Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1919-12-25
Sunshine
Land
o1
Nv RALPH HAMILTON
(Copyrisht, 1919. by ths western News
paper Unioa.l

better-half vigorously, but he mumbled
in confused way. AS she was about
TO call out to their son Sidney. who
slept in another room, the young man
in question hurried past the open door,
pulling on his coat
Something is on fire, mother" he
said, "but it isn't near the house. You
had better get dressed while see
what the trouble is"
A series Of new screams rang out as
young Benson reached the yard, daz-
zled by great glare, direct view OF
which the intervening stables partially
shut out. AS he rounded a shed he
saw that haystack was ablaze. The
flaming flaments We're bearing d.
rectly toward the buildings, Sidney
darted lightning quick for a pitchfork,
dismantled, scattered and tramped out
the MANAGING heap and stared hard at
a figure crouching against the pasture
gate.
"Was II you who screamedT' he
challenged and then his suspicious
tones died down 10 gentleness. The
intruder was young girl, pale ana
trembling. She arose to her feet. In
the dying glow of the fire her rare
beauty shone forth with vividness
that thrilled Sidney. Her attire was
rich to the point of extravaganza and
she wore two rings and pin at her
throat that sent back dazzling pris-
matte sparkles of color.
YES" she replied In a quaverins
tone. 81 was tired with long, long
tramp and weak, too, from hunger. l
was seeking shelter when / reached
here. / sat down on the horse block,
for there was nc light in the house.
Then I thought / saw one behind tho
barn, but it was only rough-looking
tramp lighting his pipe. When he saw
me he ran, and | think It likely he
dropped match that started the fire.
The hay rack blazed and / tried to
wake up somebody in the house by
screaming"
I'll is a good thing you did. Miss
returned Sidney, approvingly. IF the
barns had ever caught the whole place
would have gone. Are-are you q
stranger around here?"
every much So came the prompt
reply and Sidney was greatly puzzl I'D.
The girl showed no phase of holiness,
yet she was clear and definite.
"We've got you to thank for saving
the barns and probably the house" he
said "If You hadn't given the warn
ing that blazing stack would soon have
done it's work You had better come
to the house. l think my mother win
be up and-and she will see that yos
are made comfortable"
Perhaps you don't exactly take me
on trust" spoke the girl. This dress
does not belong to me and these blaz-
ing gems are stage diamonds. All
will tell you is that | am an orphan
and ran away from the school where
my guardian had placed me and Joined
a travelling show. They were good
people in it, but it failed and the
sheriff seized everything except tho
clothing we had on"
''But what are you thinking of de-
ing now" questioned Benson.
"Oh, anything to earn a living" re-
piled the girl. 81 won't 20 back to
school and, as I wrote my guardian,
/ intend to choose my own way IN
life"
Sidney led the way to the house.
His mother was down stairs and she
viewed this strange guest with temer-
ity. Midnight and a beautiful gin
dressed like princess Mrs. Benson
had only known through novels or tive
movie stage.
However, she could not refuse hos
pitality 70 one who had probably
saved their home. She prepared a
meal and saw that their visitor was
comfortably installed in the best bed
room.
Next morning Adrianne Martel as
she told them her name was. became
i'll with a fever. II was week be-
fore she was up and around. BY that
time she had won on the motherN
regard Of Mrs Benson to an extent
that would make parting a sorrow.
Let me stay in the dear old place"
suggested Adrianne u will be glad
to work lust to be among the kind.
good people you are"
There came about what might have
been anticipated From Che first sid
ney loved her; from the first she es-
ioemed him as the manly. rue-hearied
fellow he was They were quietly
married
One day an automobiles drove i'm 10
the tarmyord for water Sidney was
getting it when Joyous faced Adrianne
came our OF the house
well Wellm exclaimed the auto
mobilist. Found at last eh. and nret-
tier han ever Ny dear girl. YOU have
lea uS q long quest"
sidney" spoke Adrianne In her
straightforward way. "this is my guar
dian that was. And Mr.. Boyden. This
IS my husband and We are the hap
pieSt pair IN the world"
"A femme sole no longer. then?s OBJ
served the hwyer.
Don't call me names. dear old
guardy but what is femme soleT