Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1921-03-17


Off cont and walstcoat TO be sure, but
the cllnglng wet shirt revealed mus
clcs anu a torso to delight any eye;
moreover, his clutch of her showed
giant strength. lie didn't wait for her
TO refuse Bellows eager invitation.
Homes nearer-golng there Is the
best preventive OF taking cold,' he
said almost brusquely. ITS mighty
nice of you TO offer us fire and shell
ter-thank you lot-but wet dogs
had better get TO their own kennels"
Then he half-led, half-dragged Betty
away, bowling airily TO the pair they
left. on the way 60 the log Betty
stopped him, pointing TO a Towering
tree overhead. and reaching silently
TO twitch off low-hanging clusters OF
starry flowers. She was quite willing
TO be carried over the stream. Peter
set tentative foot on the log, then
plunged down TO the streamside, say
ing, with Il grin, I'VE can't be wetter-
here goes :" then went striding steadily
across. lie put down his passenger
unbidden. picked up her hat and flow
ers and started along the homeward
path at nearly dogtrot. But Betty
kept up with him quite cleyerly. In
Whit her color had come back. her
eyes were shiny, not clouded, and her
hair beginning 10 frame her face In
adorable small tendrlls. Viewing all
which from the corner of his eye he
smiled whImsically, saying, Lucky
those others" noddlng backward
"can't see you now, Betsy Jack
would fall in love with you all over
again, and Cousin Emma want to bite
herself with jealous spite. Fine as
she looked i'm her outdoor get-up, she'd
have nothing on you. Now you have.
as the darkies say. Done come I'M
drowned Did you wish anything on
her when you got the flowersT
"Not thing" Betsy painted, run
ming a yard ahead of him. He caught
her arm saying. sternly, mo running
away. miss Things have got TO be
settled right here and now"
ooh. have they?' Betty flung over
her shoulder, twisting so her face was
hidden. She was all in a glow-the
twinkle in Peters eyes had betrayed
him. Besides-it was about tiT, TO
settle thlngs-but she would ne,er in
the world let them be settled Otherwise
than as she pleased. Peter had been
so long. SO steadfastly her merry slave,
captive as much 10 her elfn humor
as 70 her beauty and womanly charm,
it was delightful 10 have him even
pretending 10 lord II over her. Then,
too. she could take his breath when
ever she chose-she smiled in think
OF It. but wondered a little how he
would bear the surprise Of his life.
Finding him silent she ran on. 81
did wish things, though. Why don't
you ask about themi Is your curl
osity drowned the same as your new
shlrt2"
"No-Tm merely waiting until You'll
have TO. tell me-or perish in the at
tempt not to-" Peter said renectively.
Betty made face at him.
"Wish one was-never again to see
a person named Bellew," she began.
Peter nodded: GOOD work :"
With a silencing glance she went
on severely: "Wish two. that you'd
say l must marry you Mt Easter"
Here Peter put up imploring hands,
crying, This is so sudden. You fell
in love with me same time you fell
in the creek. ] suppose"
"No sir-ee." Betty laughed. '1t's
only you showed how well you knew
what 10 do in emergencies l think
you'll be handy 10 have in the house."
can unchristian martyrv Peter Ella
culated-with eyes that belied his
speech.