Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1920-12-25

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
BY DAVID ANDERSON


HhpHhuitAtitAtAtiita sttitIiiitiiiltiiititittt
room in desperation. 1t lighted hnal-
~ on the cello still leaning against the
old mans chair
You can teach me singin' lessons -
lie said 1t a good deal as a man
might consent to a surgical operation,
with the chances dead against him.
THAT wouldn't be worth-money.
she said That would just be fun. If
things We're so / could"
The Pearlhunter picked up his hat
from the table, stood funblng il and
thinking intently. 1t went against the
grain Of him TO give up till the last
lick was struck. Something she had
said a few minutes before happened
into his thoughts
when your father is well, therein
be more money coming to Box %. He
can pay me back then himself"
He said it slowly-like man laying
his last card on the table, aud the odds
against him
But the effect was utterly opposite
to what he had dreaded Her eyes
sorang 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 when 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-
strangers. Forgive me that I didn't
thank you. 1t was all so marvellous
But do, ! do, over and ovci :"
The puzzled miSgivincs on the wind
seasoned face of the man melted up
into slow smile.
ITS nothing" he said
That was the best ne 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 you ="
ITS nothing" he repeated. I'D just
as soon you'-he heSitated; finally
added the word, 'foks-had the mon
ey for while as TO let it stand there
in the bank idle
Eyes. but how many would look at il
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-y0u."
Anyhow" he said as If 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
turued at the threshold.
'Sure you're not afraid?"
afraid With Daddy?" A thought
clouded her eyes Her face fell. Pm
only too safe" she continued in low
voice. "Nobody in the Flatwoods
would venture near this place. They
think lists"
and stood silent.
But the future held too big a hope
for her to stay long under chance
cloud She raised her face after
moment and held out her hand. He
grasped 1t in both his own.
Don't feel bad" she said, because
you have no name 6ut-Pearlhunter.
haven't any either but-but-"
"Wild Rose" he fiji ished.
He watched the dimpies come hack
and the soft twilight in her eyes and
a shaft of bronze sunset doing straight
magic with her hair. lie felt her hand
slipping out from between hiS-the
cuShicns of her palm; her soft fingers
and turned away.
Down near the fiat rock at the pool
he looked back and found the cabin
through the trees. She was still stand
ing in the door. He waved his hand,
Her white arm shot up in the twilight,
outlined FOR a brief instant against the
gray logs.