The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-01-05
GRAY FEATHER
By GLADYS GORDON.


Over to the westward lay the ser
rated ranges of the Sweetwater noun
tains. In the foreground was green
and fertile valley through which trick
led a silver stream.
Helen Madison, sitting on her
sturdy little pony. climbed to the top
of Eagle hill and looked down into
the valley looked across the valley.
looked everywhere save into the face
of the strong, brown young man who
was waiting for her to speak.
Helen" he said at last. and his
voice was stern.
"Yes?" She turned a cold face to
his. There was no fire in her dark
eyes. no love-nothing. Save, per-
haps, disdain and indifference.
You have not forgiven me?' he
asked slowly.
There is nothing to forgive You
are free to choose your own way-l
gave back your freedom last night"
Il know did not believe that you
would throw me over just because
wanted to make this venture with
Dick man; have invested every penny
in that abandoned mine. but l have
faith in its development. though II
is a hazardous undertaking in more
ways than one"
Il was satisfied to marry you and
, settle down on the ranch with you.
said Helen obstinately. How could
she expla in to Dan Summer that her
! hurt lay in the fact that he was will
ing to postpone their wedding In
order to speculate in the old Mizpah
mine in the hope of getting a fortune
out of it? Dan would never know
why she had refused to- countenance
! his going-ncr why they had quar-
, relied
| Il know--dear. l know" he said
smiling tenderly at her averted face
But | have made the venture-tht
die is cast-yet YOU will not forgive
me. you will not waltz"
1t is too late, she said.
Then. it is goodbye"
1T is good-by.'
She did not turn her head as h,
rode down the hill When he hat
disappeared from Wow she shook he
shoulders and breathcl deeply. "Oh
it's good to be Free! she cried, de
voutly.
Pretty lady so gla6-heap cry.
said dry voice at her elbow.
Helen turned quickly ard saw thu
squatty form of demu"c little In
dian squaw astride a ragged pony.
You frightened met she crie'
with an unsteady laugh.
How, Gray Feather?"
How" saluted Gray Feather sol
EMMY.
"Oh, you have papoose with you
Do let me see him!" cried Heller
touching the bundle on Gray Featf
er's back.
Gray Feather swung the cradl
around to her arms and uncovere
the sleeping face of the dark-skinne
Indian baby. Him grand papoose,
she smiled fondly.
"Have you named him YETI" aske
Helen. touching the little fingers.
Gray Feather grunted response.
What do you call him? Stror
Arm. like his big father"
]. "No-my man no want papoos
called Strong Arm; so we name hi
for big, kind man who save my man
life one day. Indian love white brot
er. Dan Summer, name papoose-Da
Summertime-he always smile like b
white brother-so!
You send away white brother
asked Gray Feather softly.
''No-he went because he liked
dig in horrid old mine better tina
he loves mel" burst out the girl In
petuously.
Indians say there is much gold
Mizpah mine," said Gray Feath,
thoughtfully. Him go away-mad'
"Yes-that isl was angry wit
him. IL hate HIM"
II hated my man once" said Gre
Feather gravely. Long ago bofo
he take me for squaw He go ava
on hunt; say, stay he laugh ar
! say go to wigwam little squaw-to-b,
men must hunt for food My man
lose himself on hunt that time-me &
most die for sorrow; then | go al
walk and walk and trail step by ste
for three days and nights till at la
find him. hurt, most dead for thirs
Me drag him ten miles to hom'
You will go after big white broth
) and tell him leetle papoose d;
Summertime send him KEGS good-by
she asked bluntly.
Eyes, Gray Feather. I will take Il
), kiss to him." cried Helen radiant
She leaned over and kissed the u
;, winking baby, and then pressed h
y lips on Gray Feathers cheek.
!, shall love you always, Gray Feat
. err" she whispered softly, as 81
:. shook the reins and started her pol
into action.
"Good-by. white sister," wav,
Gray Feather as Helen rode ava
Don't forget Dan Summertin
kees!"
: And the rosy glow that bath
: Helen's face was not the reflection
the sunset.