The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1916-06-08
CHAPTER XIV.
The 0ossips Awake.
cspyrisht. 1914 BY Hsmils 0sriss1


shall l dot What shall I dor she
moaned-
Instantly smittcn into shame, into
manlier mood. he said: Don't worry
about me- Please don't can ride.
I'm feeling better. You must not
weaken. Please forgive my selfish
complaints. I'm donei You'll never
hear 1t again. Comet Let US 90 on
can ride
IF we can reach Miller's ranch
Il can ride to your ranchr' he deciar-
ed. and rose with such new found reso
luton that she stared at him In won
der.
little crying spell I've relieved my
heart of Its load didn't mean to
agonize you. II was only a slump"
He put his hand to his head Il must
be comlcal figure"
His sudden reversal to cheer was a
little alarming to her. but at length
abe perceived that he had In truth mas
tered his depression. and. bringing up
the horses. she saddied them and help
ed him To mount "ff you get tired or
fe"l worse tell me. and well go Into
camp" she urged as they were about
20 start
You keep going rim I give IN. sign"
he replied. and his voice was 80 nrm
and clear that her own sunny smile
came back. Il don't know what to
make OF you" she said Il reckon yeu
must be q poet"
Il was dark when they reached the
village. but wayland declared his abil.
ity to 70 on, although his wounded
head was throbbing with fever and he
was clinging to the pommel Of his sad
de; % Berrie rode on
Mn. AcFarlane. hearing the horses
On the bridge. was at the door and
received her daughter with wondering
question. while the stable hands. quick
70 detect an injured man. hurried to
M Norcroas down from his saddla
whats the matterY' repeated Ara
NcFarianA
-Hs fell and struck his bead on .
Stone Berea hastily explained '-rake
the horses. boysl Mother and ! VIII
hook out for Mr.. Norcroaa"
Ths men obeyed her and fen back.
but they were consumed with curios-
~, and their glances irritated the girl
.Slip the packs at once" she insisted
With instant sympathy her mother
came to her AID In supporting the
wounded, weary youth indoors. and a.
- stretched out on the couch In the
sitt1ns room hs remarked with faint
houic smile. This beats any bsd Of
balsam boughs"
-where's your fatherr asked Mn.
NcFarlane Of her daughter.
Hes over on the Ptarmigan- rye
Q powerful lot to tell you. mother, but
not now; We must look after wayland.
He's nearly done up. and 30 am L"
Mr.. AcFarlane WINGED q little at
hsr daughters use Of Norcross' nrst
name, but she said nothing further At
the moment although she watched
Berrie closely while she took Oh Way
lands shoes and stockings and rubbed
his icy feet Get him something hot
- quick as you canr shs commanded,
and Mrs.. AcFarlans obeyed without q
word
Gradually the tremor passed out Of
his limbs and a delicious sense OF
warmth, Of safety. stole over him. and
he closed his eyes In the comfort OF
her presence and care. Rigorous bust.
ness this life Of the pioneer" he said
with hooking infection II think
prefer a place In the lumber trust"
-Don't talk" she said Then. with a
rush of tender remorse: -Why didn't
you tell me to stopf I didn't realize
that you were 30 tired We could have
stopped ut the Springs"
II didn't know how tired I was TIL !
got here. Gee" he said boyishly. .'thai
dOorknob at the back Of my head ID
rsdhot! You're good to me-" he added
humbly.
She hated TO have him resume that
tone Of self depreciation. and. kneelins
" him. she kissed his cheek and laid
her head beside HIS You're splendid. -
abe insisted. Nobody could DO brav.
er. but you should have told me you
were exhausted You fooled me with
your cheerful answers
He accepted her loving praise. her
clasping arms. as a part OF the rescue
from the darkness and pain Of the
long ride. careless OF what II might
bring to him In the future. He ate his
toast and drank his coffee and permit.
ted the women TO lead him TO his room,
and then being alone he crept into his
bed and fell instantly asleep.
Berrie and her mother went back to
ths sitting room. and Mrs McFarlane
closed the door behind them. "Now
tall me all about l.. she said In the