Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-10-30
Jim not wOrtn aII your care" ne SAND

I'm not worm ali your care" lac SAID
TO her, with poignant glance.
The sun rose clear and warm, and
the fire, the coffee, put new courage
into him as well rs into the others
and while the morning was yet early
and the forest chill and damp with
rain, the surveyor brought up the
horses and started packing the outfit
In this Berrie again took part, doing
her half of the work quite as dextrous-
ly as Nash himself. Indeed, the for.
/ ester was noticeably confused and not
quite up to his usual level of adroit
ease.
At last both packs were on, and as
they stood together for a moment Nash
said: "This has been great experience
one | shall remember as long as |
live"
She stirred uneasily under his frank
admiration. I'm nightly obliged to
you" she replied. rs heartily us she
could command.
Don't thank me, I'm indebted To
you. There is so little in my life of
such companionship as you and Nor
cross give me-"
He helped Norcross mount his horse,
and as he put the lead rope into Ber
! rle's hand he said with much feeling:
Good luck to you. shall remember
this night all the rest Of my life, Miss
Perrie."
II hate to be going TO the rear" call
ed Wayland, whose bare, bandaged
head made him look like q wounded
young officer. But | guess it's better
for me to lay off week or two and
recover my tone"
And so they parted, the surveyor rid
ing his determined way up the naked
mountain side toward the clouds, while
Berrie and her ward plunged at once
into the dark and dripping forest be-
low. 'If you can stand the grief" she
said, "we'll so clear through"
Her caution was all for him. She
tried each dangerous slough first and
thus was able to advise him which
way was safest. His head throbbed
with pain and his knees were weary,
but he rode ON.
At last they came into open ground
on high ridge and were gladdened by
the valley outspread below them, for
1t was still radiant with color, though
not as brilliant as before the rain.
At ] o'clock on the bank of a clear
stream the girl halted II reckon we'd
better camp awhile. You look tired,
and am hungry"
She unsadded one pack animal and
spread some blankets Jon the grass.
lie down and rest while | boil some
coffee" she commanded, and he obey.
ed, too tired to make pretension toward
assisting.
Lying so, feeling the magic of the
sun. hearing the music of the water
and watching the girl he regained
serener mood, and when she came
back with his food he thanked her for
1t with a glance before which her eyes
fell. Il don't see why you are 80 kind
to me. | really believe you like to do
things for me-" Her head dropped TO
hide her face, and he went on: "Why
do you care for me2 Tell mew
81 don't know" she murmured. Then
she added, with flash Of bravery.
But do"
what mystery It all IS. You turn
from a splendid fellow like Landon to
a skate like me. Landon worships
you-you know that-don't your"
y know-he"- she ended, vaguely
distressed.
did he ask you to marry him?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you? He's just the
mate for you. He's man of high
character and education" She made
no answer to this. and he went on:
Dear girl. I'm not worth your care
truly, I'm not. | resented your en-
gagement to Belden, for he was
brute, but Landon is different. He
thinks the world Of you. He'll 60 high
In the service. I've never done any.
thing In the world-I never shall. It
Will be better for you II go-tomor.
row."
She took his hand and pressed II to
her cheek, then, putting her arm about
his neck, drew him to her bosom and
kissed him passionately. "You break
my heart when You talk like that" she |
protested, with tears. "YOu mustn't |
say such gloomy things-I won't LET |
you give up. You shall come right !
home with me. and / will nurse YOU
I'LL you are we'll II was all my fault"
Il will not have It go that way" he |
said. I've brought you only care and
onhapplness thus far I'm an allen
my ways are not your ways"
II can change" she answered. "I
nate my ways, and | like yours"
As they argued she felt no shame
and he voiced no resentment. She
Knew his mood. She understood his
doubt his depression. SHE pleaded MS
man might have done, ready to
prove her love, eager to restore his
SER respect while he remained both