The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-11-14
CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER V.
 A Visitor From Civilization.
 Jerry turned to see Edith. Her eyes were serious. but her lips laughed.
 What! Well, congratulations I'm glad to meet you. Why didn't you tell me this was coming when you wrote last month ?''
 Tom dropped his pack and clasped Edith's hand.
 Well, I-I-you see, Tom -
 You see we hadn't exactly made up our minds then. had we, Jerry ?'
 He inwardly blessed her, though he felt her provoking laughter in her voice.
 NO" he agreed 1amely. "that is ah-you hadn't"
 Her spirit broke restraint. Tom stared at her in wonder. When she could stif1e her merriment she looked gravely at Jerry. her pretended hus- band.
 "As chevalier you are more ornate than bald. Jerry"
 Well, do congratulate you both again And I say, Jerry, I'm tired ou'H tolerate an intruder overnight ? TM move with the dawn"
 Of course. we will" Edith was all gracfousness.
 we sure WllI.' Jerry was empflar- jelly earnest.
 Fine" Tom dropped his pack. "Tll get out bedding and then we can chat pipeful, can't we?"
 Profundly Jerry wished not, but he agreed.
 Show Tom your messy bank, Jerry. He can make good bed there"
 Take up your stuff, old man. and follow me-"
 Jerry turned away When he had directed Tom to the place where his own blankets were he excused him. self and hurried back to the fire.
 Edith was sitting on her rug, chin in hand. gazing at the fire
 "Of course you know I'm sorry ana -and all, Edith.'
 She glanced up. her expression seri- ous as a child's.
 Why. Jerry, already sorry we're marrfed?"
 But you know" he protested. "I- l thought it best, and -
 "Of course it was best, and Pm de- lighted only - Her lips tiwitched
 T regret having you feel that I was forced upon you this way. I had much rather have been really wanted Jerry"
 You don't seem to realize the seri- ouesness of the situation"
 Wasn't my hospitality suitable %
 But Edith. Tom will talk. and I had to do it-for your sake" Jerry, you aren't a very apprecia- tive husband"
 "oh. damn it!" He flung himself on the. ground
 ''Poor boy. it is terrible to be ham, dfcapped with a whole wife And so young, too. I like it. you know. I never thought I should, but I find 1t really fun"
 50 will I when get bacak to col lege this faII.'' Tell the boys you left me at nome, couldn't be hampered. and so forth"
 There still remains this night to pass through.''
 ''Yes 1t must be done, Jerry. Your imagination win be stimulated by dawn. wish l could hear your talk when you two retire down there.'
 Into the freight strode Tom, pipe in hand.
 This is jollI. You'll have to tel, me about it. Jerry"
 Do, Jerry. I'll excuse myself now and leave you to talk together"
 She stood up srnEing down at the lWO men,
 "We'd like a bit more of your con- pany, Mrs. Carson"
 She laughed a light "Thank you" for his compliment.
 Don't go yet. please" Jerry's was sincere.
 I'm little tired" She sat oown again.
 Some tramp up here through these trees. isn't it?" Tom stretched with the luxury of youth at the close of days sport
 Fine" Jerry left laconic.
 Jerry and I carried our things up some distance
 s'Did you. though ?''
 "Oh, yes, we enjoyed it very much"
 How long ago was that?"
 Some four days. I think. waen.t it. Jerry?"
 Four today
 "Of course when we go out things will be very much easier than Jerry thinks. We shan't have such bur dens to carry"
 Jerry stared at her naoodiIy.
 1 hope you two don't talk all night" She rose again. "Pll leave you now. I think"
 Stooping over Jerry she smiled into his eyes To Tom it seemed 2 kiss ed him. To Jerry she whispered: