Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1922-02-17
CHAPTER YIIT-Continued

"And we went to a cabin in that
Devils Valley-and we killed bear
and there was storm-and, oh, dad,
won't you find out if he's safe? He"
by Joe, Ethie. but you're all worked
up. Wait till We get home and tell me
all about it. I guess maybe you'll get
anything you want outa me after this"
But dad"-she caught his arm and
her lips twitched-'T don't want the
things I used to want, I'm-oh, dad, I'm
so sorry. You were right-and I'm
going to be your pal-and--and Wen
go back to Devils Hole-won't WEI"
Old Bedrock sniveley dragged out his
handkerchief and made a great show Of
blowing his nose.
I'D sure like to see old DEVILS Hole
again." was his reply.
Ethel danced up the walk toward the
familiar old gray house.
"oh, it's great to be home. dad-with
YOU"
In the hall sniveley scratched his head
and muttered doubtfully.
II couldn't get your maid back after
heard you was coming, Ethie. Maybe
this afternoon"
'MaidI" Ethel laughed with girlish
ripple. "Why, you old dear, I'm through
understand, dad?" She caught him by
the coat lapels and held his gaze with
earnest eyes. I'm through with all that.
I've learned my lesson. l want to be
the woman my mother was. I want to
tramp the hills with you, dad, and meet
your Old friends, and--oh, Dave Herd
did he Gamer"
yes, he's here-and he'll be glad TO
see you"
And want to meet my dads best
friend-I-"
II always wanted You to Ike Dave
Herd, Ethie. He's a real man. Dave and
I was pardners for ten years after your
mother died. He saved my life once
an stuck by me when | was down. I
/ love him Ike hrother--or a son. L
l usta dream things. Ethie-and II you
could get to like Dave"
mo. dad" She stopped with a strange
earnestness. "Tu Ike Dave Herd be
cause he's your friend, and because he's
real man. hut--but there's some one
eise--I-IIl tell you all about it-some
time"
An hour in the luxury of her bath
room and in rummaging through her
wardrobe made a marvelously different
person Of Ethel Sniveley. She tripped
father chuckle.
And she dressed heself alone" he
muttered But, by Joe, she can't cover
up them scratches on her hands"
Ethel followed her father into his den.
The old man dropped with sigh into
his big chair.
by joe I'm tired Wish I had my
slippers. Say, Ethie-they're right there
In my bedroom.
She ran across the room and opened
the door. The old mans eyes followed
her. His rugged face was distorted by
an uneasy grin.
Ethel stepped into her fathers room,
exclaimed Mt the absence Of light and
moved cautiously forward Mutterlng
again at the darkness she touched the
switch at the head OF the bed
sharp startled cry followed the reve-
lation Of the light. She sprnnk back
ward step, staring at the bed.
"Oh"' she cried and moved slowly for
ward. "Sneu! 1t is really you? ?"
There was much reason for her doubt
in the smooth shaver boyish face that
smiled up at her.
"who else?" He chuckled and lifted
his good hand up to her. 81 beat you
home"
She clasped the hand in both her own
and dropped upon the side Of the bed.
But I don't understand" she muir
INJURED. with a worried frown. How did
you get here? II, deserted you
and"
Forget It. I know better what hap
pened than If I'd been there.
"say you're glad to see me--then call
your father. Wen have to explain this
together"
"Of course I'm glad to see you"
There was something in her eyes that
drove the lines OF doubt from the mans
face. He gripped her hands.
"Glad enough to see great deal more
Of me-glad enough to go back to DeyiIs /
Hole with me?"
She bit her lip but her eyes did not
waver
81 guess-dol't you think-Oh, she |
sprang up-"You wanted to see dad"
Bedrock Sriveley came in, very red of
face, and very nervous of movement He |
leaned on the foot Of the bed and grinned |
uneaslly at the wounded man. With
sudden resolution he stepped up beside |
Ethel and caressed her hair.
81 reckon it's up to me to do the ex-
plainin' act" he said. after I got your
wire. Ethie, I got hold, Of Deputy Regain |
in Walker City and had him go out to /
Devils Hole and bring this bird in. They |