Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1915-03-04

determination.
II am glad to meet the famous Mr.
Nelson she said pleasantly as she
studied his face for a moment. I'VE
have heard father speak OF your inven-
tive work so often. He says that you
are wizard with machinery"
Nelson felt his face grow hot All
that he had known OF human affection
was the great love that his mother had
given him and the dumb animal like
devotion of the old convict who had
helped him escape from Sing Sing.
There seemed to be a caress in the linn
pid eyes of this lovely girl before him.
His heart beat wildly within him. The
warm touch Of her hand sent thrill
through his whole being.
'T-I-didn't know that | had become
famous" he managed TO stammer
She realized his bewilderment and
from his eyes caught the confession
that suddenly. swiftly and Unexpected
~ he had met the woman he was to
love.
"Oh. but father knows all about ma
chinery, and he says that you are a
wizard" she laughingly protested, the
color in her cheeks deepening.
The music of Molly's laughter lin
gered in his ears as Nelson followed
his host my boy. Jim, is lawyer"
Mr. Bryan told Nelson. I'VE shall be
busy on some other legal matters be-
fore we can take up the question Of
your next invention. I'll leave you to
the care of Molly. She is a great
walker, and III warrant you that
when she brings you back from tour
of the place you will have splendid
appetite for supper"
Walking at his side. over paths heavy
with fallen leaves, Molly Bryan seemed
to him less of earth than of heaven.
The rustic of the crimson and golden
leaves under their feet drowned the
soft sounds Of her garments. He heard
only her voice. he felt only the appre-
citation of the sanctity OF her presence.
When he dared speak TO her he had
to make an effort TO keep his sonorous
voice from trembling. She felt instinct
lively the effect that her nearness had
upon the quiet, modest companion of
her walk. and Molly Bryan accepted
with n feelin. akin TO awe the tribute
it implied. Not knowing the depth of
his nature and guessing nothing of the
tragedy OF his life. she attributed his
taciturnity TO shyness. She soon found
a way to unloosen his tongue
ut is glorious in the Indian sum
mer,' she said. as they paused to feast
their eyes upon a mingling Of gold and
crimson leaves. but in the spring it is
even more beautiful through all this
country. Before the snow disappears
the trailing arbutus is to he found on
the mountain sides"
The simple pleasures Of the road,
when he had Travelled as a poor tinker
in his fight from the north TO this
haven. had brought him the joyful
knowledge Of growing wild things She
lured him from his silence with ques-
tons about trees and flowers and
brought from him his simple praise OF
all that was so freely given TO him
who would but open his eyes and look
about him with discernment
she lSleucu u hlDi tdStAlg buu
coaxed him with questions when he
faltered and seemed suddenly conscious
Of the fact that he was actually talk
ing TO her
The sun had gone across the noun
tains into the Tennessee country and
beyond when they returned to the
BRYAN home. The supper hour. with
Molly seated at his side. the charm OF
a contented family circle and the hos
ptable attentions OF Mr. and Mrs.
Bryan, put Nelson at ease.
1t will not be necessary to worry
longer about the proposition OF your
manufacturers TO secure an option on
your next invention" Mr. Bryan told
Nelson as they left the table. They
-ns ra1nH 8 ~Dnp9e - ~ -
gone over 70 cwrefui'y. nm thinks that
it is very fair and that 1t will be to
your advantage to close with them"
Nelson thanked his employer.
your first invention has made you
practically independent. so far as
wages CO." said Mr. Bryan. land l
must confess that I am a little dis
turbed on that account I would like
you to remain with us. In very little
while I may be able to Offer you the
general managership. New mills are
to be built in the adjoining county. and
Lansing and the present vice president
and general manager will be sent there
to get them going"
ut is n very high compliment you
pay me. Mr.. Bryan" Nelson replied.
II had no intention OF ever leaving
Greenville. | hope that ! shall be
found worthy OF your belief in my ca
uacitv"
CONTINUED Next Week.
Uncle Eben.
"Dey say dat opportunity knocks