now she replied, and
in this she was not deceiving them. al
though she did not intend to volunteer
any Information which might embar.
rass either Wayland or herself.
Norcross tried to create diversion.
isn't this charming valley?'
Siona took. up the cue. isn't it?
It's romantic enough to be the back
drop in Bret Harte play. love itr'
Moore turned to Wayland. II know
Norcross. a Michigan lumberman,
vice president of the association. Is
he by any chance a relativeT'
"Only a father" retorted Wayland,
With q smile "Rut don't hold me re.