News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1922-12-27
INTRODUCTION!
by A. w. PEACH
- IN = y - m -
90 by Mcclure MeAana ner Svndlcatal

of rain, and Bailey knew that unless
he reached shelter soon, he was in fol-
dismal night To add to his discom
fort, he had missed directions and haC
tramped for hours on the wrong road
AS he left the woods his hopes rose
with bound. The lights of a farm
house cleaned welcome ahead. His
rapid pace carried him to it. 1t was
small, but it looked comfortable. AS
he went by the window, on his way tc
the back door, he looked in. He could
see a girl reading. Her small head
piled with dark hair, was half turned
and he smiled. Luck was with him
Hea had seen her in the little settle
ment, miles back. The rose Of her
cheeks and the darkness Of her eyes
had appealed to him then, though his
glance had been brief, for she was evi.
IDENTIFY shopping and had entered a
store with a mere passing glance at
him. AS she sat in the room she
seemed to him we'll worth meeting
again.
He knocked on the door. There was
the sound of movement within and
quick conversation. The door opened
crack, and voice asked him what
he wanted. He told his story, that he
was tramping through that section and
would like lodging for the night He
could see that he was talking to an old
lady.
Her answer was to the point. mo,
you can't stay here. You're the third
tramp who has been here in week.
Go on" The door slammed.
Bailey whistled softly, picked up his
pack and started out again, little
stunned by the sudden dumping of his
dream of a good bed.
"This is cold world for an honest
man. Here's where l take a chance"
he said to himself, and forthwith re-
paired to the barn. Safe within, he
flashed his pocket light once to get the
lay of the land. He went up the lad
der into the loft. picked out coy,
hidden spot, unrolled his pack and
made himself comfortable
Bailey started at the sound of
sharp cry. The cry was repeated from
his flash light he hurried toward the
farmhouse. He reached the porch just
as a light went Oh In the kitchen. The
door was open and Bailey saw dark
figure struggling with something white
that went suddenly limp. He saw 1t
was the old man in his nightgown.
Bailey cast himself at the short dark
figure and found himself locked In
combat with wiry man who cast him
aside and dashed into the next room.
The whole room suddenly lighted. The
robber whirled and made for the front
hail. Bailey followed him. The rob-
Der wrenched at the front door, but not
before Bailey hit him with the heavy
end of his fiashllght. The thief swung
out into the night.
Bailey started to follow when the
world seemed to rock with sudden con-
cussion. Even as Inconsistencies
came he sensed as he fell the picture
Of light girl, her face Swallowed with
her dark hair undone, white and slim
in her nightdress, leaning over the
balustrade with something dark in her
hand; with that she had hit him.
When he struggled dlzzily back to
consciousness he found himself looking
into black, angry eyes. 1t was the girl
who had struck him.
Because mother would not let you
stay here you thought you'd rob us,
did you? l remember. l saw you In
town. You knew l brought some
money from the bank here for father
to buy the next place-you-you-"
Bailey rubbed the huge lump on his
head. you battered the wrong era
mum, my dear"
Don't you my dear me You ought
to be"
An old man swayed into the circle
by his dazed wife. He stared
at Bailey "He isn't the chap 1t was
a short dark fellow"
1t was, Bailey explained, and then
he told his story, adding: 81 hit him
for keeps just as he went out the door
| thought i heard a team drive away"
The old mans shout at the door
drew them there. He yanked a limp
figure in. Then they tied him in the
kitchen.
When Bailey came out the girl with
the dark eyes faced him frankly: 81
am sorry hit you, but thought you
we're the one, you know. Now, let me
Dathe that awful bump. l am just !
spending a few weeks with mother and |
hope you will stay and let us show |
you how nice we really can be-"
Bailey smiled. II will stay, since you |
ask me, because l think do want you |
70 be nice TO me. | thought so when l /
saw you at the settlement"
A little light fiickered in her eyes
Come to think Of ii, / almost thought l
he same thing when l saw you Now
,end over that bumpy head of yours.
Tou see what my future husband will
ret If he doesn't behave himselfl"
Dog Star Team.