El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1916-01-01
(Copyright. 1915,
CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.
ZANE HARDY had escaped Angus
tus Reeves on Sunday. but she
- was not so fortunate on Wednes-
day evening when she went to the reg
ular weekly prayer meeting in the
chapel.
Her father did not accompany her,
as was his custom. for his rheuma-
tism was troubling him. and the air.
while sultry. was damp But Mrs.
Hardy and Jane attended the service
together. As on Sunday night the
girl tried TO slip out Of the chapel
as soon as the benediction was pro
nounced- but this time augustus
Reeves forestalled her and reached the
door as soon as she.
- shower is coming up" he said,
so you and your mother better let
me 20 along with you. as I have an
umbrella"
"Oh, no thank you. il won't be
necessary Jane assured him. for
mother was afraid il would rain, so
she brought an umbrella"
Thank you Just the same AIr.
Reeves Mrs Hardy said politely
She did not care for this mans es-
cort. but he was too Influential for
he not get Jane the coveted position
OF teacher IN NnltOn2 Moreover. she
remembered. though reluctantly.
Ezra's talk of Sunday night You
never could tell what might hap
never could tell what might happen.
shower" Reeves insisted. and that
small umbrella viii never protect
you both. Your mother viii need
it for herself if it rains hard he
added. turning 10 Jane. for il is not
large. and the showers going to be a
big one
4 rumble of thunder in the near
distance confirmed the truth OF his
statement. and a gust OF wind was
the fOrerunner of the approaching rain.
People began to hurry away to their
homes. all talking Of the storm that
was surely on its way
Tries TO Find Excuse
"Oh. come. Jane. let's start Mrs
Hardy exclaimed nervously- ! did
not think it was going to be a real
heavy rain. or I'd have brought your
fathers umbrella. for that's so bis"
We'll have mine so it's all right"
Reeves remarked soothingly- Come.
Jazz taking the girls arm in his
strong grasp well need 70 walk fast
to do so vexed the girl. Surely her
don't mind. I'll wait there until the
rain holds up
N-rA fanny W AA@1Ns I'll PSA III =
Hardy.
7 think you'd better lei mother take
your arm, Mr.. Reeves" Jane ven
tured. land I will take her umbrella
I am young and il won't hurt me to get
wet. Besides. I am more sure-footed
than mother"
But her companion made no move to
follow her suggestion His failure
to do so fexed the girl. Surely her
mother needed protection more than
she did Did he suppose that she
would cling to him while an older
woman plodded on alone in the darlCe
Pulling herself suddenly away from
him. she took the umbrella from her
mother before Mrs Hardy could sus-
pect her intention and started on
ahead
You walk with Mr.. Reeves. moth
err she ordered. ITS raining hard
er every second, and am better able
10 hurry than you are"
your dress will be spoiled" ad
Augustus. and her mother
echoed his words. Dear" she
warned. you have on a light dress
and il viii be all spotted. Nv blacl,
alpaca won't be hurt by rain"
A loud crash Of thunder almost
drowned her speech. and gave the qiri
lime To decide on her answer.
Hurry" she called back as sbo
sped up the road Since Won neonIe
are afraid I'll hurt my dress. IN RIM
1n ahead. Mr.. Reeves I trust Won 10
ook out for mother"