The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1922-06-13

men would have been Wild beasts like
that. I thought Andersen could keep
them in control. Thank God. 1 came
when did"
you weren't to blame, Will" sobbed
the girl: "and the men weren't. I don't
think they would have done me any
harm. 1t was the sight of you. WIN.
and the fight thought they had
stabbed you"
Il shall be. in camp as long as it's
open," answered Wilton. Don't ba
afraid any more I'll see that nc
more of this stuff finds its way here.
And tomorrow TIL make an example
of the worst Of them that won't be
forgotten"
He soothed her and soon brought
her back to her normal condition. As
he grew cooler he began to realize
that, as Molly had said, the men were
not to blame. In the morning few of
them would have more than the va
guest remembrance of the affair. II
was the alcohol, acting as a physical
and moral poison on them.
presently. "And how long have those
two outlaws been in the Campo"
''They came here week ago, WILL"
she answered. "They were very In.
sOlent, and said that trouble was COM
ing; they made all sorts of vague
threats against you. They seemed to
want to make trouble for u.s."
They're here for some object, Mol
~" said Wilton. Its to hinder the
work, of course, but-there's more
to it than that"
81 think they want to brighten US
away from the portage. Win,'' said
Molly. tom Bowyer has been here
since l returned. He told me that my
father was very i'll; that he was using
his influence to get him pensioned.
and that the best thing we could do
would be to leave the portage as soon
as possible.
HE wanted me to go to Winnipeg and
study stenography, or anything else
] chose. But l told him l couldn't
take any steps without consulting
you"
"Good for you, Molly, dear!" said
Wilton.
HE hadn't guessed how things were
between us. for he changed instantly.
He began TO threaten me. He swore
that l should never marry you, and
that he'd drive US from>the portage.
He went away mad with rage. When
those two men came l connected their
appearance with him."
You were right" said Wilton. But
l don't think they'll show their faces
here again. And I'll see you every
day now. Molly, dear, why didn't you
write to me2 / hoped for letter
every day. Why didn't you writer"
wasn't quite sure-you'd want
me to-" she answered shyly. "You see,
VIII, it-our engagement-came about
AFTER L nursed you. And I thought,
after you got back to Clayton
1 thought-that I'd just wait"
you thought that / might change,
MollyY cried Wilton.
She nestled close to him. Not real
ly, VIII. But II don't know. but
somehow WANTED to wait / hated
SO to come back here, with you lying
so ill, and l was so worried when
Kitty didn't answer my letters"
kitty didn't answer your"
"Only once, when you were nearly
out of danger. Perhaps that made me
feel that-that I'd better not write 70
you, VIII. But, of course, all her time
was taken up with caring for you"
"She ought to have written you,"
said Wilton. "I'hat doesn't sound like
Kitty. And-Molly, DEAR" he con-
tinued, thinking of Kftty's projected
stay at Big Muskeg, I've got a sur
prise for you next month Just about
the thing that would please you best
In the world"
And as she looked at him In inquiry,
he drew her into his arms and kisseGJ
her again. Promise me, dear, that
you will never doubt my love for you"
he pleaded.
II. promise, WILL" she answered,
looking at him with shining eyes.
'Neyer-never, deari"
'T'll have to go, Molly" said VIII
ton. "Only until tomorrow, dear And
sleep quietly, because I'll give those
men the lesson of their lives in the
morning"