The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1916-06-15

Good Lord" exclaimed Noreross In
sudden realization Of the gravity Of
the case, what beasts they srsl"
taken frem re- At the moment mar
rage with her appeared absurd.
A knock at his door and the super
visor's voice gave him a keen shock.
Come In" he called. springing to his
feet with a thrill Of dread. Of alarm.
McFarlane entered slowly and shut
the door behind him. His manner was
serious and his voice gravely gentle as
he said. II hope that telegram does
not call you away"
ut is from my father asking me to
meet him In Denver" answered Nor
cross, with faltering breath. Hes on
his way TO California. Won't you SIT
DOWN."
The older man took a seat with
quiet dignity. Seems like q mighty
fine chance. don't 1T I've always
wanted to see the coast. When do you
plan for to pull outr'
still dazed by the suddenness Of IL.
didn't know my father was planning
this trip"
II see. Well. before you decide to
20 I'd like to have n little talk with
you. My daughter has told me part OF
what happened to you on the trail. !
want TO know all OF Il. You're young.
but you've been out In the world, and
you know what people can say about
you and my girl" His voice became
level and menacing rs he added, And
I don't intend TO have her put In wrong
on account Of you"
Norcross was quick to reply. NO
body will dare accuse her OF wrong
doing. She's q noble girl. No one will
dare to criticise her for what she could
not prevent"
you don't know the Beldens. My
girls character will be on trial In ev-
cry house In the county tomorrow.
The Belden side Of II will appear In
the city papers. sympathy will be with
Clifford. Berrie will be made an issue
by my enemies. They'll get me through
her"
Good Lord" exclaimed Norcross I'm
sudden realization OF the gravity OF the
case. what beasts they arer'
-Moore's gang will seize upon II and
work II hard" McFarlane went on.
with calm inslstence. They want to
bring the district forester down on me.
This Is fine chance to badger me.
ibey will make great deal OF my
putting ron on the roll. Our little
camping trip Is likely to prove ssri-
Gus matter 10 Us all"
Surely you don't consider me at
fault"
Worried ~ he was, the father was
Just. mo. you're not to blame. No
one Is to blame. Ii all dates back to
the horses quitting camp. But you've
got to stand pat now for Berries
sake"
"But what can l dot I'm at your
service. What role shall playf Tell
me what to do and l will do It."
McFarlane was staggered. but he an
swered: You can at least stay on the
ground aud help fight This Is no time
to stampede"
You're right III stay, and I'll make
any statement you see fit. I'll do any
thing that will protect Berrie."
McFarlane again looked him square
ly In the eyes. lis there AN agree
ment between your
Nothing formal-that Is, l mean
admire her. and told her. He stop
ped. feeling himself on the verge OF
the irreyocable. "she's a splendid
girl" he went on. 81 like her exceed.
ingly. but I've known her only a few
weeks"
McFarlane interrupted. Girls are
Eighty critters" he said sadly. II don't
know why she's taken TO you SO terri
BILE strong, but she has. She don't
seem to care what people say so Ions
as they do not blame you. But II you
should pull out you might just as well
cut her heart to pieces His voice
broke. and II was a long time before
be could finish. You're not at fault
I know that-but II you can stay on
little while and make II an ounce oil
two easier for her and for her mother
I wish you'd do L."
Wayiand extended his hand impul
sively. "Of course I'll stay. I neveI
really thought of leaving" In the
grip Of McFarlane's hand was some
thing warm and tender.
Berrie could not be entirely deceived
She read In her fathers face a subtle
change OF line which Ahe- ralate6 n