The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1915-09-02

head made him look like q wounded
young officer. But guess It's better
for me to lay OF a 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, whilo
Berrie and her ward plunged at once
into the dark and dripping forest be-
low. III you can stand the grief" she
said. well go 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 be 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 l O'Clock on the bank OF a clear
stream the girl halted II reckon we'd
better camp awhile. You look tired,
and l am hungry"
spread some blankets on 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 tho
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
it with glance before which her eyes
fell. II don't see why you are so kind
to me. ] really believe you like to do
things for me-" Her head dropped to
hide her face. and -he went on: why
| 10 you care for me? Tell mer'
II don't know" she murmured. Then
she added with fash Of bravery.
But I do"
what a mystery it all Isl Yon turn
from splendid fellow like Landon to
skate like me. Landon worships
you-you know that-don't your
II know-he"- she ended vaguely
distressed
did he ask you to marry himT
| YES"
"Why didn't you? He's Just tho
mate for you. He's man o. 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-
gngement to Belden. for be was a
brute. but Landon Is different. He
thinks the world of you. He'll go high
In the service. I've never done any.
thing In the world-I never shall. II
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-l won't let
yon give mp. You shall come right
home with me. and will nurse you
It'll you are WELL 1t was all my fault.
II win not have 1t 70 that way" hs
said I've brought you only care and
unhappiness thus far. I'm an alien
my ways are not your ways"
II can change" she answered. IL
hate my ways. and like yours
As they argued she felt no shame,
and ne voiced no resentment She
knew his mood. She understood his
doubt his depression. She pleaded AZ
man might have done. ready to
prove her love. eager to restore bis
self respect. while he remained both
bitter and sadly contemptuous.
A COW hand riding up the trail greet.
ed Berrie respectfully. but cynical
smile broke out on his lips MS he pass
ed on. Another witness; another COS
sip.
She did not care. She had no fur
ther concern of the valleys comment
Her lifes happiness hung on the droop
ing eyelashes Of this mounded boy, and
to win him back to cheerful acceptance
of life was her only concern
I've never had any motives" hs
confessed. I've always done wha,
pleased me Mt the moment--or becaus,
1t was easier to do as others were do
ing. went to college that way
Truth III. ! never had any surplus vi
tality. and my father never demanded
anything of me. haven't any mo
tives now. A few days ago | was In
terested In forestry. At this time 1t al
seems futile. What's the use OF M
trying 70 liver
Continued in neat qUeek's Banner.