Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-10-16

~ "1e@e' =
She Found Herself Confronted by an
Endless Maze Of 5laekened Tree
Trunks.
but you are marvellous. thought
cowglrls couldn't walk"
Il can do anything when have to-"
she replied. We've got three hours
more OF it," And she warningIy ex.
claimed, Look back thereI''
They had reached point from which
the range could be seen. and, behold,
It was covered deep with a seamless
robe Of new snow.
That's why dad didn't get back last
night. He's probably waIlowing along
up there this minute" And she set of
again with resolute stride. Wayland's
pale face and laDored breath alarmed
her. She was filed with love and
pity, but she pressed forward desper-
ately.
AT last they came to the valley ioor,
over which devastating fire bad run
some years before and which was still
covered with fallen trees In desolate
confusion. Here the girl made her first
mistake. She kept on toward the nv.
er, although Wayland called attention
to trail ieoding to the right up over
the low grassy bills For mile the
path was clear. but she soon found
herself confronted by an endless maze
OF blackened tree trunks. and at last
the path ended abruptly.
Dismayed and halting. she said;
We've got to go back to that trail
which branched of to the right. |
reckon that was the highland trail
which Settle made to keep out Of the
swamp | thought it was a trail from
Cameron peak. but it wasn't Back
we 60"
She was suffering keenly now. not
on her own account, but on his, for
she could see that be was very tired
and to climb up that hill again was
like Furnishing him second time.
When she picked up the blazed trail
II was so dark that she could scarcely
follow 1t, but she felt her way onward.
turning often to be sure that he was
Following. Once she saw him fall and
cried out: IT'S a shame to make you
climb this hill again. It's all my fault
ought to have known that that lower
road led down into the timber"
Standing close beside him in the
darkness. knowing that he was weary.
wet and I'll. she permitted herself the
expression Of her love and pity. Put
ting her arm about him, she drew his
cheek against her own. saying: "Pool
boy Your hands are cold as Ice
She took them in her own warm CLASH
"Oh, | wish we had never left the
camp! What does 1t matter what peo.
pie say?" Then she broke down and
walled. Il shall never forgive myself
II you Her voice failed her.
He bravely reassured her: 'Vm not
defeated. I'm Just tired. That's all
/ can go on"
But you are shaking"
That is merely a nervous chill. I'm
good for another hour. It's better &c
keep moving anyhow"
She thrust her hand under his coat
and laid It over his heart. you are
tired out" she said. and there was
anguish In her voice. your heart Is
pounding terribly. You mustn't do
any more climbing. And. bark. there's
a wolf.'
he listened. Il hear him. but we are
both armed. There's no danger from
Wild animals"
Come" she said. instantly recover.
ing her natural resolution. I'VE can,
stand here. The station can't be far
away. We must 20 on"
CHAPTER TX.
The Other Girl.
THE girls voice stirred tho ha
numbed youth into action arain
and he followed her mechan.
ically. often stumbling against
the trees. slipping and sliding. TN m |
las' his guide, pitching down a sharp |
slope. came directly upon wire fence |
glory be!' she called. Herr h n !
fence and the cabin should be near
although see no light. Hello! Topyr' |
NO voice replied, and, keeping WAY. |
lands hand. she felt her way along |
the fence till 1t revealed gate: tben |
she turned toward the roaring OF tha
stream. which grew louder as thew adj |
vaneed. The cabin Is near the fails |
that much know" she assured him |
rnen moment later she joyfully Grief |
out Here Il isF'
Out OF the darkness a blacker. sharp.
er shadow rose Again she called bn,
no one answered. The ranger n
away" she exclaimed. In voice OF in. |