The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1915-03-03
GRAY. feather
BY GLADYS GORDON.
Copyright, 1914, by the Mcclure Newspa-


Copyright, 1914, by the Mcclure Newspa-
per Syndicate)
Over to the westward lay the SER
rated ranges of the Sweetwater noun
tains. In the foreground was a green
and fertile valley through which trick
led o silver stream.
Helen Madison, sitting on her
sturdy little pony, climbed to the top
of Eagle hill and looked down into
the valley, looked across the valley,
looked everywhere save into the face
of the strong, brown young man who
was waiting for her to speak.
Helen" he said at last, and his
voice was stern.
"Yes?" She turned cold face to
his. There was no fire in her dark
eyes, no loye-nothing. Save, per-
haps, disdain and Indifference.
You have not forgiven me?" he
asked slowly.
There is nothing to forgive. You
are free to choose your own wayI
gave back your freedom last night
Il how-I did not believe that you
would throw me over just because I
wanted to make this venture with
Dickman; I have invested every penny
in that abandoned mine, but I have
faith in it's development, though it
is hazardous undertaking in more
ways than one"
Il was satisfied to marry you and
settle down on the ranch with you,
said Helen obstinately. How could
she explain to Dan Summer that her
hurt lay in the fact that he was will
ing to postpone their. wedding in
order to speculate in the old Mizpah
mine in the hope Of getting fortune
out of it? Dan would never know
why she had refused to countenance
his going-nor why they had quar-
relied.
'I know-dear, I know he said,
smiling tenderly at her averted face.
But 7 have made the venture-the
die is cast-yet you will not forgive
me, you will not waltz"
It is too late" she said.
Then, it is Goodbye"
"It is good-by."
She did not turn her head as he
rode down the hill. When he had
disappeared from view she shook her
shoulders and breathed deeply. "Oh,
it's good to be free!" she cried, de-
voutly.
Pretty lady so glad-heap cry"
said dry voice at her elbow.
Helen turned quickly and saw the
squatty form of demure little In
dian squaw astride ragged pony.
You frightened mel she cried
with an unsteady laugh.
How, Gray Feather?"
How" saluted. Gray Feather sol
emnly.
"Oh, you have papoose with you!
Do let me see him!" cried Helen,
touching the bundle on Gray Feath-
er's back.
Gray Feather swung the cradle
around to her arms and uncovered
the sleeping face of the dark-skinned
Indian baby. Him grand papoose,"
she smiled fondly.
Have you named him YETI" asked
Helen, touching the little fingers.
Gray Feather grunted response.
What do you call him? Strong
Arm, like his big father?"
"No-my man no want papoose
called Strong Arm; so We name him
for big, kind man who save my mans
life one day. Indian love white broth
er, Dan Summer, name papoose-Dan
Summertime--hea always smile like big
white brother-so!
You send away white brother?'
asked Gray Feather softly.
"No-he went because he liked to
dig in horrid old mine better than
he loves met" burst out the girl i'm
petuously.
Indians say there is much gold in
Mizpah mine," said Gray Feather
thoughtfully. Him 80 away-mad?"
"Yes-that isl was angry with
him. IL hate him!"
u hated my man once" said Gray
Feather grayely. Long ago before
he take me for squaw He go away
on hunt; I say, stay he laugh and
say go to wigwam little squaw-to-be;
men must hunt for food My man ne
lose himself on hunt that time-me al
most die for sorrow; then I go and
walk and walk and trail step by step
for three days and nights till at last
l find him, hurt, most dead for thirst.
Me drag him ten miles to home!
You will go after big white brother
and tell him leetle papoose Dan
Summertime send him KEGS goodbye?
she asked bluntly.
"yes, Gray Feather, will take the
kiss to him. cried Helen radiantly.
She leaned over and kissed the un-
winking baby, and then pressed her
lips. on Gray Feathers cheek. i
shall love you always, Gray Feath-
err" she whispered softly, as she
shook the reins and started her pony
into action.
"Good-by, white sister!" waved
Gray Feather as Helen rode away.
Don't forget Dan Summertime
kees!"
And the rosy glow that bathed
Helen's face was not the reflection Of
the sunset.