The Delta independent., 1915-02-19

took 1t evidently for a further chal-
lenge. They were coming to a rocky
stretch. but she went over it full tilt,
with result that half away across
1t trace snapped short of
Molly did not mind such a trif1e-
but Prue was wiser. Tugging hard
at the reins she stopped the mare by
turning her into a fence corner AS
she sat there ruefully wondering if
after all she could not keep her solemn
engagement with the Duntons. pur-
suit became overtaking-a man said,
Young lady, this is providential
never should have caught up with you
to give you back what you lost
Lost Prue echoed, suddenly
looking behind. The blackboard was
bare-and the man held out to her
the hatbox crushed out of all shape.
Ran over it before l could stop" he
explained. He had got down and
walked to her side to add: Il hope
l have not broken anything. Hat
boxes are so full of possibilities l
tremble at sight of them"
"Nothing's broken-unless maybe
my luck" Prue answered giggling.
hCA dAtiSboiy, DIG CApldincu, Wluu-
ing up: THE Duntons are going on
the down train tonight-so this is
my only onliest chance. Otherwise
I'd have made them come to me- Now
maybe / can get there in time
it all depends on whether between us
we can mend that wretched trace"
Il doubt it. You see, I'm a duffer
at such things" the stranger ex-
planned. But suppose We do this:
let me drive you to the gate at the
parsonage-you say the Duntons have
boarded there-you can walk in and
make out your accident was Just out
side"
But, won't 1t take you out Of your
way?" Prue demanded, flushing red.
Not Bit" the stranger answered,
smiling consolingly. "In fact l have
to pass the place; the parsonage was
one of my landmarks"
$50 you're strange here" Prue com.
mented.
He nodded. Yes. But for that, I'd
change rigs with you and let you
drive all the way. 1t happens | also
have an engagement to keep. With
a lady-you see l can't very well
break it.. Is 1t bargain? / assure
you I'm respectable at least"
Dear me! Who would think it?"
Prue said lawlessly, beginning to
laugh and scramble down. The strang.
er smiled wickedly. In a wink they
were away, going at slapping gait
that made up for time lost.
Thus Prue was able to walk into
the parsonage living room exactly to
the minute of promise. She was look
ing her best-flushed and happy Mrs
Dunton liked the look of her so well
she did not in the least demur at
the price. IT'S ridiculously cheap at
a hundred" she said, SO heartily Prue
blushed beet-red. She wanted to get
away quickly-home was a long way
on, but Mrs. Dunton kept her, assur-
ing her she must not think either of
walking or risking that frisky mare
again. She would be sent home prop
erly-trust Mrs. Dunton for that
with her check and the very best
grateful thanks of that lady. Mean
time, she must have tea-it was al
most time. 1t really seemed as though
the rich lady purposely detained the
girL who felt herself a shameless
plunderer. She had confessed as
much to her unknown rescuer. He
had laughed at her conscience, say
ing with a twinkle, Don't you know
things are worth what they will
fetch?"
Prue did not think so now. Under
the warm human kindness of the
woman she had thought a pretender,
she grew restive. She got up mean
ing to say, Now really must go. but
you are not to bother sending me-"
when in walked her knight of the
road, smiling at her quizzically as he
was smothered in Mrs. Dunton's we'll
nourished arms. Joseph, my son,
Miss Hazen," that lady made haste to
explain. only think, he has come all
this way because he won't let his old
nanny and his pet sister make a
journey alone. Now, what do you
think of that?"
That he is very kind Prue an
swered. looking down, wishing the
earth would swallow her. He had TAX
en- her hand though she did not hold
1t out. AS he pressed it gently he
said under his breath, I'm positive
! never saw you before. And just
a. positive mean to see you again"
He kept his word. Today, Mrs.
Prudence Dunton is q very happy
woman, noted for her poise, yet she
bushes unaccountably whenever she
looks at one Of the family relics-a
coonskin cap with three striped tails
behind and copperas homespun
lining.
Yes, Indeed.
"Ostend is having some stirring