The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1915-11-18
fearfullv nj RrIck

"
when they were a few yards from
the trees Tahoma whispered: Make
for the other side Of Turtle hill.
want 10 feel grown up when do my
strolllng. but I'm nothing but little
barefooted kid when Brick and Bin are
looking at mer'
Hidden by the shoulder Of the gran
tie hill island, she stopped. withdrew
her hand and stood very straight as
the said with GREATNESS eagerness.
ANSWER me quick! Wilfrcd. amt I
old enough TO he sweetheart
"oh, Lahoma." he protested warmly.
"plcase don't think OF Il. Don't be
anybody's until-until l say the word.
You couldn't understand such matters,
dear: you wouldn't know the-the prop
er time. I'll tell you when the time
comes"
She looked at him keenly. Am to
walt for time or for person2
wish you'd never met that girl back
east. | think you'd have filed the bill
for me because. having always lived
here In the mountains, I've not learn
ed TO be particular. Not but what I've
seen lots of trappcrs and squa,tcrs In
my day, but I never wanted TO stroll
with them. don't see why that east
ern girl ever turned you loose from her
trap. I think n mans n very wonder
full thing. especially a young man
don't you, Wilfredr
mot half so wonderful as you. La
homa." His voice vibrated with sud
den intensity.
"Heyr' shouted Bill Atkins as he
and Brick came around the angle Of
the hill. iii. there! You may call
that strolling. but II so its because you
don't know its true name, II you ask
met
wilfred came to himself with a sharp
indrawing Of his breath Yes" he
stammercd. somewhat dizzily-"yes, l
Il must be going now"
She held his hand beseechingly. But
you'll come again. won't you? When
hold your hand It's like grabbing at
a bit of the big world"
"No. Lahoma. I'm not coming again"
His look was long and steady. show
ing sudden purpose which concealed
regret beneath frank smile Of liking
She still held his hand, her brown
eyes large with entreaty. you will
come again, wilfred! You must come
again! Don't mind Bill. Ill have a
talk with him after you're gone"
"Of course he'll come. honey" said
Brick. melted by the tears that sound
ed In her voice. HE won't get huffy
over n foolish old codger like Bill At
kins. OF course he'll come again and
tell you about street cars and lamp
posts. Let him go-he1l come back
tomorrow | know"
Wilfred turned to Brick and looked
into his eyes rs he slowly released Ia
homa's hand.
"Ohr' said Brick, considerably dis
concerted. NO, l reckon he won't
be busy the rest OF the summer. Well,
son. put 'er there-shake! | like you
fine, just fine, and as you cant come
here To see us no more, being so busy
and-and otherwise elsewhere bound
I'm kinder sorry to see you go"
Lahona walked up To Wilfred with
steady eyes. Are you coming back
to see mey'' she asked grayely.
mo. lahoma. At least not for
long. long time. ! don't believe It's
good for me to forget the life I've cho-
sen. even for II happy hour. When ]
left the city 1t was 10 drop out of the
world. Nobody knows what became
of me. not even my brother. You've
brought everything back, AMI that isn't
good for my peace OF mind. and SO
goodby"
Tall and straight lie stood. like a sol
der whose duty II Is to face defeat.
and standing thus he fastened his eyes
upon her face as II to stamp those fea-
lures In last long look upon his heart
"Goodby." said Iahoma This time
she did not hold out her hand Her
face was composed. her voice quiet. II
In her eyes there was the look Of one
who has been rebuffed her pride was
too great to permit a show Of pain.
Go b. Toniinupd.)