Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1920-08-24

And In your breast hen shaft his
dart:
I swear this unto you
And pierce your now rebellious heart.
For he's contrary. too
Mary Ray6Grn knelt In her canoe
and clang breathlessly 10 the low
hanging branches overhead that
screened her as she watched the sing
er lift his paddle and suddenly with
one long sweeping stroke drive his
own canoe into the hiding place be-
side hers
~A-h," he smiled. -at lastl-
Mary was startled and only stared.
After all this time he went on.
I've found you
tWhy-haye you been looking fog
meg she al last found her tongue
Don't you remember he chided
her. Don't you remember that day
saw you On the beach at Coronado?
You wore . blue bathing suit and 8
yellow cap"
she shook her head i've never
been there"
Il guess you're mistaken" she saIc
IS he hummed the air OF his song
smilingly. -and-and think I'd bet
ter be going
She half arose TO disentangle q
dead branch that had caught over the
bow OF her canoe-it tilted and with 8
little gasp Of chilled surprise she
found herself. in the water Almost
instantly be was beside her. Then he
took hold Of her and held her high IN
his arms.
-You-you needn't hold me so long
she protested Indignantly.
Long he chuckled- I'm only let
ting you. drain before put you back
In the canoe. Believe me, you're one
wet woman"
And finally he hunched over and
sat her down in her canoe
Here, he ordered Drag my
canoe along behind and III tow US up
around the lend where there's sand
bar we can land on
He procured bathing suit and
rain coat.
Go back up there somewhere" he
directed. -and put on these dry
things. Then bring your things back
here and spread them out on thar
bush This sunH dry 'em in a couple
OF hours"
She studied him silently for a mo-
ment and then silently took the things
he offered and went hack toward the
thiekly wooded shore And q few mo-
meuts later she returned with the
raineoat wrapped about her and her
hair tumbled down her back
'-Coldfn he asked.
She shook her head. He got out
coffee pot and frying pan, talking
In his dron way entirely unconscious
of her shy reserve.
After they had eaten they sat there
while Chalmers smoked She studied
him covertly at every opportunity as
they chstted and talked, but she had
persistently refused 70 give him any
knowledge Of herself other than tie
first name OF Mary, which he had
guessed She watched him curiously
as he took a charred stick and
marked q mystic sign on the smooth
skin OF her arm
what is ftfa she asked looking
down on the circle he had made.
I've put ny brand on you" he
smiled into her eyes I've q ranch in
California the Circle Bar-and that's
my brand
~0h.7 she murmured, rubbing the
mark OF with her hand, at the same
time realizing regretfuny that it was
time for her 70 60 So she gathered
up her clothes and went back into the
trees to put them on.
sadly wrinkIed. but nice and dry"
she laughed. as she climbed into her
canoe s few moments later
Am I going to see you again.
MaryT~ be asked earnestly.
Perhaps I'll come this way again"
she smiled. as she swept on down the
river and out OF sight.
That night Chalmers took the
puneher's outfit that hung as a deco
ration On the wall Of his shack and
dressed himself for the costume ball
that was to be held several miles be-
low at the famous WinGermere inn.
one Of the most interesting resorts in
the Maine woods. When he arrived
the ball was in fun swing
In the center Of one group stood
delightful Spanish dancer who turned
gayly te speak 10 some one passing
and revealed TO Chalmers a round
bare shoulder, on which had been
printed with 2 black eyebrow pencil
the brand Of the Circle Bar.
Instantly he stood before the group
and swept his high-crowHed hat
which bore the same insignia. deep
Spanish bow. as he took the dancers
hand.
The brand is mine he explained
apologeticaIly TO the rest Of the group
Indicating the marx on her shoulder.
"and anything that bears the brand Of
the Circle Bar is mine also And ne
led her toward the Eeranda-
Il wondered Il you'd be here TO
night" she murmured when they
reached the shadows.
MY brand is on you. Mary dear
he said. -and III never let you CO.
Il don't want to co. she whis
pered-
And II is reported that somebody
saw somebody thar saw the Cow
Puneher kissing the Spanish dancer.
though Of course il might not havs
been true
gCapyrigh1. 1918. by xss Mcclure ksxs
paper Systicass-l