The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1915-08-27

cook was puzzled-the entire population
appeared to be wandering about the town
peering into corners. He was becoming
worried, too. Mary Lou was very young
almost too young for him, Dave thought.
She came from different section Of the
country and mayhap such pranks were
entirely new to her. She might be worried;
she might be frightened. At the thought
Dave got to his feet and sought Uncle
Henry There were three men with him.
"Boys," the cook began, gravely, "this
thing has gone far enough. I want my
wife,
2 shore wish we could give her to you,
Dave" the boss answered in a troubled
voice
What do you mean, Uncle Henery1"
Mary LOUIS done disappeared, Dave.
Don't look at me that way, Dave. She was
with Miz Bill an Molly, an now
"You mean you CANT find herr"
That's it, " Reb told him sorrowfully.
Boys" Dave said, "Uncle Henery--if
hair Of Mary LOUIS head comes to harm,
I'll kill the men that done this" And they
saw that he meant it.
They separated in pairs and hunted the
town, from Judge Bill garnet to the saddle
shed back of Terryberry's. They did not
find Mary Lou. Somebody blamed Absher
for the entire incident, and Lee became
morose and venomously quiet, consumed
by cold wrath peculiar to him.
"Say, Uncle Henery, come quickly
Bobby painted, rushing up to the boss and
Dave In front Of the store. "There'n be
shooting in minute"
Dave reached the saloon at run. There
was not trace of anger or resentment in his
manner; only intense concern and big
patience. Two men held the floor alone, in
a silence that was electric Back of tables
near the dim rear exit clustered the crowd.
Say that again, Reb9" Absher said in a
casual tone.
Boys" Dave urged, breaking between
them, you've done me bad enough, so you
ought to listen. Don't let's have any row
over this. If anybody got hurt, Mary
Mary Lou-it would pretty near break her
heart, | reckon. She never liked
That's all right, Dave. Here, Lee;
shake.
Hi, you-all," Uncle Henry cut in.
who's boss here? You boys rustic round
now an find her. Hear me2n
Uncle Henry was regal in his rage. The
gathering dispersed and dozen got to
horse to scour the country. The cook and
the boss walked out beyond the town,
stopping at intervals to cry her name.
Mary Lou! Mary Lou.'
There was no answer. II
"It's no use, Dave. Let's 90 back"
No, the cook said, doggedly. I'm
a-going to find her. I'm a-going to find my
girl
They plodded along in wordIess gloom.
Near a elunp of mesquite, Dave halted.
He laid his hand on Uncle Henry's shoulder
and the boss could feel the fingers tighten
convulsively.
She's somewhere near, said Dave, in
whisper. She's somewhere near"
How do you know, Dave?"
Know " he cried. Man, I kin feel it
/. Mary Lou! Mary Lou!''
A slight figure emerged phantor1-like
from the rim Of dark and ran to him. Dave
swept her into his arms, so that Uncle
Henry failed TO catch her exclamation. AS
by magic, Doghole appeared, peopling the
night, ringing the couple in expectant
groups.
" reckon Reb began, with a
cough.
So do l." said Lee.
The populace fitted into the shadows,
leaving them alone together.
Mary Lou, where've you been7" he
questioned into her hair
y got scared an I ran away" was the
faint reply.
You were scared of me2 I done scared
You, Mary Lou7"
mo. No, Stree, you didn't. / ran
away from Miz Bill, an I've been looking
for you, Dave, everywhere. I thought sure
you'd find me. thought /"
What did you think"
Il reckoned you'd just naturally find
your way to where was"
Mary Lou"
She told him that she had sat down On
sandhin to await his coming, and when the
sun glare died, had fallen asleep. Now she
was very, very hungry. It was so Ike 4
child, her simple faith in his ability to find
her, that the cook choked.
An you done hunted for me" be re-
peated, in sort of wonder. You done
hunted for me, an thought you had shore
run of. You wanted me to find you my
self9"
"Of course, Dave. ] knew you would"
He tilted her chin and looked at her
graveIy
Mary Lou" he said. /" reckon this Is
worth It. Now, let's eat.