The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1916-09-08
BY IRENE TAYLOR.

ne can TILL the soil on large scale. Ii Isl
rather unusual for a college-bred man
to throw up deliberately good BUSH
ness and settle down to the monotony
OF cultivating a small twenty-acre plot
In old Pennsylvania. But that is ex-
actly what George Cussler did, stu
dent, athlete and allaround fine fell.
low.
After looking over several farms, he
finally bought a small tract Astounding
and abutting on that portion of land.s-
known as the Sanderson place-a well-i
kept little farm wherein dwelt the
widow of Sanderson and her daughter,
Myrna, very attractive young woman
of twentytwo-just eight years Cas-
sler's junior.
OF course, the two young people fell
In love, or at least Cnssler did If
Myrna also became a victim OF Dan
| Cupid's wiles no one was aware of the
fact.
Not many weeks passed before Cas-
sler declared himself, and as he and
J Myrna had become good chums he was
not little surprised when his pro-
posal was gently, but emphatically.
turned down.
No. Myrna said firmly, tive seen
quite enough Of married life / like
you and / want to be friends, but both
my mother and sister were unfor-
tunate In their marriages, and / am
not going to take any chances along
that line. Perhaps some day l may
Change my mind, but doubt it,
For several weeks thereafter Cas-
sler undertook to persuade her that
lshe had changed her mind, but she
was not to be moved
He finally ceased calling and became
lengrossed in his agricultural experi-
ments. This however, did not prevent
him from letting the weeds sprout
while he gazed longingly across the big
field to the Sanderson home.
One night in August, Myrna was
awakened about midnight by stealthy
sounds on the back porch. She listened
intently. Someone was Enthusiastically
trying to force open the door.
ibid you hear that?" gasped her
mother, who was also awake. "And
me iaid up with sprained ankle"
Springing out of bed, Myrna rushed
TO the open window, leaned far out
and screamed for help at the top of
her voice.
Almost instantly faint "Hello,"
answered her from Casters house.
which was only about 600 feet distant.
TO the girl standing there trying to
peer through the night it seemed hours
before the stalwart form of Cassler
emerged from the darkness beneath
her window.
WHAT'S the matter up there?" he
called, rather sleepily.
"Oh, George Mr.. Cassler-they are
trying to get in through the back door
thought they'd go when l called, but
they're there yet"
George started around the house ON
n run. There was a wild scramble, n
shot and then silence. A moment later.
he reappeared at the front.
No catching that fellow" he said.
Ihe rascal ran like a whitehead when
ne saw me- l fired to give him good
scare. It's lucky sick horse was
keeping me up or l never would have
heard you, for l sleep like q log You
are safe enough now. guess, SO I'll
go"
NO! mol mol" broke In Myrna wild
". Mother and / can't stay here
iione. We are scared almost to death
as IL Is. You can sleep on the couch
downstairs. Wait a minute and I'll
ct you in"
The speed with which Myrna per-
'Ornpd har
ished a record, for George had hard
y settled himself on the stoop for
ong wait before a light fiickered
hrough the kitchen window. Then the
oor swung open and he stepped in
ide.
without a seconds hesitation, Myr-
"a Threw her arms around his neck
desperate clutch that nearly
'pped him over, big as ne was.
on, George! George" she sobbed
nto his coat collar. Don't you ever
ever leave me alone again. do love
ou-lve always loved you, but
ldnt like to say so. I'd marry you
MS minute II l could. Whatever
'ouid we have done tonight without
our Mother and 1 might both be
murdered by this time. You won't
ave us alone, will your"
George lifted her troubled face and
azed deeply into the tear-stained
yes.
Myrna, do you really mean all
latY' he asked soberly.
"Yes, 1 do"
And VIII you marry me tomorrow
Il Will"
george pressed her close.
LOOK, here, darling" he said pres
my i must go and attend to that
'rse' but I'll be back in jiffy. Bet
r take back this revolver"
lie led Myrna into the sitting room.
I've her the revolver and was gone.
fter searching about the premises
|, he started up the road.
1t was pitch dark, so no one could
e MIN jerking a rebelious Billy goat
ong by twisted rope-the identical
i -