Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1924-08-07

men, Moya Guessed But Whatever
their nationality they were primeval
savsges untouched By the fourteen
centuries Of civilizing influences since
their forbears ravaged England. TO
the supernervous minds Of these ex-
hausted young women there was Q
suggestion of apes In the huge muscle
bound shoulders and the great rough
hands at the ends Of long gnaried
arms. Small shifty black eyes. trimmed
with red from drink. suggested cum
ming, while the loose-iipped heavy
mouths added more than q hint of
bestiailty. II lent no comfort to the
study Of them that the large whisky
bottle was two-thirds empty.
They slouched back 10 their cards
and their bottle. II had been bad
enough TO find them sullen and inhos-
pitabie, but a. the liquor stimulated
their unhealthy imaginations II was
worse to feel the covert looks stealing
now and again toward them. Joyce.
sleeping ntfully in the arms Of Moya.
woke with 9 start to see them drink
Ing together at the table.
II don't like them. I'm afraid Of
them" she whispered.
I'VE mustn't let them know t."
Moya whispered In her ear.
For an hour she had been racked
by fears. had faced unninchingiy their
low laughs and furtive giances.
Now one OF the men spoke. From
0cldbanksf'
"Yes.~
~You don't live there"
sNo. We belong to the English
party--Mr. verinder's friends"
"oh, verinder's friends. And which
Of you 10 his particular friend" The
sheer was unmistakable.
eve started out this afternoon for
wild flowers and the storm caught
u.s." Moya hurried on.
$50 you're verinder's friends. are
your Well. We don't think whole
lot Of Mr.. verinder out here"
Moya knew now that the mention
Of verinder's name had been a mis-
take. The relations between the mine
owners and the workmen In the camp
were strained. and as q foreign non
resident capitalist the English mil
lionaire was especially obnoxious.
Moreover. his supercilious manners
had not helped TO endear him since his
arrival.
The man called Dave got to his feet
with reckless laugh. mo free lodg-
ings here for Mr.. verinder's friends.
You'n got to pay for your keep. my
dears."
Miss Dwight looked az him with un-
flinching eyes which refused to under.
stand his meaning. "well pay what
ever you ask and double the amount
after we reach camp"
Don't want your dirty money. or
us a kiss. lass That's fair pay. We
ain't above kissing verlnder's friends
n he is q rotten slave driver"
Moya rose to her slender height.
and the fash Of courage blaxed In her
eyes.
"Slt down" she ordered.
The man stopped In his tracks.
amazed at the resolution Of the slim
tall girl.
go on. Dave. Don't let her blur
you," his companion urged.
The miner laughed and moved for.
ward.
you coward. to take advantage Of
two girls driven TO you by the storm.
didn't think the man lived that
would do IT," painted Moya.
"You'n rot a bit to learn. miss.
whad's the use Of gettin' your Dutch
ups amt good enough for ZEE. like
enough"
The girl held up a hand. Listen !"
They could hear only the wild roar
Of the storm outside anc the low sobs
Of Joyce 40 she lay crouched on the
bed.
.wenr he growled. "rm listenin''
What, thepr
IRA rather 90 out into that white
death than stay here with such crea-
lures as you are"
''Doan't be q fool. lass. us'n won't
hurt ZEE any" the second man reas-
sured roughly.
you'll stay here where It's warm
But you'll remember that we're bosi
In this shack. Youn came without
being asked. I'm id II youh ride
your high horse over me-"
Go on, Dave. TAX your kiss man
Then the miracle happened The
door opened. and out OF the swirlins
wind.tossed snow came q Man.