Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1924-05-16
Big Dams
Return From
the West
By ELLA SAUNDERS

zig DAN MORGAN was back from
- the West after a FIVE years alb
sence, and MiIly was watching him in
terror all through his visit. Was this
the man she had practically engaged
herself to?
And he had come back as poor as he
had gone. And he looked twenty years
her senior. Aiilly had been only
eighteen when Big Dan went away,
and now she was twenty-three. and
there was Jim.
What a fool to expect her to have
been true to himl And the impudence
Of him, coming back pennilessi
Il can't marry him. Aunty, l can't"
sobbed the girl when he had gone.
Aunt Miriam, who was not far from
forty, a little. faded, gentle woman.
sighed. She knew the worth of Big
Dams heart. But what was the use Of
trying to explain that to her niece
Eighty little Milly, whose head was
turned by anything masculine that ap-
peared on the scene?
Hes old, and he's a failure, a hor-
rible failure sobhed Milly. "And
Jln's making good as quick as he can.
And he wants me to marry him. So
there you arei'
Big Dan came every-evening. and
Milly grew harder and colder. but Big
Dan didn't seem to see. 'HThe West
hasn't improved him." she told her
aunt, jeeringly.
'Afilly, dear, II you really feel that
way you ought TO tell him." her aunt
protested. "Its easy to see he hasn't
any idea that you don't intend to mar.
ry him. You must play fair with him."
you tell hint" said AIllly.
"Why, child, what an ldear ex.
claimed Aunt Miriam, much shocked.
"I'm not going to-"
"But he's leaving for the West again
In a few weeks, and you must-you
must have it settled one way or the
other"
swell. 1t win be the other. then"
said Mllly "And I'm not going to see
him when he comes here on Saturday"
Dan Morgan had gone away for a
few days and had intlmated that on
his return he would have important
news for them.
No arguments of her aunt's could
shake the girls resolution. and 1t was
with desperate anxiety that Miss Mlrl-
am waited Big Dams arrival on the
Saturday evening.
She knew the tenderness of heart
that underIay his rough exterior, and
she dreaded the shock that her news
would give him.
Big Dan breezed In and shook hands
with her. Where's Anllyf" he asked.
"She-she had to go out" faltered
Miss Miriam. "She was so sorry-No,
she wasn't sorry" she added. with
sudden burst of decision. 'Pm going
to tell you the truth, because she won't
tell you herself. She's in love with
another man, and she wants to marry
him. And now you know the worst,
said Miss Miriam, bursting into tears
and hiding her face in her hands.
Big Dan stood perfectly silent In
front of her. Miss Miriam did not dare
look up How was he taking it7 II she
gauged Big Dan Morgan Alright the
shock would nearly kill him.
Or worse. 1t would destroy his faith
in womanhood. that womanhood she be-
ieved in so sincerely.
Big Dams voice broke on her ears.
THAT'S too bad, Miss Miriam" he
said. 81 had some good news for her.
I've sold that gold mine was telling
about for a million dollars. I'm to be
manager of the company, and I'm
starting West tomorrow"
Miss Miriam looked up. Looked up
lncredulously, for Big Dan stood there
actually smiling.
81 guess it's not such bad news to
me as you supposed, Miss Miriam" he
said. 81 kind of guessed which way
the wind was blowing. And besides
I'VE got my own reasons TO be glad
There's another in my mind-has been
for ever so long. Yes, l surely am
glad of the news that you've told me
today
suddenly his arm slid round Miss
Miriam's waist.
'It's you want" he said. 81 want
you to come West with me tomorrow
can't tell you how happy Ill be II
you will. Do you think you cant"
"Oh, 1 don't know what to say
sobbed Miss Miriam.
"rll tell you" smiled Big Dan.