Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1918-11-21

know, Nan, how II seemed rs If al
ways rather frightened away men. |
fever could tlirt and he nice like the
rest Of the girls And an there one
iaN | was in the library about sun
down, looking mp some references.
| He came up behind me- and never
even asked permission Just tipped
heck my head and kissed me good
end plenty"
BLESS his old brave heart" Inter
rupted Nan fcrvently leaning forward,
hen chin on her hands. "Then whut?"
Then Qleanor'S eyes were
! dreamy one day | went skating
down on the lake, and the Ice broke
through. He got me out. saved my
lfc' every one said. Mother came up
to see me then and I wanted her 10
know Billie. That's about an You
know mother She simply whisked
me down here in the spring, and
closed the house in June the day
otter he called here. She's trotted
me around all summer, trying to make
me forget, and I haven't any Idea
where he is now"
Doesn't he even write to your"
I'VE promised we wouldn't-not for
q year What's that?"
Both girls rose to their feet with
startled eyes.
Somebody fell over the tabourette
in the hall" Nan whispered, her dark
eyes wide with dread. "You turned
of the lights"
Eleanor thought quickly The
house had been closed since June A
caretaker came every day 10 look
! after It. and Mt night the Waterman
was supposed to guard 1t. She crossed
the room and locked both doors lead
ing into the hall. then went to the
windows.
did you hear that?" Nan whls-
pered, her face pressed against the
door listening. Somebody whistled,
and 1t was answered."
"I'll have to break those shutters
to call for help" Eleanor looked
about for battering ram. Outside
/ In the bare hall there came the I'M
mlstakabe sound OF footsteps n mo-
mcnt's pause and pounding on the
door
Nan shrank back, her face covered
( with her hands but Eleanor sllpned
I one arm around her, soothing her
even while her own heart throbbed
heavily, IT was terrible to hear that
sound echolng through the great
empty house. to stand in helpless
suspense, not knowing what danger
waited on the other side of the door.
"Come on noww called deep
voice. "Open up You know you
can't get out of there"
"And you cannot get in," returned
Eleanor clearly. "If you attempt to
break In the doors I will fire"
Sure It's a woman's voice" they
heard some one say. "Shall I break
in the door, Mr. Blair?"
mo, no, wait" The knob turned.
A shoulder pressed against the door
ranel. Nell, open the door, please.
l know your voice. It's Bill"
who's with you?"
"Just the Waterman saw the
lights and thought burglars were in
here. open the door, please"
Eleanor turned the key. Tall and
very lovely she looked in her long
blue crepe kimono, her face pale and
determined, her hair In two long
braids over her shoulders like some
old-tlme Saxon princess.
Out in the hallway stood Bnl,s the
original of the picture, and the old
Watchman.
Nell" he cried, 81 had no idea IT
was you in here, I've had a room
across the street all summer just to
be, near the house. and when l saw
the light flash on, I called Sullivan
here and we hustled over to get the
burglars I'm awfully sorry"
Sullivan moved tactfuly down the
hallway, testing locks here and there.
Nan had dropped Imply into will
low chair, with ITS back toward the
two at the door. Bill raised two
white slim hands to his lips and
kissed them.
ITS so wonderful to see you again,
GIRL dear. I've watched these barred
shutters all summer waiting for you
+ to come back. / won't wait a year,
Nell Look at me. Aren't you glad
70 see me?'
Don't you know. Billie boy?"
listen, dear. Don't let them take
you away from me again. It's Provi-
dence this mlXup here tonight, I've
been patient for months Don't say
no, Nell. I'll be over early for you.
and wen be married before anything
can happen"
He was gone before she could even
protest. From the willow chair came
a contented chuckle, and a brief re-
mark
'Devotedly, Bill"
European Tobacco Fields.
Tobacco fields in Italy and France
are not a novelty. The leaf has been
,,rn,vr II, thoge countries gince tho In.