The Dolores star. [volume] (Dolores, Montezuma County, Colo.) 1901-current, 1923-06-22

Billy slowly. IL don't know what"
of course, you never thought twice
about it And no more did II" said
Aimee. II didn't carei And 1 don't
care nowl or wouldn't If 1t wasn't
for Dad. But people-it's all this mis-
cradle sentiment - that's what's
wrong"
"Yes?" said Billy dizzily. well"
"And now-why, the police are look
Ing for man and woman on a motor
cycle, and they'll find out we were
at Ivy cottage. They'll get my de-
scription. And even when they find
out who really am
Billy drew In his breath sharply.
George told me it was my finish
even before this silly burglary hap
pened." continued Aimee gloomily
"Georgie knows about these sort of
things. 1t isn't the burglary that mat
ters. I could get over that. It's this
this other thing"
Billy was silent.
1.-THE idea Is" continued Aimee, with
the same remarkable calm. shat I've
lost my character; like housemaId
that's been stealing. or groom
caught selling the corn. Only I
haven't been caught-yet.
Buff Dad knew! You don't
know my father, Billy. 1 couldn't ex-
plain him to you. Dad is just about
the dearest thing that ever llved-in
his way. But he belongs to time
about two hundred years back. Mother
would b,x
his creed that girl mustn't be even
suspected. 1t was only tonight Geor-
gina told me this thing would-well
1t would break his heart. And know
him; l see she's right. II you and
l."
"Stopw said Billy hoarsely. Don't
say any more. 1--we got to think
this thing out"
Aimee found that he had suddenly
left her. Presently she became aware
Of the outlines Of his big figure, stand
Ing motionless Just outside the cave
He was there quite long time. AL
NEE sat where she was, twisting her
handkerchief between her fingers. She
felt very much calmer. The trouble
tAAu kAS otASSo "CAC Nv" Will Oily.
He came back, and stood over her.
"I'm coyote" he said quietly.
"What need is quirt laid across
me. I've been a fool"
mot a bitl" said Aimee quickly.
"How should you known
1T was my business to know |
There isn't any excuse. But-things
AtHn~arH xr,hn
And don't know anything about
women. We think a lot Of women,
down my way. but we don't talk about
them-much. Partner, this thing I've
let you in for through my foolish
ness-it's broken me all up"
because I'm Lord Scroope's daugh-
teri"
mol" said Billy shortly. BE the
same II you were his housemaid. But
It's up to me to see you clear-you
and him, too. And I'll do it."
His voice was so confident that
Aimee's trouble fell away from her,
as a sun-rpened chestnut sheds its
prickly husk.
what are we to do then, Billy7"
ut seems to me-" said Billy gently,
that the simplest way is the best
way. Let's you an me go to the old
man. No use talkin' about it here.
I'll put 1t straight for you, partner"
mol"
II hope I can make him see sense
even If he's two hundred years old.
as you say. It's all my fault. It isn't
v0,,re-pof ono rcron ~
say much-but come right along with
me to your father now-an' leave the
talking to me-"
Aimee rose.
"Never! won't have 1t. BillyI"
she said desperately. II don't know
l don't know what you might say. II
1t comes out I'm done for anyhow ;
I'm going to take the chance that it
won'tl There must be way to stop
it-there must be some way.
"It's my trouble-mine! And l
won't have 1t given away"
Billy drew quick breath and
Strengthened himself.
"Righti" he said. "Those are the
orders. 1 accept them. I s'pose a
man can't give away girls secret
II she wants 1t kept. know that
much"
"Why, Of course" said Aimee SIM
ply. But will you please understand,
Billy. that I'm not going to drag you
into this. The best thing you can do
is to get away out of it all. 1 shall
manage all right. I don't want to"
"Cut that out" said Billy very oui.
city. ut don't CO." There was q
pause. II did think. for a while. It
might be best-for you. But that's
wrong. I've got to be right on hand,
for I'll be wanted. Now hold on while
tell you what we've got to do"
"Yesr said Aimee eagerly.
Billy stretched out a long arm,
plucked a leaf from the bramble that
screened the cave. and chewed 1t pen
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