Evening journal., 1922-10-30
CHAPTER III

II was afternoon when Darrag
awoke in his bunk. stiff, sore. con
fused in mind and battered in body
tNfer. hearing him astir. came IL
~How long have you been back
Did you meet the ladies' with you
flvver7" demanded Darragh, i'm
patiently.
Il got to Five Lakes station jus
as the train came in. The younl
ladies were the only passengers VIII
got out. l waited 10 get their tw
steamer trunks and then l drov
them to Hsrrod Place"
-sWhere did you say wss?" asked
Darnagh.
y9Out in the woods. somewhere
The last l saw OF them, Mrs. Ra,
hand their hand bags and Jerry anC
Tom were shouldering their trunks
sTm going up there right away,
Interrupted Darragh excitedly.
in a pathetic attempt TO spruce
up. he knotted the red bandanna
around his neck and pinched Sal
zar'ssslouch hat into peak.
you look like one OF Clinch's
buns" remarked Wier with native
honesty.
Darragh. chagrineds went TO his
bunk pulled the morocco case from
under the pillow, and showed II into
the bosom OF his flannel shirt.
That's the main thing anyway.
he Thought Then. turning to Wier.
he asked whether Eve and stor-
mont had awakened.
It appeared that Trooper stor-
mont had saddled up and cantered
away siwrtly after sunrise. leaving
word that he must hunt up his
comrade. Trooper Lann.s. at Ghost
Lake.
They're coming back this eve
sing" added Wier. He asked you
to- look out for cinch's step-daugh-
ter
shes all right here Can't you
keep an eve on her Ralph?"
VERY well. sir. But suppose she
takes /; into her head 20 leave"
panragh called back. gaily: "She
can't: she hasn't any clothesi" And
away-he strobe in the gorgeous sun
ehine-of a magnificent autumn day.
all the clean and vigorous youth OF
hiInhfre in anticipation OF re-
unioa- which the letter from his lady
lostfIad TRANSPORTED into a tryst.
y, Ser in that amazing courtshlp OF
a sihSle day. he never dreamed that
he had won the heart OF that sad.
vhite-faced. hungry child in rags
silken tatters still stained with the
blood of massacre-the very soles
Of her shoes still charred by the
embers OF her ows home.
About half an hour later he came
to hSs senses with a distinct shock.
Straight ahead Of him on the trail
and coming directly toward him,
moved figure in Knockers and belt
ed tweed.
Fiecked sunlight slanted on the
strangers cheek and FURNISHED hair.
dappiing face and figure with NOV
ing. golden spots.
Instantly Darragh knew and
trem bled.
But TheodorIca of Esthonia had
known him only in his uniform.
As she came toward him. lovely
in her. 1.-THE and rounded grace. only
friendly curiosity gszed at him from
her blue eyes.
Suddenly she knew him. went
scarlet TO her yellow hair. then
white: and tried 20 speak-but had
no control OF the short. rosy upper
lip which only qulvered as ne took
her hands
The forest was dead stir around
them save for the whisper OF paint
ed leaves sitting down from a sun
1T vault above.
Finally she SAID in ghost OF a
voice. "My-frlend.
II you accept his friendship.
-...'
Friendship is TO be shared. 49,.
ours mingled--on that day ...
Your share is-as much ,ss piesses
you
"All you have to give me. then"
Take II 49,. all I have. -"
Her blue eyes met his with a little
effort. All courage Is an effort.
Then that young man dropped on
both knees az her feet and laid his
lips TO her soft hands
In trembling silence she stood for
q moment. then slowly sank on both
knees 10 face him across their
clasped hands.
SO. in the gilded cathedral OF
the woods, pillared with silver. and
azure-domed. the betrothal OF these
two was sealed with clasp and lip.
Awed. a little fearful, she looked
into her lovers eyes with a gaze so
chaste. so oblivious TO all things
earthly. that the still purity Of her
face seemed a sacrament. and he
scarcely dared touch the childish
tips she offered.
But when the sacrament OF the
Kiss had been accomplished she /
-ested one hand on his shoulder and I
-ose ~Fnd drew him with her.
ThAa HIS moment came: he drew
he eusblazonod case from his breast.
opened 1t. and, in silence. laid Il In
- hands. The blaze OF the Jewels