The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-11-02
tConsinuedy

hat than am lahOma signed. They mounted. but as they rode for Tard WiIfred's horse Jagged more and nore
 sIt's slow satling.'' Wilfred remark d. ssbut it will give us a chance to ak. By the way, do you feel ready br supper?" From his overcoat pock t he drew forth the sandwiches.
 After they had eaten and the remain Ag sandwiches had been carefully stow sd away in Wilfred's S capacious pocket hey pressed forward with renewed energy on the part of all save Will re@s horse. By dint of constant urg- ng it was kept going faster than a walk, though it was obsessed by consuming desire to lie down. In or Ter to keep Lahoma's mind from Ewelling on their difficulties and on Bricks peril the young man maintain ld conversation at high pressure, ably Ieconded by his companion. who was anxious to show herself undaunted.
 During my long winters on my quarter section, nobody in sight-just the prairie and mel studied out a good many things, just thinking about Oklahoma and-and''-
 L:lhoma said softly, tI knew there vas something else you thought about" sfYes.'' exclaimed Wilfred, thrilled. FY Yes-there was something elser'
 "A little girl I guess ; murmured Laholna gently, With touch of com passion in her tone.
 You've guessed it. Lahoma-yes. the learest little girl in the. world.
 ttI wish She could have cared for you. that way-slike your voice sounds murmured Lahoma.
 Maybe she can WiIfred's voice grew hrmer. s.Yes-she must!''
 Have you found gold mine?''
 What are you talking about, Laho- ma? What has a gold mine to do with it?''
 Because nothing else goes,'' return ed Lahoma deeisively. You might get single statehood for Oklahoma and write the constitution yourself and be elected governor, but you'd look just the same to- Annabel, unless you had a gold mine.''
 Wilfred gave a jerk at his bridle- ''Who's talking about Annabel?'' he cried rather shArply. He had forgot ten that there was an Annabel.
 Everybody is'' returned Lahoma somewhat sharply on her own account. everybody is, or ought to .bev'
 q am not retorted Wilfred, spring ing to the ground just in time-for his horse, on being checked had promptly lain down.
 Then that's, what you getr' remark ed Lahoma severely, staring down at the dark blur on the trail which her imagination correctly interpreted as the horse stretched out on its side.
 The wind increased in fury. For tunately it was at their back Wilfred pressed forward on foot, leading Laho- mas horse, and, partly on account of their unequal position, partly because of awkward reserve, no more was said for long time. She bent forward to shelter her face from the sfinging blast while he trod firmly and methodically on and on. braced slightly backward against the wind, which was like a hand pushing him forward.
 The prospect of a snowstorm in the bleak lands of the Kiowa appalled, him. but even while facing that possibility his mind was busy with Lahoma's s at titude toward himself. Evidently it had never occurred to her that Anna bel had vanished from his fancy years ago. now that she knew, she was dis. pleased-most unreasonably so, he thought. Lahoma did not approve of
 
 remain passively under her yoke? Un- consciously his form stiffened in pro test as he trudged forward. The wind, so far from showing signs of abate- ment, slightly increased, no longer with. intervals of pause. The sleet changed rapidly first to snow, sther to rain-then hail, snow and rain alter mated. or descended simultaneously, always driven with cruel force by the relentless wind.
 At last I.ahoma shouted. ssIt's a regu- lar northeT! How're you getting along. Wflfred?"
 Despite their discomfort, his heart leaped at this unexpected note of com radeship. Had she already forgiven him for not loving Annabel? "Oh, La homari he cried with sudden tender ness, "what will become of you?''
 She returned gravely: What will be come of Brick? Northers are bad, but not so bad as some men, Red Kimban, for instance A terrific blast shook shoulders as if to snatch it away. Don't you wish the Indians built their villages closer to the trail? Ugh. Hadn't we better bulrow a storm eel lar in the sand? feel awfully high up in the air.
 Poor Lahomai''
 Believe I'll walk with you, Wilfred. Pm turning to lady icic1e.''
 "Do. know it would warm you up "a 1ittle'' His teeth showed an in clination, to chatter. esComeI I'll help you dowh. Can you find my arm?'' <1
 At that moment the horse gave a vio- lent lunge, then came to a standstill, Quivering and snorting with fright. Wilfred's groping arm found the sad dle empty.
 ''I didn't have to climb down. an nounced her uncertain voice from a distance. It came seemingly from the level of the plain.
 You've fallen-you are hurtr' he ex- claimed But he could not go to her, because the horse refused to budge from the spot, and he dared not loosen