Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1915-11-04

hurt She laughed as she said this
for her use of the vernacular was con
scious I'm fraud. Your father viii
spot my brand first shot Look az my
face-red as a saddler'
Don't let that trouble you. This IS
the time OF year when tan is fashion
able. Don't you be afraid of the gov
ernor. Just smile at him. give him
your grip. and he'll melt"
I'm the one to melt I'm beginning
now"
Notwithstanding his confident advice
Wayland led the two silent and in
wardly dismayed women into the
snowy cafe of the hotel with some de-
gree Of personal apprehension concern
ing the approaching interview with his
! father. OF course he did not permit
this to appear in the slightest degree.
IL pleased him TO observe the admir-
! ing glances which were turned upon
Berrie, whose hat became her might
ly, and, leaning over, he said in a low
voice to Mrs. McFarlane: "Who is the
lovely young lady opposite? Won't you
introduce me-
This little play being over. he said
Now. while our order is coming I'll
run out 10 the desk and see II the gov
ernor has come in or not"
Wayland returned with an increase
of tension in his face.
He's here. I've sent word saying
4 am unching in the cafe with ladies'
/ think he'll come round. But don't
be afraid OF him. He's a good deal
rougher on the outside than he Is az
heart. OF course he's Il bluff old bust
ness man and not AT all pretty. and
he'll transfix you with kind OF esti-
mating glare rs If you were tree,
but he's actually very easy to manage
If you know how TO handle him. Now.
I'm not going TO try TO explain every
thing TO him at the beginning. I'm
going to Introduce him TO you in a
casual kind of way and give him time
TO take 10 you both. He forms his
likes and dislikes very quickly"
What if he doesn't like us?" in
quired Berric. with troubled brow.
He can't help it" His tone was so
positive that her eyes msted with hap
piness. But here comes our food.
hope YOU aren't too nervous 10 eat.
Here is where shine as provider
This is the kind of camp fare can
recommend"
Berries healthy appetite rose above
her apprehension. and she ate with the
keen enjoyment of a child. and her
mother said. 1T surely is a treat TO
get a chance at somebody elses cook
ing"
Don't you SANDER your home fare"
warned Wayland. ITS as good as
this. only different"
He sat where he could watch the
door. and despite his iocund pose his
eyes expressed growing impatience
and some anxiety. They were all well
into their dessert before he called out.
"Here he isl''
Mrs. McFarlane could not see the
newcomer from where she sat, but
Berrie rose in great excitement as a
heavy set. full faced man with short |
gray mustache and high, smooth brow /
entered the room. lie did not smile as |
he greeted his son, and his penetrating |
glance questioned even before he |
spoke He seemed to silently ask.
We'll, what's all this? How do you
happen to be here? Who are these
women?"
Wayland said: Mrs McFarlane, this
is my father. Father this is Miss
Berea McFarlane of Bear Tooth
Springs"
The elder Norcross shook hands with
Mrs. McFarlane politely, coldly. but he
betrayed surprise as Berea took his
ingers in her grip. At his sons solici
alton he accepted seat opposite
Berea. but refused dessert.
Wayland explained: Mrs. McFar
ane and her daughter quite saved my
life over in the valley Their ranch is
he best health resort in Colorado"
Your complexion indicates that
lis father responded dryly. You look
the way man Of your ace
'ught 10 look. | needn't ask how you
re feeling"
You needn't. but YOU may. I'm feel.
ng like new fiddle. barring, "A bruise
{ the back Of my head. which makes II
'hard hat burden. ! may as well
ell YOU first of that Mrs. McFarlane I
5 the wife Of the forest supervisor M
scar Tooth, and Miss Berea is the able
ssistant of her father We are all
ank conservationists"
NOrrrOss Sopior ovou,fnod uo,,.,. -.
isely as if his eyes were couple OF
ray tubes, and as she flushed under
Is slow scrutiny ne said, II was not
Expecting TO find the forest service I'm
uch hands"
Wayland laughed.
II hope you didn't mash his fingers.
erie"
She smiled guiltily. I'm afraid /
id. | hope | didn't hurt you-some- !
mes | forget
Norcross senior was waking up you
ave a most extraordinary grip. What :
Id it-piano practicef"
Wayland grinned. "Pianol No-the J.
nch."
The whatYr =
Wayland explained. Miss McFar- :,
ne was brought up on a ranch. She :
In rope and tie a steer, saddle her ),
vn horse, pack an outfit and all the
ST OF it."
"Ohl Kind Of cowgirl, ehY' =
Mrs. McFarlane. eager to put Ber- ;,
e's better part forward. explained: n
Shes our only child. Mr. Norcross. :.