Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-11-05

ing or Tor whom! lie nenfd the girl
approaching and half raised himself to
his elbow. A dozen PAGES away, the
reins Topped over II fence post, stood
his pony.
NIeriem, walking slowly, approached
the bush behind which the waiter lay.
Hanson drew large bandanna hand
kerchef from his pocket and rose
stealihlly to his knees. A pony neighed
down mt the corrals. Far out across
the plain ii lion roared. Hanson
changed his position until he squatted
upon both feet
Aguin the pony neighed, this time
closer. There was the sound of his
body brushing against shrubbery. Han
son heard and wondered how the ami
mai had got from the corral, for it was
evident that he was already in the gar
cen. The man turned his head III the
direction of the beast.
What he saw sent him to the ground
hudded close beneath the shrubbery-
4 man was coming leading two ponies.
Meriem heard now and stopped to
look and listen. A moment later the
Hon. Morrison Baynes drew near, the
two saddled mounts at his heels
Meriem looked up at him in surprise.
The Hon. Morrison grinned sheeplshly
II couldn't sleep" he explained.
sand was going for bit of ride
when | CHANGED to see you out here,
and thought you'd like to join me.
Ripping good sport, you know, night
riding. Come on
Meriem laughed. The adventure APP
ppaled to her. "All right she said.
Hanson swore beneath his breath.
The two led their horses from the gar
den to the gate and through IT. There
they discovered I1anson's mount.
why, here's the traders pony" re-
marked Baynes.
He's probably down visiting with
the foreman said Meriem.
pretty late for him, isn't it," re-
marked the Hon. Morrison. sid hate
to have to ride back through that jun
gle at night to his CAMP
A moment later the two had mount
cd and were moving slowly across the
Eoon-bathed plain.
| Their horses were pressed side by
side Baynes was pressing Merems
hand as he poured words of love into
her ear, and Meriem was listening.
Come to London with me-" urged
the Hon. Morrison. 81 can gather a
safari, and we can be Il whole day
upon the way to the coast before they
guess that we have gone"
why must We 90 that way?' asked
the girl "Bwana and My Dear would
not object to our marriage
u cannot marry you just yet" ex-
\ planned the Hon. Morrison. 81 must in
form my people, and there are other
/ forlnalilies to be attended to first. You
do not understand It will be all right.
We Will 20 to London l cannot wait.
II you love me you will come
/ You love me-" she asked. "You
Will marry me when we have reached
! London?'
81 swear it." he cried.
IL will 90 with YOU" she whispered,
though | do not understand why de-
lay IS necessary She leaned toward
him. and he took her in his arms and
bent to press his lips to hers.
AT the bungalow Bwana hud met
the returning adventures on the YER
anda Returning from the forelnan's
quarters, Bwana had noticed that the
!, corral gate was open, and further in
vestlgnton revealed the fact that Me-
riem's pony was gone and also the one
most often used by Bnynes.
Explanations on the part of the Eng
lishnan met rather chilly reception
from his host. Merien was silent.
She saw that Bwana was angry with
her. II was the first time, and she was
heartbroken.
Go to your room Meriem." he said.
"And, Baynes. If you will step into my
study I'd like to have II word with you
in moment"
Rwanu saw Hanson in the garden
and called him TO the verantlu.
Hanson paused Both men were 81.
lent for time. Presently the trader
IL - - saA .s - -