Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1919-08-30
CHAPTER WI.
9pun-cold Hair, Blue Eyeo and Varl-
Gus Encounters.

GUS Encounters.
She was quite unaware Of his pres
encc, and vet he was directly in her
path, though some distance away. Her
head was bent; her mien was thought
ful. her stride slow and almless.
She was slender, graceful and evil
IDENTIFY quite tall. although she seemed
q plgmy among the towering giants
that attended her stroll. Her hands
were thrust deep into the pocket Of
q white duck skirt. A glance revealed
white shoes and trim ankles in blue.
She wore no hat. Her hair was like
spun gold. thick. wavy and simmer
ing In the subdued light
Suddenly she stopped and looked up.
he had full view Of her face as she
gazed about as If startled by some un-
expected, even alarming sound. For
second or two he held his breath,
stunned by the amazing loveliness that
was revealed to him. Then she dis
covered him standing there.
In q fash he realized that he was
face to face with the stranger Of the
day before. He took two or three Inn
pulsive steps forward, his hand going
60 his hat-and then halted. Evident
~ his senses had deceived him. There
was no smile IN her eyes-and yet he
could have sworn that 1t was there an
instant before. Instead there was a
level stare.
Il am sorry IL / startled" he be-
gan.
The figure Of q man appeared Rs II
discharged bodily from some magic
sree-trunk, and stood directly in his
path--a tall. rugged man in OYeralls
was he, who held a spade in his baud
and eyed him lnlmically. Without an
other glance In his direction the first
and more pleasing vision turned on
her heel and continued her stroll,
aauntering on to the right, her fair
head once more bent in study, her
back elOquentIy Indifferent to the gaze
that followed her.
"Who do you want to sect" inquired
the man with the spade.
Before Barnes could reply a hearty
voice accosted him from behind. He
whirled and saw o'Dowd approaching,
not twenty yards away. The Irish
mans face was aglow with pleasure.
~ knew / couldn't be mistaken In
che shape Of you" he cried, advancing
with outstretched hand. you've got
the breadth Of 8 dockhand IN your
shoulders and the trimness OF prize
lighter ia your waist
They shook hands. II fear I am
trespassing,' said Barnes. His glance
went over his shoulder as he spoke.
The man with the spade had been swal-
lowed ND by the earth He could not
have vanished more quickly 10 any
other way. OF among the trees were
intermittent flashes OF blue and white.
II am quite sure you are" said
ODowd promptly but without trace
bR unfriendlIness in his manner. BE.
dad, loving him as / do. can't help
saying that Curtis ls bally old crank,
Mind ye. I'd say It to his face-I often
do. for the matter Of that. OF course"
be went on seriously. "he Is sick
man. poor devl. You see I've known
him for dozen years and more, and
Ne likes me. though God knows Why
unleas It may be that / once did his
son a good turn Ia London"
"BuMcient excuse for reparntl0n.
SHOULD say" smiled Barnes.
r introduced the lad 20 me only giB
tef," said o'DoWd -and she kept hin
GavDy for TIE next ten years. "a
1oubt also provided hlr. Curtis witt
khrce saandchlldfsn be might neva
have had bat for ny gEaclouaness.
a l1ct q distress eeme into his merry
Gsca ~ JoTa I1 IKE nothins BET