Cut Bank pioneer press. [volume] (Cut Bank, Mont.) 1909-current, 1915-07-23

occupy that mental position rather |
than leave the place where he had
been born.
Then there was the matter CT the
automobilists, cousins of Clavering,
just returned from India, who drove
up to the castle, heard Johnson's ex-
plantations with blank amazement, and
Immediately went to the lodge, where
they spent a festive afternoon. John
son heard their ringing laughter as
he sat modify upon the balcony, a
boycotted man.
One thing alone kept him from
throwing up the castle in disgust, and
that was Lady Elinor. He had known
from his first sight of her that he loved
her. When he passed her, he riding
and she walking, his lifted hat pro-
duced only the coolest sign Of recog-
niticn.
1t was not in his nature to give up.
But his invitations were declined with
scant ceremony, his o%vertures frigid-
ly denied. And, like Mordecai at the
gate of the Persian king, Lord Claver-
ing sat before the porter's lodge, his
daughter by his side, while Johnson
chafed and fumed impotently within
) the castle.
At last he sent for Mr.. Jones and
announced his decision to sell the
place. The agent listened blandly.
Il can't say I'm greatly surprised,
Mr.. Johnson" he said. 1T was not a
wise business investment. However,
+, l think can get you a purchaser at a
little less than the original price. Mr..
Ballantyne has been sounding me-"
my neighbour"
Eyes, sir. If you have decided, l
: will let him know. and o may come
to terms about it."
, Johnson heard rumors about Bal
lantyne. He had been reported en-
gagged to Lady Elinor, but the match
had been broken off a little while be-
fore. Johnson did not know the cause.
But Ballantyne resolved to buy, and
!. an immense burden was lifted from
Johnson's heart.
He did not like Ballantyne. The
man was a boor, a surly squireen of a
type Johnson had believed long ex-
tinct. At their meeting he was more
disdainful than Lord Clavering, and
rude to the point of insolence. John
son swallowed his pride. He only
wanted to sell and to get out of the
country.
1t was on the afternoon of the day
. when he had talked with Ballantyne
= that he was strolling down the lane
leading from the village across the
; moors. Suddenly he heard the sound
: of a galloping horse. A moment later
1 he saw Lady Elinor come flying to
ward him on horseback. The ANNA
\ was evidently running away, and the
girl was In momentary danger of fall
ing.
AS he stood there he heard Ballan
tyne's dog-cart come up behind hin
swiftly. Ballantyne saw the approach
ing horse and leaped to the ground
u" He sprang in front of it, whirling hi
arms like fails, but made no effort t
Is stop it.
1t was Johnson who, at the last in
n slant, clutched at the rein. He had Z
Nv vision of the rearing steed, he fell
himself being dragged along the
ground, and then a weight seemed tt
III descend Upon his breast and he los
se consciousness.
In When he opened his eyes he wa
in the gatekeeper's lodge. The roon
1t was darkened. A woman sat besid,
him. johnson looked into the face o
Lady Elinor.
is How long have | been here?" b,
d. muttered, trying to rise.
lg She restrained him with her COO
or hand on his forehead. Three days,
she whispered. "Mr. Johnson, it wa!
Id to " me that you risked your lif,
I'd when he-he-"
lg johnson saw her eyes fill with tear
is as she turned away. He slept from
ID WEAKNESS. 1t was not until the mex
It. day that old Lord Clavering came il
to thank him in broken words for saw
20 ing his daughters life.
lie you have repaid us too WE'LL" h,
~ said. Il shall never forget what WI
err owe you. And now, Mr.. Johnson, W,
IS, are going to make amends by-goin,
be away"
to Going away! Johnson suddenl!
be burst into wild laughter.
TO why, ne Sdlu, L nave arrange
to sell the castle"
IL They stared at him in dismay. mo
Id you must stay" said Lord Clavering
~ Time will bring things in YOU favor
IN You are a young man and did not un
IL. derstand. And / was ~uncharitable il
n my pride"
Johnson said nothing, but later h,
I'd questioned Lady Elinor. She had beef
n. with him throughout his illness, ant
the thought Of losing her forever wal
=" intolerable to him.
do you know who the purchaser ii
n to be-" he asked.
She shook her head, and he toll,
id her
81 Thought" he aynlained humhlv