Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1916-02-03

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The man clasped both hands behind
his back and gripped them there
waiting. But despite his seeming of
confidence and calm his brain reeled
gloriously with an intoxication of the
soul. He saw her standing there,
straight and 1.-THE and slender, with
the moon-washed sky at her back and
the inky shadows OF the porch throw
ing the picture into vivid relief.
She took an involuntary step to-
ward him with lifted arms, and then,
with strong effort. as If struggling
against a spell, she drew back again,
and her voice came very low and
broken.
81 can't can't" she pleaded
But / wish to God could
Then Anse Hayey began to speak.
we've talked, an I've listened 20
We. Ye've taken my life away from
me an made it little scrap of your
own life-ye've let US both come to
needin' each other more than food an
drink an breath. For me there's no
life without ye. In all the earth there's
just you-you-you! For every true
woman In the world day comes when
there's Just one man, an for every
man there's just one woman. When
that day comes nothin' else counts
That's why all them reasons of yours
don't mean anything"
His voice had the ring of triumph
as he added: You're goin' to marry
me tonight. Comet"
He raised both arms and held them
out, and though for moment she
hung back, her eyes were still irresist-
IDLY held by his and the magnetism
that dwelled in them. With q gasp
ing exclamation that was hale surren-
der and half echo of his own triumph
she swept into nis embrace.
AS she locked her fingers caressing-
ly behind his dark head she wished
for words fine and splendid beyond the
ordinary to tell him of her love. But
no phrases of eloquence came.
Then she felt his arms grow abrupt
ly rigid and he was pressing her from
him with gentle insistence, while his
face turned to peer into the moonlight
with the tensity Of enc who Is listen
ing not only with his ears, but with
every nerve Of his being.
Slowly he drew back, still tense
and alert, and from his eyes the ten
der glow died until they narrowed end
hardened and the Jaw angle stiffened
and the lips drew themselves into
their old line of warlike sternness. /
She looked again into the face Of the
mountaineer, the feudist, of the Wild
creature turning to stand at bay.
For a moment they remained mo-
his arms and felt the strain on his
tautened biceps.
Cod" he muttered almost in
audibly.
What Is it?" she whispered, but
he replied only with a warning shake
Of the head.
Once more he stood listening, then
gently turned her so that his body
was between her and the outside
world He thrust her back into the
open door and followed her inside.
His words came slowly, and though
they were calm they carried very
bitter note.
Il must go. I hoped they'd let me
live long enough to marry ye, but l
reckon they're weary of bidin' their
time"
He had closed the door and stood
looking down at her with deep hun
ger in his face. -...~..
What is 1t, Anse? What did you
hear out there?" Her face had gone
pallid and she chung to his arms with
a grip that indicated no intention of
release.
"Nothin' much. Just the crackin' of
q twig or two; just some steps in the
bush that was too cautious to sound
honest; little noises that wouldn't
mean much If didn't know what they
do mean. They weren't friendly
sounds. They're after me-"
Who? What do you mean?"
Her voice came in low panic Of
whispering, and even as she spoke the
man was listening with his head bent
toward the closed door
He laughed mirthlessly under his
breath.
Il don't know who they've picked
out to get me. It don't matter much,
does It? But / know they've picked
tonight. I've been Iookin' for 1t, but
1t seems they might have let me have
tonight" His lips smiled, and for
an instant his eyes softened again to
tenderness. "This was my night
our night
IF they are out there, Anse-"
her eyes flashed suddenly and her grip
nghtened-"you shant go. won't let
you 60 In this house you are behind
walls at least. 1 can't let you CO."
TITS the only way" he told her, and
again she read unshakable resolve
written In his face. My best chance
Is out there. Them mountains IL take
better care OF me than any walls-if |
can once get to cover"
Suddenly he wheeled and caught
her tiercely in his arms holding her
very close, and now her heart was
beating more wildly than before-beat-
ing with a sudden and sickening ter
ror.
He bent low and covered her tenn
pies and cheeks and lips and eyes
with kisses