The daily Alaskan., 1921-02-24
A New Romance or the Storm Countrt1

| I'll do 1t today if you keep naggin' at me-"
 Devon studied her face. his own dis torted with rage.
 "You'll do no such a thing, mad wOmau," he returned, running his tongue over his dry, cracked lips. If you get me in a temper you'd better look out Reggie knows Tonnibel's got rich folks, but he don't know who they are. You spill the beans, by Cd, and the lake for yours." The woman's gaze sought the sheet of blue water.
 1 Shell grow beard mile loE2 be- fore l tell 'er," she said finally, bring Ing her eyes back to his face. "Tell 'er yourself, and see how you like 1t"
 There was d ring of revolt in her tones that brought an expression of surprise to the mans face, leaving It angrlly, frowningIy red. But the sound of a girls voice on the hill brought him suddenly to his feet. ] "There she Is, by G-d," he cried abruptly. Now if you want any more | loyins from me-more'n that, If you want to stay where live, you got to do my will"
 "Uriah, honey, darlIn'," cried Edith, don't say that I've always stuck by you"
 Then keep q stlckin'," growsei De vOn. For Gods sake, if the brat Rin't lugged that pig clean up that pine tree"
 l Above them a giant pine tree lifted its head far above Its fellows. Among | Its branches the man and woman could plainly see the upper half of girls figure settled in the crotch of an out spreading limb, and clusped h two l slender arms was the small guinea | pig. 2 She bObbed her head grayely, ! held up the animal und shook 1t at them.
 Tony, herself, little knew why in times of strife she sought refuge among these forest giants and came always to happiness. They were ani- mated beings in her mean little world and because she had Showered IdOla- ] trOus love on them they. from their 1 primeval grandeur sent an answering spark of life to her starved little soul. The sight of Tony further enraged Urlah. He waved her in.
 Now tell her outright and get it oyer Ede" he said, sitting down again.
 Reaching the canal boat, Tony stood looking at her parents.
 "Set down." grOwled Devon.
 Shifting the pig little, she dropped down on the deck. She always dread ed these talks with her father and mother. IL usually meant they must move on, or perhaps that thrash ing was coming her way. From under l h,.. '"ng laSheS she gllmpsed first De- vOD with his frOwning brow, then al length let her gaze settle on the wom- an.
 "I S'pOSe l been dOln something helIsh," she ventured presently in low tOne Have l, Edie"
 Nope, not this time, Tony" thrust in Devon. But we've got 10 tell you something. You're gettin' to be wOm- an, Tonnibei, and you got to do some thing for your mother and me"
 "lm always wantin' to do something nice for you, Edie, darling" she said, looking at her mother "YGp It out quick, sweet, and I'll jump to do Itp'
 The woman began to cry softly.
 GO on, Edie," said Urlah. "Why in h-I are you blubberln' over a thing you cant help?"
 But I can help It," cried Edith. And what's more I will. Run away, baby, and I'll have 1t out with your pop while you're gone"
 Devon reached forward and laid a strong detalnlng hand on the girls arm.
 Its this" he got out between his teeth. You got to get married. You been Twin on me long enough"
 The girl stared at him blankly.
 "Get married" she repeated duly. "Who'd marry brat like mel I'm notbIn' but a kid yet, and I'm goln' to stay right here with my mother. See7 don't have to-dQ l, mummy darlin'T
 "Ytw mas word sln't law on this boat" answered Urfah in an ugly tone. "Mlne Is, though. Fire ahead, Edie, and tell the kid my will"
 Mrs. Devon coughed spasmodicany and toyed with the fabric of her skirt. slender brown hand went up and closed over her twitchIng fingers.
 "I wouldn't marry any of the mutts you know, daddy" the girl burst out in desperation. "So get that notion clean out of your mind" Her face settled sullenly Into little lines that pursed up the lovely young mouth, and Urlah Devon moved his feet nervously. Perhaps his task wasn't going to be so easy after all.
 Kid" he said huskily, If you don't do what you're told, I'll make you. You ain't too old to gad yet And you'll be mlssln' one of the best lick in's you ever got If you mind what l tell you"
 The girl eyed him curiously, making