The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-12-06
Eoening Story
bod March's Girl.
BY KATE EDMONDS.

BY KATE EDMONDS.
The doctor from oyer-the-mountain
stood on the door stone at bod
March's cabin ald looked Jane March
straight in. the eyes.
Your fathers legs pretty bad.
Jane" he said kindly.
you mean-he'll lose it?" demanded
Jane in her direct way.
He might. Needs care--better
send him to DR.. FraWes's place at
Wawmut."
How? He can't be moved
'I'll fix that-we can get him over
quite easily. The, doctor has every
thing to make it easy Your father
will be all right by Christmas"
Jane nodded slowly. At last she
spoke and tears were near her brave,
brown eyes. I'VE haven't much money
left, doctor" she confessed, land dad.
being sick, will miss all the fall work
you know the best guide on the
mountains"
8 Il know it. Jane. It's a pity that
bear clawed him.
IF l had been along-it wouldn't
have>bappened- wonder how could
earn some money, doctor?" she said
anxiously.
The doctor thought rapidly. Been
with your father much? Know woods?
Can you shoot?"
: He says I'm as good as he is.
but of course I'm not. A girl couldn't
be- she answered modestly. rs
there something L can do?' she asked
with hope in her eyes.
After your father goes to DR..
Frames I'll send Old Red Squirrels
squaw over here-you know Molly
Basket? She's the best chaperon/ in
seven counties-wont even let the
stars blink at you! My idea is this.
Jane March-just take your farther's
place. When his customers come
nf
the city. fat bankers and brokers who
want a BIT OF hunting and taste of
camp hfe-you can guide 'em and
Molly Basket can cook. and you can
make believe your father is in the
cabin if JNu want to-"
Doctor. how Splendid cried Jane,
and ran in to tell the plan to bod
March, who listened at first with
horror, then dismay and at last with
resignation, for the leg was bother
some and old Molly. Basket was a
regular old she-bear to fight.
I've only made two engagements"
he said YEARLY, but both of them
are for six weeks each-Major Babb
he always comes. you know, and
James Armstrong-they old fellows
and won't try to make love to you,
Janiei"
Jane March felt quite excited the
day she expected Major Babb, but the
elderly sportsman was SO intent upon
shooting a big buck and one bear that
he didn't care much who guided him
to the right spot. Just one big black
bear, my dear" he said to Jane, with
hardly a glance at her trim form in
its hunting rig.
must find a bear for you,' laugh
ed Jane, as she left the major to Molly
Baskets delicious camp cooking. She
sang like a lark as she climbed the
trail. 1t was SO wonderful to be able
to do This for her father. She had
written him a long letter describing
the majors arrival and forwarding the
batch of newspapers and box of cigars
the city man had brought for the old
guide. Now she went back to the
camp with shining eyes,.
Major Babb,'' she said, your bear
lives up by the elump of honey locusts
you remember where the black
rocks are? He has a trail to the
west
"Good-good," burred the major.
rubbing his fat hands.
The next day they found the bear
and the major shot him with his ac-
custOmed skill, and Molly Basket went
hot-foot over the mountain to fetch
her son. Little Squirrel, to take care
of the dead monster.
Then the major got his buck, and
after several days of idleness, he de-
parted for home again. leaving the
Marches much richer than when he
came. To Jane he gave a Grip hum
dred-dollar bill. For the best guide
ever had" he chuckled as he wrote
out the customary check.
Jane took a week off and went to
see her father and told him all about
the majors stay. "Mr. Armstrong
will come next week-and when he
goes it will be time for you to come
home"
doctor suggests that I stay here
until after Christmas-you might
schooling and buy some clothes"
smiled the old man.
That's fine, father" she agreed,
and went back to the camp glowing
with anticipation of the winter months,
often so lonely to the mountain girl,
altho she had been away to school.
The next week Mr.. Armstrong ap-
peared and with him a big. Swapping
young man, who stared with open sur
prise when Jane explained the situa-
ton.
''Tm sorry, Mr.. Armstrong" she fall
tered; "you SEQ. father was badly in
jured and we had to have money!
really can look out for you"
Mr.. Armtsrong's eyes twinkled. go
ahead. Miss Jane. "+-he said, heartily.
you've got grit. I brought my
nephew along-Ray Armc.rong-
learning to be a forester
Young Armstrong shook hands with
Jane and then they all sat down to,
midday dinner. Jane believed in feed
ing her people well. and with her own
hands she had baked an apple pie that
brought forth lavish praise from the
hunters. your father couldn't do
that, I'll warrant" chuckled the elder
Armstrong. as he accepted a second
piece of pie.
you shall not take all of dads
medals away from him. Mr.. Arm
strong" she protested. ST am only a
poor imitation of him-but can GER
tainly make good pie" she added con-
vincingly.
They all laughed as Molly Basket
came to clear away the meal. The
next day they were going to start out.
but that evening the men unpacked
their bags and prepared their guns.
In the evening Jane sat beside the
campfire and knitted while Ray Arm
strong explained his work to her. In
the intervals Mr.. Armstrong played
with the photograph until he fell