The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1915-08-05

for-for US both"
Il know what you mean. saw
Cliff follow you. He jumped you.
didn't he?'
He overlook me, yes"
What did he say?''
He hesitated He was pretty hot
and said things he'll be sorry for when
he cools off,
He told you not to come here any
more-advised you to hit the outgoing
trail-didn't hep
He flushed with returning shame of
it all. but quietly answered. "Yes. he
said something about riding east"
Are you going to do it,"
Not today. but ] guess I'd better
keep away from here"
She looked at him steadily "WhyY
Because you've been very kind to
me. and | wouldn't for the world do
anything to hurt or embarrass YOU"
Don't you mind about me-" she re-
sponded bluntly. what happened this
morning wasn't your fault nor mine
Come; father will be looking for you"
With a feeling that he was involving
both the girl and himself in still dark
er storms. the young fellow yielded to
her command. and together they walk
cd along the weed bordered path, while
she continued:
This isn't the first time Cliff has
started in to discipline Inc. but it's
obliged to be the last He's the kind
that think they own a girl just us soon
as they get her to wear an engagement
ring. But Cliff don't own me. told
him | wouldn't stand for his coarse
ways. and won't!'
Wayland tried to bring her back to
humor. You're kind OF new wo
man."
She turned stern look on him.
You bet | am! | was raised free
| citizen. No man can make a slave of
me. | thought he understood that. but
| it. seems lie didn't. He's all right in
many ways-one of the best riders in
the eountry-but he's pretty tolerable
domineering."
Mrs. McFarlane greeted Norcross
with cordial word and earnest hand
clasp I'm glad to see you looking SO
WELL" she said, with charming SINGER
ity.
I'm browDer anyway" he answered,
and turned to meet McFarlane.
short. black bearded man with fine
dark eyes and shapely hands-hands
that had never done anything more
i toilsome than to lift a bride rein or to
clutch the handle of gun. He was
the horseman in all his training. and,
though he owned hundreds of acres Of
land, he had never 50 much as held a
plow or piled spade. His manner
was that Of the COW boss. the lord Of
great herds. the claimant of empires
Of government grass land Poor as his
house looked. be was in reality rich.
Narrow minded in respect to his own
interests, he was well in advance Of
his neighbors on matters relating to
the general welfare. a curious mixture
Of greed and generosity. as most men
are. and. though he had been made
supervisor at time when political
| pull still crippled the service. he was
loyal to the flag I'm mighty glad to
see you," he heartily began. I'VE don't
often get man from the sea level,
and when we do we squeeze him dry
His voice. low. languld and soft, was
most insnuating. and for hours be
kept his guest talking Of the east and
its industries and prejudices. and Ber
rie and her mother listened with deeI
admiration, for the youngster had seen
a good deal of the old world and was
unusually well read on historical lines
of inquiry. He talked well, too, in
spired by his attentive audience.
Berries eyes. wide and eager. were
fixed upon him unwaveringly. He fell
her wonder. her admiration, and was
inspired to do his best. Something II
her absorbed attention led him to speai
of things so personal that he wonder
ed at himself for uttering them.
.I've been dilettante all my llfe,'
was one of his confessions. "I'ye trav
eIed; I've studied IN n tepid sort q
fashion: went through college with
out any idea of doing anything will
what l got; | had a sort Of pride il
keeping up with my fellows, and hat
no idea Of preparing for any work Il
the world Then came my breakdown
and my doctor ordered me out here.
came Intending to fish and loaf around
but can't do that I've got to d
something or go back home"
At last Mrs. McFarlane rose an
Berea, reluctantly, like child loath
miss fairy story, beld out her ham
to say good night, and the young ma
saw on her face that look Of adoratio
which marks the birth of sudden love
but his voice was frank and his glanc
kindly as he said:
Here I've done all the talking whe
wanted you to tell me all sorts 9
things"
Il can't tell you anything"
"Oh. yes. you can; and. besides,
want you to intercede for me with yor
father and get me into the service
But we'll talk about that tomorrow
Good night"
After the women left the room No
h cross said:
o Il really am in earnest about ente
Ing the forest service. I.andon fills
l. me with enthusiasm about 1t. New,
n mind the pay. I'm not In immedia
] need of money. but do need an inte
est in life
McFarlane stared at him with kind
4 perplexity. 81 don't know exact
le what yon can do. but I'll work you
III soulel,oU You ouyht TO work under