The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1917-02-08
CHAPTER xIv-contInued.

II
There was no lack Of fodder for
the flames. BY dint of several wheel
barrow trips between the knoll and the
farmyard, he had presently construc-
s ted a pyre OF impressive proportions; |;
S and by that time 1t was quite dark
$50 dark, Indeed, that he had been
Forced to hunt up a yard lantern,
carrying the which the girl had ac-
IS companied him on his two final trips.
"Here," he said clumsily, when all
was ready. offering her matches. you
light it, please-for luck"
Their fingers touched as she took
e the matches. Something thumped in
s. his breast, and a door opened in the
chambers of his understanding, letting
In light
Kneeling at the base of the pyre,
she struck a match and applied 1t to
q quantity of tinder-dry excelsior.
The stun caught instantly, putting into
a brilliant pt .ch of blaze she rose
and stood back, en- silhouette, delicate
& " poised at attention, waiting to see
{ that her work was well done. He
could not take his gaze from her.
So what he had trified and toyed
with, fought with and prayed against,
doubted and questioned, laughed at
and cried down, was sober, painful
fact. Truth, heart-rending to behold
In her stark, shining beauty, had been
revealed to him in that moment Of
brushing finger-tips, and he had looked
In her face and known his unworthi-
ness: and he trembled and was afraid
and ashamed.
The girl retreated to his side, re-
turning the matches.
A tongue of flame shot up from
the peak of the pyre, and column of
smoke surpassed 1T, swinging off to
ieeward In great, red-bosomed volutes
and whorls picked out with flying regi-
ments of sparks.
They seated themselves with their
backs to the fire and at a respectful
n distance from it. where they could
watch the letting blades OF light that
ringed the far-off headland. Whitaker
reclined on an elbow, relapsing into
moody contemplation. The girl stirred
uneaslly, turning her head to look at
n Whitaker.
"You know" she said with a con-
so canny, this place. Or else I'm
balmy I'm seeing things-shapes that
stir against the blackness, off there be-
yond the light, moving halting, star
sng, hating us for butchering their age
old peace and quiet. Maybe I'll for
81 get to see them. If you'll talk to me
a little"
II can't talk to you," he said, un-
81 gracious in his distress.
"You can't? It's the first time It's
q been noticeable, then. What's respon-
8 sible for this all-of-a-sudden change
n of hearth"
That's what's responsible" The
words spoke themselves almost against
b his will.
You're very obscure. Am to un-
derstand that you've taken a sudden
dislike to me, so that you can't treat
me with decent civility7"
I've always understood women
knew what men meant before the men
s did, themselves" His voice broke a
little. "Oh. can't you see how it is
with me? Can't you seer" he cried.
God forgive me- / never meant to
lnfict this on you, at such a time
don't know why have :"
You mean," she stammered In a
B voice Of amaze-'you mean-loveT
Can you doubt it7"
mo not after what's hap
81 pened, ] presume. You wouldn't have
followed-you wouldn't have fought so
a 70 save me from drowning--I suppose
III you hadn't-cared. But
dida't know"
Then you're not-OffendedT he
asked, sitting up.
Why should ] beT The freight
momentarlly outlined the smiling half
Wistful countenance she turned to him.
what woman would be who received
as great and honorable a compliment
8 from you, Hugh7 OElyr-again the
whimsical little laugh that merged into
smothcrcd sigh-'T wish / knew" /"
Wish you knew whatT
WHAT'S going on inside that extra
ordinary head OF yours what's In the
mind behind the eyes that so often
"h1 staring at me so curiOusly."
ne bowed that head between hands
mat compressed cruelty his temples.
Wish / knew :" he roaned In pro-
TEST. "Slnce you called me TO supper,
while ogO. by name-f don't know
"hy-your voice as you used Il then,
gas run through my head and through,
'easiag my memory Ike strain Of
music from some half-remombered
song. II half-maddens me feel SO
'Fongly that everything would be 50
Falght md plain and clear between
us n I could only fasten upon that
usitive' indefnable something that's
ways futtering Just beyond my
RrosDi"
fou mean OH that-honestiyT she
Nemonded in an oddly startled voice.
aiqst honestly" He looked 90 Ia