Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1919-10-21
in which some one was cool.

ing over fire.
With the knowledge that help was
at hand, Big Bruce drifted into uncon-
sclousness. When his eyes opened
some time later. he looked up into q
pair of black ones which were owned
by a girl of about twenty, who was
garbed in well-fitting buckskin clothes,
with short skirt. leggings and
wide-brimmed hat.
She had dark hair that fell in heavy
folds around her neck, and she had
white teeth and pug nose and lots
of freckles. She was attractive in
some ways. but in others she was de-
cidedly plain.
"I've got your wound fixed up." she
told him. "Some fool man has been
hunting out of season and got the
wrong kind of game. If / had fired
that shot 1t would nave hit what II
was aimed at
She snorted in disgust, An examj-
nation with his hands showed Bruce
that his shirt had been cut away
around the wound and a bandage put
In place. The bandage was wet, but
he ascertained that it was with water
instead of blood.
Its not serious-if I hurry you
home" she told him, In business-like
tones. IF you'll try to walk, and lean
on me all you want to, we can make
il to the canoe"
It was not great distance, and
somehow, in spite of the pain and his
weakened condition. which became
more pronounced when he essayed to
walk, Bruce was almost sorry when
they arrived at the shore and she
helped him into the canoe.
II was growing dusk, but Big Bruce
could see that there were white caps
on the lake. He doubted the girls
ability to paddle through the savage
waves, but he kept his own counsel.
Before pushing the craft into the
water she filled his pipe for him,
placed the stem between his teeth and
lighted it. He was so amazed by this
act of thoughtfulness that he came
near forgetting TO draw on the pipe.
Soon they were tossing on the lake.
Big Bruce was somewhat apprehen-
sive. but he knew he was powerless to
help the girl who was seated in the
stern padding vigorously to keep the
nose of the boat headed into the ridges
of foam. If she faltered and allowed
the oncoming waves to turn the canoe
and sweep against its side there was
no telling what would result.
However, she worked like trojan,
never uttering word, and despite the
/ fact that it was now so dark the shore
on either side was blotted OUT, she
seemed confident of being able to
reach her destination, whatever 1t
might be.
At last they were landed, and the
girl surprised Bruce by dragging the
canoe clear of the water with him In
it, almost tipping him out.
"There," she breathed, rather heav-
/ ily "Now for the car"
She left him, and presently a flood
of light from the spotlight of an auto
surrounded him. Again she aided him
to walk, and presently he was reclin-
ing over the road.
Soon they came to a branch road,
which they followed for a short dis
lance, stopping finally in front of a
comfortable looking cottage, in which
CHEEKY lights were burning.
Half an hour later Bruce was in
bed, fresh bandage over the wound
the girls brother having come to help
look after the patient.
Father will be back soon," the CIR
told him. Hes doctor, and he'll
fix you up right; but I know you'll
have to stay here three weeks. Its
lucky we didn't go back to the city
yesterday as we had planned"
Three weeks later Big Bruce wal
back in Lovers Lodge" practically
recovered from his wound.
One day one of the boys came tear
ing into the shack with a packet Of
mail in one hand and lone letter In
the other.
Help! help!" he cried, in mock dis
treSs. Here's a letter for Mr.. Bruce
Forrester-and it's pink and got per
fume on it."
Bruce took the letter. his face blaz
ing, and retired to his bunk. The 9th
ers gathered round and looked on il
open-mouthed establishment while III
read to himself smiling the while.
Presently he finished perusing tn
missive and when he looked up he ap
parently noticed for the first time tina
he had an audience.
whats the matter with yo'
bOObs?" he snorted. Cant a fellow
fall in love if he wants to? Say, wher
in thunder's some ink, paper and pen?