Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1917-06-06

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was Bob. 1t had been weeks since
he had seen Liberty and he waited i'm
patiently for the train which was TO
bring her to him. Now that Manuel
was dead. all obstacles had been re-
moved from between them. and, pro-
viding he could muster up the required
courage, he felt certain Liberty would
never leave Washington alone-as
Miss Horton.
Finally the train arrived, and wheh
Bob saw her coming down the plat
form he dashed through the crowd.
The next thing he knew she was in his
arms, weeping tears OF real joy
Darling" he exclaimed as mis- big
| arms frightened about her.
Dear" she sobbed.
"You're my girl: and believe me.
you're some girl" said Bob as he held
her away from him a moment and
| Toasted on her beauty, which seemed
more radiant than ever just then.
f;Excuse me for interruptin, for /
know you've got a little business to at
tend TO, said the Major as he came
up TO them.
''You dear old soul" said Liberty
as she threw her arms about the Major
and planted big kiss on his healthy
red cheek.
"And here's Pedro" said Bob as
he turned to the faithful old slave
who was standing nearby gazing about
him. For Pedro had never been north
of the Horton estate before in his life,
and his expression showed 1t too.
A few moments later the party en-
tered taxicab and were taken to one
| of the big hotels on PENNSYLVANIA
avenue. AS they alighted from the
cab the newsbOys could be heard
shouting, Extra! Extra :"
! Bob bought one of the papers, and.
as they entered the hotel he glanced
at the headlines. There, in a great
/ scare head across the entire front
page of the PAL ar was the announce
ment that Lopez, the bandit had been
captured by Liberty Horton. Below
| this was the story, which alluded to
| Liberty as the national heroine and
stated that the president was giving
a reception in her honor that night.
at which time she was to be decorated.
Liberty, who stood reading the news
over Bob'S shoulder, was so overcome
by the nOtoriety that she shrank from
going to the reception. But the Major
and Bob finally Overcame her qualms
and she started for her room to pre-
pare for the evening.
When Bob came down for dinner
later, in his evening clothes, Liberty
was already in the parlor waiting for
him. As his gaze fell on her he de-
cided she was the most beautiful pic
ture he had ever seen. And the Major,
who was right behind him, In full re-
gala, applauded She was dressed
in gown of light pink which en-
HANGED her complexion and added a
charm to her gracefulness and perfect
poise. He was the proudest man in
the world, for she was the cynosure Of
all eyes as she swept through the cor
ridors on his arm.
After dinner the party started to
leave the hotel when the Major noted
that Pedro was not among them. He
advised Bob and Liberty to go on to
the White House while he went off to
look for Pedro
As the taxicab started off with Bob
and Liberty. the ranger was too happy
| TO speak, but when he did it was
| the most important speech he ever
made in his life. Liberty was seated
beside him, her hand gently resting
in his. her gaze fixed on the street
with its myriad of lights which fitted
past
Bob was thinking and thinking hard.
Finally he turned to her, and, in tones
almost inaudible remarked: "Will
you marry me. dear?"
Instantly she turned her head and,
gazing into the eyes of the big fellow
seated beside her, she replied: YES.
Bob"
"When?" he asked, wondering
whether he was dreaming or not
"Now," she answered calmly as she
squeezed his hand.
DO you mean it. :" he exclaimed al
most loud enough for the chauffeur TO
hear.
81 have never lied to you, Bob she
answered softly.
"Geew he shouted. joyously.
Then he called to the chauffeur TO
stop. and Bob inquired where the near
est minister lived, and directed him
| to drive there.
In the meantime, the Major had
found Pedro in his room and proceed
| ed with him to the White House,
where distinguished gathering of
people waited to witness the honor TO
| be conferred upon Liberty. 1t was in
the east room, and the most brilliant
! assemblage of tine season was there
/ anxiOusly waiting for the honored
guest. They became impatient to see
| Liberty, and the president inquired of
the Major what was delaying her. But
| the Major was surprised himself tc
| learn that she had not arrived yet, and
| explained that she and Bob had left
| for the White House before he did.
Finally, as everybody was beginning
to feel anxious. Liberty and Bob wore
announced, and the people strained
their necks to get glimpse of Liberty
as she passed down the narrow lane
between them. There was tremendous
cheering as she was presented TO the
president by his military aide.
Then the president made a brief adj