Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1923-01-10
HIS OWN GAME
BY JANE GoRDoH

Ihe man brought his boat 10 shore
and gave low, soft whistle. Leaning
forward, he endeavored TO sight
through the fall-colored brush the
crude old house that stood on the
edge OF the wood. He could just
glimpse its chimneys. from which
smoke was ascending. He had discov-
cred this dwelling. when on his hunt
Ing trip he had mistaken his way back
TO the hunting lodge and been obliged
TO ask direction.
The house had seemingly been oc-
cupled by strangely attractive young
woman and a grabbed ana shabby old
one. The old woman had brusquely
Informed Thornton that ''the men
folks" were working ana she couldn't
tell him. The young woman cams
smilingly to his assistance.
The paths hereabOut," she told him.
"are so misleading"
Thornton. gazing from the faded
crimson felt hat on the gals dark
head 10 the rough high boots that
ended her overall costume, was sur
prised again. at the softness of her
voice. The vision of her dark, eager
eyes. the flash of white teeth between
crimson lips. with her recurring smile,
haunted ThcrntOn so that he made
the trip 10 the house at the edge Of
the wood again-and again. So he
and Norma had become good friends.
very good friends indeed.
II had taken. at first, much ingenu-
ity 10 persuade her TO meet him at the
turn OF the shore-promises of books
Of travel-lore. Norma was vastly in
terested In pictures OF foreign lands
interested In views Of Thornton's own
city, with its wvndross tall buildings.
The famous musician enjoyed Inn
mensely the girls delighted enthusi-
assn. Then he had later been able 10
persuade Norma 10 ride in his motor
boat. and they had plOwed JoyOusly
down the lake together.
Norma was all surprises and charm
ing originality.
Thornton req cited that the young
women OF his own class at home might
not hold for him a like interest. They
were all wearisome. in their expected
modern attitude.
Norma was different every hour. as
sweet and winsome as an innocent
child.
lie engaged in musing fancies OF
her over his evening cigars at the
hunting lodge-the most adventurous
after he had glimpsed one day a male
occupant of the mystifying house.
This man, hurrying In the direction
OF the wood. had the roughness of an
ancient pirate. That night Thornton
INDUCED the fancy that Norma had, in
infancy, been kidnapped by Lizzie and
her cO-consplrators.
AS time passed In her delightful
proximity, Thornton d.d not hesitate
TO make love to tie woodland maid
I'm a whimsical. tender fashion that
had won hearts more sophisticated.
He carried his violin the night he
took her TO ride on the mOonlit water
and woOed her with music that set his
audience on fire. That night he
kissed her before he let her 60. Next
day he was returning TO New York.
He smiled amusedly at his own
handsome reflection in the mirror over
the thought OF his reluctance 10 leave
this woodland girl. Then he went TO
bid her good-by. He choose moon
light again for the setting. for he had
on idea that the episode might lead TO
later inspiration.
Norma came again at his call. She
wore this evening an unaccustomed
dress OF trailing white. II was vast
iy becoming. Thornton smiled covert
ly at the flowing draperies.
"It is good-by tonight. Norma" he
said ruthlessly. 81 am going back TO
the city. II is not likely that we shall
meet again."
Breathless, wide-eyed. she stood re-
garding him.
"Come down TO the boat" he In
vited. 1--WE will float into the moon
light while / play my farewell to
you"
The girl, poised in her white drap-
cries. did not move.
Goodnight" she said duly. Go,
please-now."
Thornton hesitated. Perhaps she
would make Il uncomfortable for him.
These lone women in solitary places
Briskly he retracted his steps TO
the boat. From it's seat he could
still see Norma standing there-a
white vision I'm the moonlight The
vision haunted him afterward.
II was strange how that last sor-
rowful gaze OF the gypsy-dark eyes
did haunt him-how he could fancy
the girls trill OF laughter In the high
notes of his violin. Poor little Norma.
II had been rough on her, HIS close
companionship; us abrupt uprOoting.
SO thought Thornton. Then one day he
came upon a billboard in front of the
Palace theater. Norna's picture,
Haunted in the very white robe In
which ne had last seen her. confront