The Concordia sentinel., 1920-11-20


1t would terminate.
Mccarthy led the way, directly
across the main street, and down tne |
path past the dance hall, which by |
this time was in full blaze. Beyohd
they were plunged into darkness Dut
could see ahead of them the faint
CLEAN of a light through the WINDOW
of CalkiDs' shack. One or two sought
to drop out, but Shelby cOllared them
promptly, so that the entire Dunch
finally lined up behind Mccarthy as ne
raped on the closed door. The preach-
er opened 1t, his round face beaming
benignantly in the glare Of the single
Oil-lamp within, his bulk absolutely
blocking the entrance. Beyond, those
close at hand had a vague glimpse OF
the girl, who stood back against the
wall, staring toward them with wide
| open eyes. The Buffalo Gap man
smiled hlandly in welcome, impressed
/ by the number of faces he saw, ana
stepped heavily aside.
"COme right in, gentlemen" he eX-
claimed, gesturing impressively Win
one hand. "Our accommodations are
not extensive, as you will perceive
vet ample, | trust. Just circle about
| the wall thereto the left, please.
You hs.ve explained the circumstances,
Mr.. McCarthy?"
"Sure."
every well, then" his voice assum-
l
no unnecessary time in preliminaries.
I have very frankly laid the entire
matter before the young lady and have
finally convinced her of the righteous
ness Of our purpose. Do fifty express
your state of mind, my child|'
She lifted her eyes slightly, red
flush burning on either cheek.
81 suppose so; that's what you told
me to say"
Shelby, slipping in through the door
last of all, had found precarious
seat on the sill of the window, where
he had full view of the room. His
glance wandered appreciatingly along
that solemn line of men backed up
rigidly against the wall. They were
an odd-lOoking bunch. crowded to-
gether under the glare of the Oil-lamp,
the most of them roughly dressed and
unshaven and all of them visihly en-
barrassed and little ashamed. The
girl stood alone just before them and
to Shelby she appeared younger end
far better looking than in the after
noon. She would have been almost
pretty butt Cor the pathetic droOp al
the corners of her mouth and the re.
beliious. sullen look in her eyes. The
preacher spread his hands in disap
probation of her remark.
"Oh, no. my dear" he protested
81 merely labored with you and urged
this upon you as the better course.
even made it the subject of PRAYER
that we might be divinely guided. /
is now a matter entirely for your owl
decision"
She looked from him to the row q
!, breathless men facing her, impatient
Iy. her bosom rising and falling tu
;, multOusly.
ID "And I've got TO choose which on
I'd rather marry?
u "WeIl, yes, that is the idea crudel
o expressed. Not that you are coin
pelled In any way; only we feel
l highly desirable; that-well, perhap
| may say, 1t is the will Of God tina
YOU make some such choice"
I Her eyes wandered up and dow
the shrinking line, resting calmly o
] face after face. If she felt any hume
4 In the situation, there was no expires
n sion of 1t visible. She retained an al
pearance Of sullen Indifference, whic
I was almost insOlent.
| There amt no more Of 'em?'
| mo: this is ALL"
4 "And l got to pick from these?"
II The preacher nodded his head, g
she glanced inquiringly in his dire
ton. The pent-up breath came in
II sigh from between her lips.
III "Well. If I've got to, l have, ! SUI
q nose. and. so far as can see, 1t don
make no difference. I'll take the fe
m low sittin' over there on the window
n the one with the pink shirt"
N Shelby was upon his feet Instant
II so thoroughly startled by this suddt
II denouement as to scarcely find word
III But say, hold on" he exclain'
n excitedly. 81 don't belong to tn
|IH bunch; l don't even live in Ponca.
II lust came along TO help out"
4 The girl looked from face to fa
in bewilderment. which, judging fro
, the expression of her eyes, was
ready verging on anger.
What does the man mean" g
asked hurriedly of the preacher. W
stood nearest. You said l was
'or choose and now he refuses. Did Il
one not. come pledged"
If 81 am afraid not. my dear l
Ar not know, but he claims otherwi
He is not a POnca man."
-, She fronted Shelby, standi
-od, straight, indignant, her eyes FASH
No coldly.
"And you won't marry meT'
IN I'll can't-that's ALL" he sta
mered. "Oh, HI What did you wa
to pick me out for?
The girls eyes rested hard on
e' face. then wandered slowly down
We line of the others and her lips
~ firmly.
les "WeH. then. this play has gone