The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1915-10-27
Copyright, 1918, by the eobbs- Merrill
Compa0v.

Intends
my name is wilfred Compton. II
have letter or two in my pocket that
got long time ago. They'd tell
something about me, but Id rather not
show EN-. as they're private''-
From your gal. reckon?' asked
Wilcox more mildly.
Yes" he answered gioomily.
Carried 'em as long as a yearT'
Nearly two years.
Mean to still lug 'em aroundr'
"Of course I'm going to keep EN-"
well, I don't deny that's pretty IA
vorable. Now look here, son, I've
been half crazy from lonesomeness,
and don't believe I've got the heart
to send you away. That gal Of OURS
she's just kid. you understand
Now you wouldn't be taking up no
idea that she was what you'd classify
as young lady or anything like that,
eh?-
"Of course not. She's fifteen or six
teen. should think Upon my honor.
Wilcox. any thought of sentiment or
romance is a thousand miles from my
mind"
yes; Just so. But such thoughts
travels powerful fast. Don't take 'em
long to lap over a thousand mile
But it's because she is young
girl, fresh and unartificial as the
mountain breeze. that want to be
with her for a little while-yes, get to
know her, If may"
! wilcox turned to the taciturn old
man standing a little behind him.
"Bill Atkins, what do you say"
II say fire him, and do 1t quick!" was
the instant rejoinder, accompanied by
threatening twitchings of the huge
white mustache.
Wilcox was not convinced. Son,
II you sets here till we have had our
breakfast and has held caucus over
you I'll bring you the verdict in about
an hour If you don't like that they's
nothing to do but put out for your
ranch
II go on duty at T." replied the
young man composedly, but have a
friend riding the line that'll stay with
it till l come. So I'll wait for your
caucus"
THAT friend-one of them devils /
shot at the other day"
Wilfred Compton smiled with sud-
den sunniness. Yes"
Somewhere beneath the immense
whlskers an answering smile slipped
10 hraazn StirpinD hA irns,
hair. II kinder believe In you. son.
Nobody can't Sainsay that you've play
ed the man In this matter Now, Just
one thing more. You must swear here
before me, with Bill Atkins for an I'M
willing witness, that should we let
you make the acquaintance Of our lit
tie gal and should you get to be
friends, you two, that the very fust
minute 1t comes to you that she amt
no little gal. but is I'm the way Of be-
ing food for lOve-Bill Atkins, air /
making myself plain?"
You amt returned the old man
sourly. You're too complicated for
ordinary use"
Then you tell him what l mean"
The old man glared ut Wilfred fierce
ly. IF we decide to grant your re-
quest, young man, swear on your hon
or that the second you find yourself
thinking Of our little girl as a woman,
to be wooed and won, you'll put out
and never stop till you're so far away
you'll be clear out Of her world. And
not one word to her, not so much as
one hint, mind you. as to the reason Of
your going. It'll just be goodby and
FAREWELL
you see," Wilcox interpolated, 'she
is nothing but little gal, and we don't
want no foolish ideas to the contrary.
You takes her for what she is, moth
ing took from nor added to. In course
she'll be growed up some day, reck-
on, though may the good Lord take
good long time finishing up the work
he's begun so noble. When she's
growed up, when she's a woman, it
amt for US to say how you come and
how you go, take from or add to- But
while she's a kid it is different, ac-
cording."
'You have my word of honor to all
these conditions" Wilfred cried light
ly. "As child Of the mountains l ask
for her acquaintance. II I should ever
feel differently about her I'll go away
and stay away until she's woman"
The two men went into the cabin.
An hour later they reappeared. accom-
panied by the girl. Wilfred was still
seated obediently on the rock.
Come over here I'm the shade" Will
lock called as he strobe toward
grassy bank that sloped up TO line
Of three cedar trees of interlocked
branches. "Come over here and know
her. This is our gal"
Lahoma looked at the young man
with grave interest as he advanced,
taking note Of his garments and move
ments as she might have examined
the skin and actions of some unknown
animal. Bill Atkins also watched him.
but with suspicious eye.
"Set down." said Wilcox, sinking on
the Rrass "rhe Last man uD n tn