Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-11-06


His>letters carried him back into his
own world. One was from VIII Halli
day, who was going with Professor
Hoisman. on an exploring trip up the
Nile. "YOu must join us. Holsman
has promised to take you on An
other classmate wrote to know il he
did not want. to go into land deal on
the gulf, Of Mexico. A girl asked
"Are you to be in New York this win
teri | am. I've decided to go into
this suffrage movement And so, one
by one, the threads which bound him
to eastern city life respun their ala
ments. After all, this Colorado out
ing, even though 1t should last two
years, would only be vacation. His
real life was in the cities Of the east
Charming as Berea was, potent as she
seemed, she was, after all, fixed part
Of the mountain land and not to be
taken from 1t. At the moment mar
riage with her appeared absurd.
A knock at his door and the super
vlsors voice gave him a keen shock
"Come i'm he called, springing to bis
feet with a thrill of dread, of alarm.
McFarlAhe entered slowly and shut
the door behind him. His manner was
serious and his voice gravely gentle as
he said, II hope that telegram does
not call you away"
''It is from my father asking me to
meet him; In Denver" answered Nor
cross, with faltering breath. He's on
his way to California. Won't you sit
DOWN.
The older man took seat with
quiet dignity. "Seems like a mighty
fine chance, don't it? I've always
wanted to see the coast. When do you
plan for to pull out?"
81 haven't decided to go at all. I'm
still dazed by the suddenness Of it.
didn't know my father was planning
this trip @.
'I see. Well, before you decide to
go I'd like TO have little talk with
you. My daughter has told me part of
what happened to you on the trail
want to know all Of it. You're young,
but you've been out in the world, and
you know what people can say about
you and my girl" His voice became
level and menacing as he added, And
don't intend TO have her put in wrong
on account of'you.r
NorerOss was quick to reply. mo.
body will dare accuse her or wrong
doing. She's a noble girl. No one viii
Care to critleise her for what she could
not prevent"
"You' don't know the Beldens. My
girls character will be on trial in ev;
cry house In the county tomorrow,
The Belden side of 1t will appear in
the city papers. Sympathy will be with
Clifford "Berrie will be made an issue
by my enemies. They'll get me through
her."
"GoOd Lord" exclaimed Norcross in
sudden realization Of the gravity Of the
ease, "what beasts they arew ''' ~
"Moores gang will seize upon It and
work 1t hard McFarlane went on
with calm inslstence. "rhey want ia
bring the, district forester down on me
This Is Il fine chance to badger me
They will make a great deal Of my
putting you on the roll. Our little
camping trip Is likely to prove a seri-
Gus matter to us ALL"
Surely you don't consider me at
fault" At.s ,"4 ,,-. e.
Worried, as he was, the. father was
Just "No, you're not to blame. No
one is to. blamemi 1t all dates back to
the horses quitting camp. But you've
got TO stand pat now for Berries
,ake." l. .3..Is. ~a-
"But what can do? I'm at your
service. What role shall l play? Tell
me what to do and | will do It," .
McFarlane was staggered, but he an
swered: "Yop can at least stay on the
ground and help fight. This Is no time
TO stampede"
"Youre right. I'll stay, and I'll make
any statement you see fit. I'll do any
thing that will protect Berrie."
McFarlane again looked him square
ly In the ieyes. is there a-an agree.
ment between your
Nothing formal--that Is, mean |
admire her, and told her. He stop.
ped. feeling himself on the verge Of
the lrreyocable "Shes a splendid
GIRL he went on. 81 like her exceed
ingly, but I've known her only a few
weels.'
McI'arlane interrupted. "Girls are
dlghty critters he said sadly, II don't
know why she's taken to you so terri.
bic strong, but she has. She don't
seem to care what people say so long
as they do not blame you. But II you
should pull out you might just as well
cut her heart to pieces His voice
broke, and 1t was q long time before
he could finish, YOU'RE not at fault
| know that-but II you can stay on a
little while and make It an ounce or
two easier for her aud for her mother
wish you'd do It."
Wayland extended his hand impul-
sIvely. "of course III stay. never
really thought OF leaving" In the
grip OF McTarlanes hand was some
thing warm aud tender t.
BerrIe could not be entirely deceived.
She read In her fathers face subtle
,h,.~.. ne tlna ...tt.A .h. eatnta1 IA