The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1920-04-07

III the walking's too hard. I'll carp
you," he smiled to Alice Disbrow.
"Oh, Mr.. Warren, how can you say
such things" Alice pouted.
Jere and Agatha waited before the
camp for Alice. When she appeared
Agatha heard the man draw In his
breath. Agatha was charming in her
white serge skirt and short coat belted
in scarlet. Her tiny white felt hat
with Its pheasant's wing and her high
boots Of white suede made her more
than ever one Of his illustrations.
In few minutes they left the trail
that led away from the camp, and
struck inward through the forest.
They walked on and on until the ligh,
sifted down dimly through the tree
tops. but they did not strike the
stream.
Agatha turned when she heard .
faint cry. Alice had slipped and twist
ed her foot on a hidden stone. When
she reached her the girl was sudden.
~ sick and dizzy.
THE streams only . bir farther.
You stay with her and will get some
water" the man said. When he came
hurrying back to dash some Of the
water on the girls face she turned
away pettishly.
There's no reason to ruin my dress. y
she complained. "Oh, It hurts So" she
began to cry weakly; while the tears
made burrows down her pink cheeks
and left the rouge showing in gro
tesque spots.
"We'd better get back" the man
said. before II gets dark"
The three made their way slowly
toward the trail. with Alice limping
painfully between them. Agatha
fancied she heard Jere give NUT
tered damn" when Alice wept. "Oh
don't see why you brought me on
this horrid walk! And now you don't
know how to get back!"
The darkness had fallen suddenly
as II does in the north woods. and
Jere was doubtful Of his direction. He
looked comically at Agatha and hel
gray eyes broke into a twinkle d
laughter. Eve may have to make 8
night of IT," the man apologized. "Oi
course. they'll send out for us wheE
they discover we're lost. ought no.
| to have brought you. hut I don't dare
take the risk Of leading you through
this wilderness without more light"
Il should say you shouldn't have
brought u.s." Alice cried, her pretty
| voice sharp now.
! II think it'll be rather lark" Thu
man heard the smile in Agathas voice
Agatha helped him gather some dr..
twigs for fire and soon they Lighted
the woods with bright blaze. Alic'
sulked in the background: when sh'
did come near enough for the fire t.
show the ravages that a few hours hat
made in her appearance Agatha wa
filled with pity. The water dashed OF
her so unceremoniously had taken tn
careful wave from her hair. and, he
white cheeks were stained with tears
And now that she had ceased to b.
piQuant and filrtatious, her charm wa
gone.
Alice refused the chocolate tina
Agatha had stuffed in her pocket an,
drew away from the freight. Jer
and Agatha before the blaze sa
munching chocolate. and the maj
looked at his companion with new
| eyes. She was just as fresh as sh,
had been when they left in the earl.
afternoon. Her eyes cleaned acros
at him with their friendly frank gaze
and the heat had lighted rosiness il
her clear brown skin.
| 1t was so dark now that the fir,
alone lighted the woods with eeri'
shadows. Agatha. looking behind. saw
| Alice huddled in little heap asleep
Jere Warren took off his coat and lait
it over her gently. When he CAM
back to Agatha there was a long 81
lence.
The man. lighting his pipe. frOwnet
down into its bowl before he spoke
"Ive been fool. Miss Holmes" II
said. II took the glitter for the gold
and now I wonder Oh. I'm not goo.
at that sort Of thing. but mean
wonder II fellow would have ,
chance to be-your friend?"
The rose in Agatha's cheeks deep
ened before she answered, and her eye
were no less friendly II they held a new
shyness. II should think SO. Mr.. War
ren-if that girl was i"
Far Off they heard the sound Of ,
faint "Halloo! HalloO:"