The Bienville Democrat. [volume] (Arcadia, Bienville Parish, La.) 1912-1980, 1922-08-31

DOHtu Sdliautly VNcl tlic
girls hand and the two turned up the
path, the girl rosy with smiles and
the youth bending over her with Il
most protecting and tender air. 1t
was Dane Grey, and the heart OF the
watcher turned mortal sick.
CHAPTER xl.
A long time ErSkine sat mOtlOnless,
wondering what allied him. He had
never liked nor trusted Grey; he be-
lleyed he would have trouble with him
some day, but he had other enemies
and he did not feel toward them as he
did toward this dandy mincing up that
beautiful broad path. With little
grunt he turned back along the path.
Firetly whinnied to him and nipped at
him with playful reStleSsness az
though eager to be on his way to the
barn, and he stood awhile with one
arm across his saddle. Once he reached
upward to unite the reins, and with
another grunt strobe back and went
rapidly up the path. Grey and Barbara
had disappeared, but a tall youth who
sat behind one of the big pillars saw
him coming and rose, bewildered, but
not for long. Each recognized the other
swiftly, and Hugh, came with stiff
courtesy forward. Erskine smiled:
"You don't know me?' Hugh
bowed:
"Quite we'll" The wOOdsman drew
himself up with quick breath--paling
without, flaming withn-but before he
could speak there was quick step
and an astonished cry within the hall
and Harry sprang out.
"Erskine. Erskine!" he shouted,
and he leaped down the steps with
both hands outstretched. "You here
YOu-yOu old Indian--how did you get
here?" He caught Erskine by both
hands and then fell to shaking him by
the shoulders. where's your horseT'
And then he noticed the boys pale
and embarrassed face and his eyes
shifting to Hugh, who stood, still cold,
still courteous, and he checked some
hot Outburst at his lips.
I'm glad you've come, and I'm glad
you've come right now--where's your
horse?"
II left him hitched at the landing"
Erskine had to answer and Harry
looked puzzled:
"The landing! Why, what He
wheeled and shouted to darky:
"Put Master Erskine's horse in the
barn and feed him." And he led Frs
kline within-tO the same room where
he had slept before, and poured out
some water in bowl. H..
"Take your time" he said, and he
went back to the porch. Erskine could
hear and see him through the latticed
blinds.
Hugh said the lad in a low, cold
voice, II am host here, and If you don't
like this you can take that path"
"You are right" was the answer
'but you wait until Uncle Harry gets
home"
The matter was quite plain to Frs.
kline within. The presence of Dane
Grey made 1t plain, and as Ersklne
dipped both hands into the cold water
he made up his mind to an under
standing with that young gentleman
that would be complete and final. And
so he was ready when he and Harry
were on the porch again and Bar
bara and Grey emerged from the rose
bushes and came slowly up the path
Harry looked worried, but Erskine sa
still, with faint smile at his mouth
and in his eyes. Barbara saw hin
first and she did not rush forward
Instead, she stopped, with wide eyes
a stifed cry, and lifting one hand to
ward her heart. Grey saw too, flushed
rather painfully, and Gained himself
Erskine had sprung down The steps.
"Why, have | changed so much?" hi
cried. Hugh didn't seem to know m
either" His voice was gay, friendly
{ even affectionate, but his eyes danced
with strange lights that puzzled til,
girl.