The Colorado statesman., 1915-07-10

dwelling upon John Dunston's hand
some eyes, his well-knit form and his
rather grim young face.
| "Of all the idiots" Isabel's eyes
flashed at her own weakness. What
does it matter who he is-it cannot pos
sibly interest me- am going to marry
Freddy Moore-I've quite decided to
answer his letter this evening. Let
me see, honeymoon yachting in the
West Indies. How l shall adore it
and Freddy is perfect deari"
A vision of Mr.. Freddy Moore,
plump, fair, pink-cheeked and blue
eyed. painting breathlessly in her
wake as she explored the unknown
delights of foreign countries. had
rather dampening effect on Isabels
enthusiasm. She frowned and picked
up book.
| Noon came and went. The dainty
lunch was disposed of. The book was
nearly finished. She closed her eyes
and fell asleep. Almost Immediately
she awoke to the low rumble of thun-
der The sky had darkened and from
the northwest black clouds had piled
air was heavy with portent of the COM
ing storm and birds flew to cover, ut
tering sharp. uneasy cries.
Isabel sprang to the ground and
pushed back the locks from her hot
cheeks. What should she do? There
was no shelter on the island and she
was afraid of thunderstorms.
Where was Dunston? He might
| have been miles away with her father
and, although recognizing the ap.
preaching storm, he might not have
| time to reach the island
She felt vague resentment that he
had not remembered her there alone
on the island. Not the displeasure of
the mistress for a neglectful servant,
but woman's jealousy because she
| had been forgotten by one whose re-
| gard she valued.
There was flash of lightning, and
then another long roll of thunder.
| With her hands on her quivering
throat, Isabel looked down and saw
Dunston's form on the little landing
He was bending over the canoe. His
head was bare and his white shirt was
wet with perspiration. He had evil
IDENTIFY hurried to rescue her. and yet
he seemed to be in no great haste now
And the storm was almost ready to
burst over their heads.
Suddenly he turned and came up the
path.
"Oh, Dunston," she quavered, do
you think it's going to be a very bad
Storm"
ooh, no, Miss Ortiz" he said cheer
fully, although his eyes evaded hers
1--WE saw it coming up and so l came
after you. The wind is east and the
storm is shifting to the southwest. See,
it is quite clear overhead now"
ut is" agreed Isabel. Then, with
change of tone, she said. timidly:
1T was very good of you to race over
here after me. II thought you had
forgotten me. Mr.. Dunston."
| He Redeemed 1t was the first time
she had ever called him that. The
golden sparks came into his eyes as
they fell on her lovely flushed face,
with its new look of shyness that was
| quite adorable.
| grimly. Il wish to heaven l could"
There was a long, palpitating 81
lence.
| Isabel's proud head dropped before
his bold gaze
81 hope you-you never will, Mr.
Dunston," she whispered.
He sprang to her side. Just what
do you mean by that?" he demanded
fiercely.
Isabel lifted her eyes for an instant
| before the thick lashes yelled them.
Duuston regarded her dizzily, his
hands clenched.
do you remember that l am only
| guide?" he asked sharply.
She nodded. You are a man-such
as have never known before"
You know nothing about me-you
| Isabel, l love you. Will you marry
me?"
Again she nodded.
unknown as | am?"
yes" she whispered.
81 have a confession to make" he
murmured when his arms had enfold-
ed her yielding form. 1.-TWO years ago
/ came to the woods dying from con-
| sumption. 1 lived like primitive man
in the open, earning my own living
and have earned my life and splendid
health. Now l am going back to my
| family and friends-oh, l am not a
nonentity, darling. l belong to the
Philadelphia Dunstons and my father
is Seth Dunston of the Iron Works."
81 don't care about that-it's you
l love!" protested Isabel.
And another confession" he whis-
pered. Il arrived at the island while
| you were asleep in the hammock and
l could not resist kissing you! | was
going to tell you and take my dis
charge, for it was a cowardly thing