The Kenna record. (Kenna, Roosevelt County, N.M.) 190?-1924, 1921-03-25


and gentler" She ceased abruptly,
fearful Of breaking down her reserve
and saying too much.
"well, II Bils case is hopeIess"-
his hand came cropping for hers, while
he held her with his searching, wistful
glance--"I wonder what mine looks
like. That Is Dolores, Ill"
Eyes, JohnT
'Tve played fair with my friend" he
whispered eagerly. 'Tm not going to
ask you to marry me, but want to
tell you that to me you're such a very
wonderful woman can't help loving
you with my whole heart and soul"
II have suspected this, john" she
replied gravely.
Il suppose so. I'm such an obvious
old fool. I've had my dream, and I've
put Il behind me, but III Just want
you to know love you; so long as
live, shall want to serve you. When
you're married to this other man, and
things do not break just right for you
both--If 1 have something he wants.
in order to make you happy, want
you to know It's yours to give to him.
I-I-I-guess that's all, Dolores"
"Thank you, John. Would you like
to know this man I'm going to mar
ryT
eyes, / think I'd like to congratulate
the scoundrel."
"Then I'll introduce you to him, John.
first met him on a train in Death
valley, California. He was a shaggy
old dear, all whiskers and rags, but
his whiskers couldn't hide his smile,
and his rags couldn't hide his man.
hood, and when he thrashed a drum
mer because the man annoyed me,
Just couldn't help falling In love with
him. Even when he hbbed to me and
disputed my assertion that we had met
before"
"Good land Of love-and the calves
get looseI" he almost shouted as he
held up his one sound arm to her. my
dear, my dear"
"Oh. sweetheart" she whispered lay
ing her hot cheek against his, "it's
taken you so long to say 1t, but love
you all the more for the dear thoughts
that made you hesitate"
He was silent few moments, digest.
ing his amazement, speeches. with the
great happiness that was his-and
then Dolores was kissing the back of
the hand of that helpless, bandaged
arm lying across his breast. He had
tightening in his throat, for he had
not expected love; and that sweet, be-
nignant, humble little kiss spelled ado
ration and eternal surrender; when
she, looked at him again the mists Of
joy were in his eyes.
'Dear old Caliph Johnl" she
crooned. "He's never had a woman
to understand his funny ways and APP
preciate them and take care of him,
has he2" She patted his cheek. "And
bless his simple old heart, he would
rather give up his love than be false
to his friend. Yes, indeed. Johnny
Webster respects No Shooting signs
when he sees them, but he tells fbs
and pretends to be very stupid when
he really isn't. So you wouldn't be
false to Billy-eh, dear7 I'm glad to
know that, because the man who can
not be false to his friend can never be
false to his wife,"
He crushed her down to him and
held her there for a long time. "My
DEAR" he said presently, isn't there
something you have to say to me?"
81 love you, john" she whispered,
and sealed the sweet confession with
true lovers kiss.
"All's well with the world" John
Stuart Webster announced when he
could use his lips once more for con-
versation. "And," he added, sowing
to the fact that l started a trlfie late
in life, believe could stand little
more of the same"
The door opened and Ricardo looked
in on them.
"Killjoy" Webster growled. "OId
Killjoy the Thirteenth, King Of So
brante. Is this surprise to your"
'Not bit Of it, Jack. / knew 1t
was due"
fam ] welcome in the Ruey famllyf"
Ricardo came over and kissed his
sister ''Don't be a lobster Jack" he
protested. u dislike foolish Ques-
tions." And he pressed his friends
hand with fervOr that testified to his
pleasure.
"rm sorry to crowd in at a time
like this, jack" he continued, with
hug for Dolores, 'but Mr.. What-you-
may-call-hlm, the American consul, has
called to pay his respects. AS a fellow
citizen OF yours, he is vitality interested
in your welfare. Would you care to
receive him for a few minutes7"
"One minute will do" Webster de-
clared with emphasis. "Sh0w the hui
/ man eIro nm Rfclf