The Mena weekly star. (Mena, Ark.) 1904-1977, 1920-06-24

carr" he demanded bluntly, "this-the
SequoIa stagel Take a look. lady.
This here's a Napier imported auto
mobile. It's private car and be-
longs to my boss here"
Bryce turned and lifted his hat
quite naturally. you thought it was
the Seauoia stage" He turned a
smoldering glance upon George Sea
Otter. George" he declared omI-
nously. but with sly wink that drew
the sting from his words. IF you're
anxious to hold down your job. the
next time lady speaks to you and
asks you a simple question. you an.
swer yes or no and refrain from sar-
castle remarks. Don't let your en-.
thusiasm for this car run away with,
you" He faced the girl again. "Was
1t your intention 10 90 to Sequn.a on
the next trip of the stageT'
She nodded.
"That means You will have to wait
here three days until the stage re-
turns from Sequoia." Bryce replied
A shade of annoyance passed over
the classic features of the Highest
Living Authority. "Oh. dear" she
complained. how fearfully awkward
Now l shall have TO take the next
train to San Francisco and book pas
sage on the steamer to Sequoia-and
Marcelle is such a poor sailor Oh,
deari'
Bryce had an inspiration and hasten
ed to reveal 1t.
I'VE are about to start for Sequoia
now, although the lateness of our start
will compel us to put up tonight at
the rest-house on the south fork of
Trinity river and continue the journey
in the morning. However. this rest
house is eminently respectable and
the food and accommodations are ex-
traordinarily good for mountains; so.
If an invitation to occupy the tonneau
of my car will not be construed as
an impertinence, coming as it does
from total stranger you are at
liberty to regard this car as to all
intents and purposes the public con-
veyance which so scandalousiy de-
clined to wait for you th' morning"
She looked at him. searchingly for
a brief instant; then with a peculiarly
winning smile and graceful inciina-
ton of her head she thanked him
and accepted his hospitality-thu
"Why, certainly not You are very
kind, and shall be eternally CRATE
full"
THANK you for that vote of confi-
dence. 1t makes me feel that | have
your permission to introduce myself.
My name is Bryce Cardigan, and |
live in Sequoia when I'm at home"
"Of Cardigan's redwoods?" she
questioned. He nodded 1--WE heard
of you, think" she continued. i
am Shirley Sumner"
"You do not live in Sequoia."
mo, but I'm going to hereafter. I
was there about ten years ago."
He grinned and thrust out great
hand which she surveyed gravely for
a minute before inserting hers In IT..
II wonder" he said, 'if 1t is to be my
duty to give you ride every time you
come to Sequoia7 The last time you
were there you wheedled me into CIV
ing you ride on my pony, an animal
known as Midget Do you, by any
chance, recall that incident?'
She looked at him wonderlngly.
"why--why. you're the boy with the
beautiful auburn hair" she declared.
He lifted his hat and revealed his
thick thatch in all its glory. I'm not
so sensitive about 1t now" he explain
ed. when we first met reference to
my hair was apt TO rile me-" He
shook her little hand with cordial
good-nature. George, suppose you
pile Miss Summers hand-baggage in
the tonneau and then pile in there
yourself and keep Marcelle company.
I'll drive; and you can sit up in front
With me, Miss Sumner snug behind