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

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 beited
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 light
sifted down dimly through the tree
tops. but they did not strike the
stream.
Agatha turned when she heard 3
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 q biI farther.
You stay with her and l 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 pettishIy.
There's no reason to ruin ms dress"
she complained. "Oh. 1t 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.
WED better get back" the man
said. before 1t 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.
l 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 1t does in the north woods. and
Jere was doubtful of his direction. He
looked comically at Agatha and her
gray eyes broke into a twinkle If
laughter. 1--WE may have to make a
night of IT," the man apOlogized. "Of
course, they'll send out for us when
they discover we're lost. I ought not
to have brought yhu. hut don't dare
take the risk Of leading you through
this wilderness without more light"
81 should say you shouldn't have
brought us!" Alice cried, her pretty
voice sharp now.
81 think it'll he rather a lark" The
man heard the smile in Agatha's voice.
Agatha helped him gather some dry
twigs for fire and soon they lighted
the woods with a bright blaze. Alice
sulked in the background; when she
did come near enough for the fire to
show the ravages that few hours had
made in her appearance Agatha was
filed with pity. The water dashed on
her so unceremOnionsly had taken the
careful wave from her hair and, her
white cheeks were stained with tears
And now that she had ceased to be
piquant and fiirtatious. her charm was
gone.
Agatha had stuffed in her pocket and
drew away from the freight. Jere
and Agatha before the blaze sat
munching chocolate. and the man
looked at his companion with new
eyes. She was Just as fresh as she
had been when they left In the early
afternoon. Her eyes cleaned across
at him with their friendly frank gaze.
and the heat had lighted a rosiness in
her clear brown skin.
It was So dark now that the fire
alone lighted the woods with eerie
shadows. Agatha. looking behind, saw
Alice huddled in little heap asleep.
Jere Warren took off his coat and laid
it over her gently. When he came
back to Agatha there was a long ST.
lence.
The man. lighting his pipe. frOwned
down into its bowl before he spoke.
"Tve beer fool. Miss Holmes" he
said. ~ took the glitter for the gold.
and now I wonder Oh. I'm not good
at that sort Of thing, but l mean l
wonder II a fellow would have q
chance to be-your friend?"
The rose in Agatha's cheeks deep
ened before she answered. and her eyes
were no less friendly If they held new
shyness. Il should think so. Mr.. War
ren-if that girl was L"
Far off they heard the sound of q
faint "Halloo! Halloo:"