The Washington times., 1925-06-20

ME- EN4EnED the MOUSE anu
" lighted a lamp anyway so that
Ruth could get an idea of the
place. She didn't enthuse.
TITS not going to be any fun
here for you." I grumbled. 81
don't like, this sneaking around
business. Besides, I don't want
to get in bad. I believe I'll try
TO get another place tomorrow,
and I don't know how I'm going
20 get you back past that house
without their seeing YOU"
Cant you cut through the
woods some way" she asked. LET
me go with you and help find a
place. This won't do"
There had been no discussion be.
tween us, and yet we both seem
Cd to take it for granted that we
were to be together that summer
~ could tell by the way she
talked that her mind was made
mp. and I. without having thought
1t all, found myself accepting.
That trip across the bay with
her and the adniring glances Of
the passengers, along with Ruth's
exhibition of nerve, and coolness
In the presence Of dogs, stirred
something new within me.
We had faced excitement, even
danger, together, and had reacted
like real pals and not without in
dividual credit, That was how
felt.
wen do it!' I exclaimed.
wen get up early and search
the whole valley until we find
what we want
Ruth pressed my hands in the
dark.
''Oh. just know I'm going to
Be happy" she murmured. and
land / need iti"
CHAPTER XVII.
Next morning Ruth and /
found and unoccupied furnished
house in the redwoods high on
the hillside west Of the Mil Val.
ley station. overlooking The mes
Ting town and the hills beyond.
We learned from a passing native
that It was known as the
Fisher cottage. Back OF it,
about 200 feet farther up the hill
and concealed by dense under
growth, was a much smaller cot
tage Of two rooms. also unoccu-
pied.
I'm rent the little place in my
own name" Ruth declared eager
Iys after we had inspected both
houses and the surroundings.
.'In that way I can come over
for the night whenever get
the chance. Won't it be great?
We can tramp and ride horse
back and swim and 90 boating
and everything
She cIapped her hands and
danced with joy.
Ruth Delighted.
A public path about four feet
wide ran down through the
woods just south of the two
houses. with flights OF steep
steps and a brokea-down railing,
and led to the railroad station.
We went down that way, and I
left Ruth temporarily at,the station
while I made inquiries and To-
Gated the realtor who had the
renting Of the Fisher place. He
asked no questions, merely took
my SIS and gave me a receipt
for the first month, and then adj
vised me where to go and have
the water and lights turned on.
Twenty minutes later Ruth and
] were in the power and light
company's office together arrang.
ing to have service furnished for
both houses. Then we visited the
general store and bought a large
supply Of foodstuffs. i
Ruth was like a child with de-
light, especially when the trades
man promised faithfully that the
orders would be delivered within
an hour. She had that happy
faculty Of making trades-people,
and others, act as If she were a
princess.
On the sidewalk after we left
the store, we talked things over.
1t was agreed that 1 should re.
turn to the city to get some of
my things Strengthened out and
also call for some of Ruth's at
Jessie Hayman's. Meanwhile
Ruth was to climb back up to the
cottage to get things straight
ened out and have supper ready
ut o'clock. She was also to
arrange for the installation of a