Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1915-11-10

are stunningw -r ,na
II don't know myself" responded
Berrie' 1.-The only thing that feels nat
ural is my hand. They cinched me so
tight can't eat thing, and my shoes
hurt" She laughed as she said this,
for her use of the vernacular was con-
scious. I'm fraud. Your father will
spot my brand first shot. Look at my
facc-red as a saddle!'
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"
Notwithsta nding 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. or course he did not permit
this to appear in the slightest degree.
1t pleased him to observe the admir-
ing chances which were turned upon
Berrie. whose hat became her might
ly, and. leaning over, he said in 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 III
run out to the desk and see II the gov
ornor hoe rome in Or nOf
Wayland returned with an increase
Of tension in his face.
Hes here! I've sent word saying
4 am lunching in the cafe with ladies. '
l think he'll come round. But don't
be afraid Of him. He's good deal
rougher on the outside than he Is at
heart. OF course he's bluff old bust
ness man and not at all pretty, and
he'll transfix you with kind of esti'
mating glare as if you were a tree,
but he's actually very easy to manage
il you, know how to handle him. Now,
Pm not going to try to explain every
thing to him ut the beginning. I'm
going to introduce him to you in a
casual kind Of way and give him time
to take to you both. He forms his
likes and dislikes very quickly" :
"What If he doesn't like us?" in
CURED Berrie, with troubled brow.
Z HE can't help It." His tone was SO
positive that her eyes misted with hap
piness. "But here comes our food. /
hope you aren't too nervous to eat.
Here is where shine as provider.
This Is the kind Of camp fare I can
recommend"
Berries healthy appetite rose above
her apprehension, and she ate with the
keen enjoyment of child. and her
mother said, sit surely is q treat to
get a chance at somebody else's 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 jocund pose his
eyes expressed grow ling Impotence
and some anxiety. They were all well
into their dessert before he called out.
"Here he is"'
Mrs. McFarlane could not see the
newcomer from where she sat, but
Berrie rose in great excitement as
heavy set, full faced man with short,
gray mustache and high, smooth brow
entered the room. He did not smile as
he greeted his son, and his penetrating
glance questioned even before he
spoke. He seemed to silently ask:
"Well, 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
fingers in her grip. At his sons solici.
tation he accepted a seat opposite
Berea, but refused dessert
Wayland explained: Mrs. McFar-
lane and her daughter quite saved my
life over in the valley. Their ranch is
the best health resort in Colorado"
"Your complexion indicates that"
his father responded dryly. You look
something the way man of your age
ought to look. l needn't ask how you
are feeling"
"You needn't, but you may. I'm feel
ing like a new fiddle, barring bruise
at the back of my head, which makes
a hard hat a burden. may rs well
tell you first off that Mrs. McFarlane
is the wife Of the forest supervisor at
Bear Tooth, and Miss Berea is the able
assistant of her father. We are all
rank conservationists."
Norcross senior examined Berrie pre-
cisely as If his eyes were couple OF
x ray tubes, and as she flushed under
his slow scrutiny he said. Il was not
expecting to find the forest service in
such hands,
Wayland laughed.
II hope you didn't mash his fingers.
Berrie"
She smiled guiltily. I'm afraid l
did. 1 hope I didn't hurt you-some-
times I forget"
4,urCrOss senior was waking up. You
have most extraordinary grip. What
did it-piano practice?''
Wayland grinned. "Piano! No-the
c1nch."