The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1915-09-02

tween hero and heroine. and he saw
no way of re-establishing the normal
attitude of the male
Entirely unaware of what was pass
ing in the mind of her patient Rerrie
went about her duties with cheerful
ness which astoniShetl the sufferer In
the tent. She seemed about to hum
a song as she set the skillet on. the
fire. but Il moment later she called out.
In Il tone of irritation. Here comes
Nash."
I'm glad Of that" answered Way
land. although he perceived something
Of her displeasure.
Nash. on his way to Join the super
visor. raised friendly greeting as he
saw the girl and drew rein Il ex.
pected to meet you farther down the
hill" he said. "rony phoned that yon
had started. Where did you leave the
supervisory?
"Over at the station waiting for you
Where's your outfit?'
"Camped down the trail mile or
So thought I'd better push through
tonight. What about Norcross? Isn't
he with Your
She hesitated an instant Hes in
the tent. He fell and struck his head
on a rock. and had to go into camp
here"
Nash was deeply concerned "Is that
40? Well. that's hard luck Is he bad
ly hurtY'
'Well. he had terrible fan. But
he's easier now. think he's asleep"
MAY look in on him?"
II don't think you'd better take the
time. It's long. hard ride from here
to the station. 1t will be deep night
before yon can make IT,
Don't yon think the supervisor
would want me to camp here tonight
and do what | could for yon? If Nor
cross is buddy injured you will need
me-"
She liked Nash, and she knew he
was right, und yet she was reluctant
to give up the pleasure OF her lone
vigil. Hes not In any danger. and
well be able to ride On In the morn
ing"
Nash. thinking of l,er as Clifford Bel
den's promised wife. had no suspicion
of her feeling toward Norcross. There
fore be gently urged that to 90 on was
quite out Of order. II can't think Of
leaving you here alone-certainly not
till | see Norcross and lind out how
badly he Is hurt"
She yielded. Il reckon you're right.
she said. IN 60 see If he is awake"
He followed her to the door Of the
tent, apprehending something new and
inexplicable In her attitude. In the
| music of her voice us she spoke to the
sick man was the love note Of the
mate. You may come in." she called
back, and Nash. STOPPING. entered the
| small tent
Hello. old man! What you been
doing with yourself? Hitting the high
spots?"
Norcross smiled feebly. mo. the
hill flew up and bumped me-"
| noN ulu IL ftfi ldpPCAs
II don't exactly know. 1t all came
| of a sudden. had no share in It
didn't go for to do It,"
whether you did or not, you seem
to have made good job OF It."
Nash examined the wounded man
carefully, and his skill and strength II
handling Norcross pleased Rerrie
though she was jealous of the warm
friendship which seemed to exist be
tween the men.
She had always liked Nash, but she
resented him now. especially as be In
sisted on taking charge of the case
but she gave way finally and wen'
back to her pots and pans with pensivt
countenance.
| A little later. when Nash came on
to make report. she was not very gra
cious In her manner Hes pretty bad
| " hurt" he said There's an ugl
| cash In his scalp. and the shock ha
/ produced II good deal of pain and con
fusion In his head. but he's going to b
| all right In day or two. For ma
| seeking rest and recuperation he cei
tainly has had a rough run Of wealth
er."
Through serious minded. honorab bl
forester. determined to keep sternly L
mind that he was in the presence o
the daughter Of his chief. and that sh
was engaged to marry another. Mas
was, after all, q man. and the witcher
of the hour. the charm of the girl
graceful figure asserted their powe
over him His eyes grew tender. I'M
his voice eloquent In spite of himself
His words he could guard. but it wa
hard to keep from his speech the son
Of the lover The thought that he wa
to camp in her company. to help he
i about the fire. to see her from mOmeI
to moment, with full liberty to spea
to her. to meet her glance, pleased hin
1t was the most romantic and movin
episode In his life. and though of
rather dry and analytic temperamer
he had Il sense of poesy.
8. The night. black. oppressive and s
lent. brought closer bond OF mutu:
help and understanding between then
d She grew friendlier and asked hi
about his work and especially abo'
! his ambitions and plans for the futur
. They discussed the forest and its el
emies. and he wondered at her fre
d iom in speaking of the mill and saloO
He said: "Of course sou know til,
Alec Belden Is p,rtner in that bus
ness, and I'm told-of course don
know this-that Clifford Belden Is als
i interested"
She offered no defense of young Be
den and this unc0ncern puzzled hir
He had expected indignant protest, b'
/. | pho ynornix ropliod. ~ don't raro Et