The Elk Mountain pilot., 1923-01-11
a &ND sRoTHeas.

surprise and concern that she was
going to faint, moved quickly toward
her. took her arm.
"Forgive me. was blunt.
But 1 thought you knew"
1--WE known for a long time" replied
Mrs. Belding. Her voice was steady,
ton except in her pallor. "Then you
you haven't spoken to Nell7"
Dick laughed. I've been trying to
get a chance to tell her. havent
had 1t yet. But she knows. hope.
I almost believe Nell cares little for
me-"
i've known that, too, for long
time" said Mrs. Bedding, low almost
as a whisper.
"You knowi" cried Dick, with a
glow and rush of feeling. "Motheri
You'll give her to me?"
She drew him to the light and
looked with strange, piercing intent
ness into his face. Gale had never
dreamed a woman's eyes could hold
such world Of thought and feeling.
1t seemed all the sweetness OF life
was there, and all the pain.
"Dick Gale, you want my Nell7 You
love her just as she is-her sweet
ness-her goodness? Just herself,
body and soul7 -. There's moth.
ing could change you-nothing?"
Dear Mrs. Belding. 1 love Nell for
herself. If she loves me I'll be the
happiest Of men. There's absolutely
nothing that could make any differ
ence in me-"
But your people7 oh, Dick. you
come Of proud family. I can tell.
You've become a ranger. You love
the adventure-the wild life. That
won't last. Perhaps you'll settle
down to ranching. know you love
the West. But. Dick, there's your
famAy-"
about my family. I'll tell you.' inter
rupted Dick, with strong feeling. "rve
no secrets about them or myself My
future and happiness are Nell's to
make. No one else shall count with
me-"
"Then, Dick-you may have her.
God-bless- -you-both."
Mrs. Belongs strained face under.
went a swift and mobile relaxation,
and suddenly she was weeping In
strangely mingled happiness and bit
terness.
"why. motherl" Gale could say no
more. He put his arm around her. In
another moment she had gained com
mand over herself. and, kissing him,
she pushed him out Of the door.
'-Therei Go tell her, Dick. :.
And have some spunk about iti"
Gale went thoughtfully back to his
room. Then remembering the hope
Mrs. Belding had given him, Dick lost
his gravity in 4 fash, and something
began to dance and ring within him.
He simply could not keep his steps
turned from the patio. Every path
led there. His blood was throbbing,
his hopes mounting. his spirit soaring.
"N0w for some spunk I" he said, un-
der his breath.
Plainly he meant his merry whistle
and his buoyant step to interrupt this
first languorous stage of the siesta
which the girls always took during
the hot hours. But neither girl heard
him. Mercedes lay under the palo
verde. her beautiful head dark and
still upon a cushion. Nell was asleep
In the hammock. Her sweet, red lips.
with the soft. perfect curve, had al
ways fascinated Dick, and now drew
him irresistibly. He had always been
consumed with a desire to kiss her,
and now he was overwhelmed with his
opportunity. 1t would be terrible
thing to do, but II she did not waken
temptation. That would be more than
spunk. 1t would She stirred-he
feared she would awaken.
He had dropped back erect when
she opened her eyes. They we're sleepy,
yet surprised until she saw him.
Then she was wide awake In a second,
bewildered. uncertain.
"Why-you here7" she asked. slowly.
Large as life" replied Dick. with
unusual gayety.
"How long have you been hereY'
"Just got here this fraction of sec
ond," he replied, lying shamelessly.
Il thought was-dreaming." she
said, and evidently the sound Of her
voice reassured her.
Eyes, you looked as If you were
having pleasant Dreams" replied Dick.
$50 sorry to wake you. / can't see
how came to do 1t, was so quiet.
Mercedes didn't wake. Well, I'll go
and let you have your siesta and
Dreams"
But he did not move to 60. Nell
regarded him with curious. specula-
tive eyes.
isn't It lovely day" queried Dick.
yesterday was finer, but you didn't |
notice It,"
"Oh. yesterday was somewhere
hcoH II tho poct-tho ipcnn eauuQntial