The Little River news., 1920-07-10
CHAPTER x.
The Prodigal Son.

They found the prodigal son with his sister and Laura London at the Del Mar Repentance was writ large all over his face and manner. From Da- wis and from the girls he had heard the story of how Soapy Stone had in- tended to destroy him. His scheme of life had been broken into pieces and he was badly shaken young scamp.
 When Luck and Curly came into the "oom he jumped up. very white about he lips.
 "Father!"
 "My boyl"
 Cullison had him by the hand, one arm around the shaking shoulders.
 'What-what-Y
 Sam's question broke down, but his father guessed 1t.
 "Soapy and Bad Bill were killed. Dutch is prisoner. and Blackwell es- capped. All Spring Valley is out after him."
 The boy shuddered and drew long sobbing breath. I've been fool. fa- ther--and worse."
 Forget it. son. We'll wipe the slate clean. I've been to blame. too"
 It was no place for outs CTS Curly beat retreat into the next room. The young women followed him. Both of them were frankly weeping. Arms twined about each others waists, they disappeared into an adjoining bed room.
 Don't go," Kate called to him over her shoulder.
 Curly sat down and waited. Pres enly Kate came back alone. Her shin- ing eyes met his.
 "I never was soy happy in all my life before. Tell me what happened everything, please"
 As much as was good for her to know Curly told. Without saying g word she listened till he was through.
 At last she spoke in low, sweet voice.
 "What can we do for you? First you save father and then Sam. You risked everything for my brother-tO via him back to us to save his life and now his reputation. If you had been killed people would always have be- lieved you were one of the gang"
 "Shsl Thas's nonsense, Miss Kate" He twisted his hat in his hand uneas- fly. Honest. enjoyed every bit of it. And a fellow has to pay his debts" "Was that why you did it." she asked softly.
 "Yes. had to make good. had to show your father and you that I had not thrown away all your kindness. So quit travelling that downhill road on which had got started"
 I'm glad--Tm glad" She whis- pered it so low he could hardly hear.
 "There was one way to prove my self. That was to stand between Sam and trouble. So butted in and spoiled Soapy's game"
 'T wish could tell you how fine fa- ther thinks 1t was of you. He doesn't speak of 1t much, but I know"
 Nothing to what l did-nothing at all." wave of embarrassment had crept to the roots of his curly hair. Just because fellow-Oh. shucks!" That's all very well for you to say, but you can't help us thinking what we please"
 But that ain't right. l don't want you thinking things that ain't so. be- cause"
 "Yes? Because-7"
 She lifted her eyes and met his. Then she knew it had to come out, that the feeling banked in him would overflow in words.
 Because you're the girl love-"
 He had not intended to say it now, lest he might seem to be urging his services as claim upon her. But the words had slipped out in spite of him. She held out her two hands to him with little gesture ofisurrender. The light of love was in her starry eyes.
 And then
 She was in his arms. and the kisses he had dreamed about were 00 his lips.
 CHAPTER xi.
 Cutting Trail.