The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1915-12-04

months ago, Noreen told me, ana the
old man Was believed 10 be dead. Few
others ever used this cutoff. or had
occasion TO pass this way. and tho
weeds had quickly taken possession. I
was obliged 10 feel for the worn tran,
as II wound here and there along the
slope of the hill. and then finally down
shallow depression toward the river
bank. The horses stepped cautiously.
pressed closely together in the narrow
rut, and the only noise was tho occa.
sional stumble OF a hoof. Thus Wa
came down 10 the shore. My memory
OF the spot was hazy and uncertain.
Have you ever crossed here?"
asked doubtfully. II scarcely remem-
Der where the ford lies"
"Yes," she replied. leaning forward.
with my father year ago."
Wen ride together. but keep your
feet free I'm the stirrups."
Il am not In the least frightened.
Don't worry about me-" and she held
out her hand. you'll not find me
bad soldier"
Il am certain OF that-not II you
are still the same girl played with"
Her hand was in mine. and was not
withdrawn.
'I--hardly think am" she an
swered soberly, little catch In her
voice. IL am not girl at all any
more. but | keep something OF the
same spirit. hope"
have never understood what spell
there was about her to keep me silent.
I had never before lacked audacity.
yet dare not speak the words that
were on my lips. The thought had
taken firm possession OF my mind that
she was the victim OF circumstances;
that she accompanied me merely to
escape from threatened danger. 1
knew l loved her; the touch OF her
hand sent a wild thrill through me.
and my heart throbbed to the memory
that she was actually my wife. hut
dare not permit her 20 even guess the
truth. for 1 felt that she regretted the
weakness OF that moment and would
resent the slightest reference to II.
I released her hand, vsnturing upon
no reply. and we rode down the steeR
bank. The suilen sweep OF the water.
out OF the darkness above. into the
darkness below. and the brooding
silence, lay hold on my nerves. We
drew in under the shadows OF the
wooded bank. pushed our way through
TO the top OF the rise. camo suddenly
to an open space. whore dozen acres
had been cleared. and rode out boldly
across the open field to the Hot
Springs pike. clearly visible beneath
the soft CLEAN OF the stars.
know not how long We rode. or
how far, for my mind had drifted into
review OF the nights adventures.
and n plan for the morrow. We met
with no one. heard no noise except the
steady pounding OF our horses hoofs,
A little later the sky to the east be.
gan to tighten In the promise of dawn.
We climbed a long hill. our horses
slowing 10 the ascent, and by the time
we attained the summit the gray light
revealed our faces, l looked across
at her, and her eyes. uplifted sud
denly 10 mine. smiled.
you are worn out" l said.
I'll am tired" she confessed. T.
. have been two days and nights with
, out sleep. II could only rest for al
, hour"
You shall--all day Icing. We vii
! find place in which to hide dowI
!, there in the valley"
= The road led winding down between
. rocky banks into narrow valley
: hemmed in by great hills. and watereS
/, by a small stream. As we paused Il
: let the thirsty animals drink. the Ia