The Nevada County picayune., 1918-03-21

'buse me. And l." Her lips twitched a little. q think you can qualify"
 They came to the gate, and Billy Louise freed her hand from his clasp and dismOunted, since it was n wire gate and could not be opened on horse back. She closed it after him, looked to her cinch, frightened it a lttle pat ted Rattler on the neck, caught the horn with one hand and the stirrup with the other, and went up quite like man, while Ward watched her in- tently.
 "In sooth, know not why you are so sa-ad,'" murmured Billy Louise, when she swung alongside in the trail.
 Ward caught her hand again and did not let go; so they rode hand in hand down the narrow valley.
 "I was wondering" he hesitated, drawing in a corner of his lip, biting it, and letting it go. "Wilhemina, if old Lady Fortune takes notion to give me another kick or two, just when life looks so good to me"
 "Why, we'll kick back just as bard as she dses." threatened Billy Louise courageously. Don't let happiness get on your nerves, Ward"
 'f I wasn't crippled, it wouldn't. But when a mans down and out, he thinks a lot. The last three days, I've lived a whole lifetime, lady-girl. Every thing seems to be coming my way, all at once. And I'm afraid; what if l can't make good? If can't make you happy'-he squeezed her fingers so l that Billy Louise had to grit her teeth to keep from interrupting him-"or if anything should happen to you-Lord v You've got nerves, buckarOo. You've been shut up there alone so long you see things all distorted. We're going to be happy. because we'll be together and we've so much to do and so much | to think of. You must realize. Ward, that we've got three places to take care | of, and you and me and poor old Mar thy. She hasn't anybody. Ward, but just in the last few days. I never knew a person could change so much in such little while. She's just let go all holds and kind of sagged down, mentally and physically. We'll have to take care of her, Ward, as long as she lives. That's why I'm taking you there So we can look after her. She won't leave the Cove. IT was hoping" she added shyly, that we could sit in front of our own fireplace, Ward, and nave nice coZy evenings; but-well, there always seems to be something for me to do for somebody. Ward"
 "Oh, you Wilhemina !" Ward slipped his arm around her. to the disgust of Rattler and Blue, and made shift to kiss her twice. "Long as you live, you'll always be doing something for somebody; that's the way you're made. And nobody'S been doing things for you but if the Lord lets me live. that's going to he my job from now on."
 He said a great deal more, of course. They had nearly fifteen miles to go, and they rode at walk and a man and maid can say good deal at such a time. But l don't think they would like to have 1t all repeated. Their thoughts ranged far back over l the past and far into the future and clung close to the miracle of love that had brought them together. There is one thing which Billy Louise, even in her most self-revealing mood, did not l tell Ward, and that is her doubts of him. Never once did he dream that she had suspected him and wrung her l hport because of her SuSnicionS-nDd in that think she was wise and kind
 They found Seabeck and Floyd Car