The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1917-01-13
CHAPTER Xxx.
Morning

Morning
Louise, drawing on her gaunt.
| letH, came down the broad steps
OF the ranch. house. The air was
crisp with tho tang OF early morn.
ing.
She was puzzled at finding Boyar
and Yuma together. She noticed
Boyar had trniled his bride across
the yard mn unusual thing for him
TO do. considering his training.
Tho girl wondered why Collie
had Haddled Yuma. lilo usually
rode ono OF the ranch horses 10
work. She wanted TO talk with
him-to reason with him. for her
knowledge Of this previous nights
disclosures worried and distressed
her
But Collie was not 10 be seen.
Deliberately Louise united the
Yuma colt and swung into the
saddle. She knew Collie would fol
low her. She was riding his pony,
| tho Yuma colt. and he would be
( fearful for the riders safety.
Collie. coming from tho bunk
house, found Black Boyar standing
alone whore his own pony had
stood This was not an Invitation.
this was daring him to follow.
He rode into tho canyon, half
conscious OF Yumas tracks ahead
OF him. lie rode past the tracks
as they sweryed toward grassy
level near the stream.
Goblet"
Louise stood beside the Yuma.
pa,tlng the pony's neck. Collie
raised his sombrcro formally.
Yes. ma'am."
Collie. don't Say anything but
that You look awfully glum.
Surely not because took Yuma.
no. only ] Was afraid for YOU. %
Why? I'm here. safe enough.
Had breakfast"
Yes. wanted TO see you about
something. Louise"
AN right But you arc 80 un.
naturally tall and judicial sitting
there on Doyar. Please get down.
You don't act naturally. Ii there
NDAA'AfAfAk ANtAA AAAal ~
entl j. that it,
NO. wish you vas different.
sometimes"
You 6o7"
No" he said gently 4 don't
wish you we're different want
to remember YOU liI.o YOU are"
To remember NEE"
Yes" he whispered. TO remsm.
Der you"
He seemed 20 Sc. regret. aston.
ishment. questioning. gentle re-
proof. even hint OF amusement
IN her eyes
Collie. do YOU realize that |
have already asked you 10 dis
mount Shall | have 10 ask you
again. DO you realize that am
standing while you are sitting your
horHe7"
= am begging your pardon.
Louise"
The girl nodded brightly. She
watched the rise and fall OF the
muscles of his arm. beneath his
flannel shirt. IA he lighted his Gig
sret How broad-chestcd and
strong and wholesome he seemed
in the morning sunlight.
Il think ] could stand II II you
would just be mean once" said
Collie.
stand what. Collies"
lie had been watching her az
she strokod the pony's neck.
Swiftly she turned from the horse
and faced him. What. Collier"
There was laughter In her eyes. n
laughter that challenged more
than his serious mood.
His eyes grew wide with I'M
spoken love. unuttered longing
Her polse had an inexplicable sug.
gestion OF royal courage. as tho she !
were battling for more than her
lips could utter. In her absence
he had adoTed her. Now he forgot |
all that he had meant TO tell her |
In the aensuous delight of her |
nero presence. but even that |
was not enough. lie dropped the |
pony's rsins and strobe toward her /
Louise paled. even as he drew near !
Lot me just worship ycu--a |
little whilc-a little while" he |
whispered.
Only little whlle?" she !
breathcd: and the soft rose glowed |
In her cheeks.
Just forever" he said.
And Louise i.acharme. more |
beautiful than the morning. Louise. |
his Madonna OF the Rose. lifted |
her arms TO him. Her lips quiz |
cred Ike a child's. tremulous with !
longing TO tell him silently. as his 1
lips found hers. all that her heart 1
was giving and all the wealth OF 1
love Il yet should give.
Moonstone Canyon echoed the
hoot.beats of the ponies ms they
walked homeward.
Louise turned in the saddle.
Collie she said. with an indie
scribable gesture OF appeal. you
will always take care OF me. won't
your"