The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1920-12-04

room in desperation. 1t lighted final
~ on the cello still leaning against the
old mans chair.
you can teach me singin' lessons r
He said 1t good deal as a mar
might consent to surgical operation
with the chances dead against him.
That wouldn't be worth-money,'
she said. '"That would Just be fun. II
things were so could"
The Pearlhunter picked up his hat
from the table, stood fumbling 1t and
thinking in:ently. It went against the
grain Of him to give up till the last
lick was struck. Something she had
said few minutes before happened
into his thoughts
when your father is well. there'll
be more money coming to Box 23. He
can pay me back then himself"
He said it slowly-like a man laying
his last card ON the table, and the odds
against him.
But the effect was utterly opposite
to what he had dreaded. Her eyes
sprang to his face, and there was
something In them he had not seen
there before. He knew In that In
slant that she had not misunderstood
him. With freedom from which the
high moment took even the tiniest
semblance Of holiness, she stepped to-
ward him and laid her hand on his
arm.
You're wonderful ] don't suppose
anybody else In the world would do
such thing for folks like-us-for
strangers. Forgive me that / didn't
thank you. 1t was all so marvellous!
But do. do, over and overt"
The puzzled misgivings on the wind
seasoned face OF the man melted up
into q slow smile.
Its nothing" he said.
That was the best he could do, the
utmost syllable he could muster.
Nothing! When Daddy is to be
well, and the good days are coming
back! How can ever thank your"
TITS nothing" he repeated. "Td just
as soon you"-he hesitated; finally
added the word. "folks-had the mon
ey for while as to let It stand there
in the bank idle"
Yes, but how many would look at 1t
that way? I'm sure the bank wouldn't:
nor the doctor; nor anybody-but
you. Except Daddy" she added. ''He
would-when he was well. He was
like-ynu."
Anyhow" he said, as II continuing
some previous remark-some remark
he had doubtless been turning over in
his mind, since he had let fall no word
of 1.-THE first thing is to sell the
PEARL
He stepped toward the open door
She followed him. With the air Of
man seeking some excuse to linger. he
turned at the threshold.
"Sure you're not afraidw
Afraid! With Daddy?" A thought
clouded her eyes. Her face fell. I'm
only too safe," she continued in low
voice. "Nobody in the Flatwoods
would venture near this place. They
think fists"
She did not finish. The man guessed.
and stood silent.
But the future held too big hope
for her to stay long under a chance
cloud. She raised her face after a
moment and held out her hand. He
grasped 1t In both his own.
Don't feel bad" she said, because
you have no name but-Pearlhunter.
haven't any either but-but-"
"Wild Rose" he finished.
He watched the dimples come back;
and the soft twilight in hef eyes; and
/ shaft of bronze sunset doing straight
magic with her hair. He felt her hand
slipping out from between his-the
Of her palm; her soft fingers
and turned away.
Down near the fiat rock at the pool
ne lroked back and found the cabin
through thestrees. She was still stand
ng In the door, He waved his hand. |
Her white arm shot up In the twilight,
outlined for a brief instant against the
ray logs.