Newark leader. ([Newark, Ohio]) 1917-1946, 1926-09-10
end confidence Of a pFacticed rider.


die his horse and bring him around to
the front of the tavern, where he
mounted and set out for a ride up the
Wild Cat road. Two or three miles
above town he met Hayes and the
two young women returning. The look
of CONSERVATION that passed among
them did not escape him. He smiled
trife maliciously as he rode on, for
now he knew what had become Of the
missing member Of the party.
HA& o Wile farther on he came upon
Viola and Barry Lapelle. riding slow
ly side by side through the narrow
lane. He drew of to one side to al
low them to pass, dof1ng his beaver
ceremoniously.
Lapelle's friendly greeting did not
surprise him. for the two had seen
great deal Of each other, and at no
time had there been anything in the
lovers manner to indicate that Viola
had confded to him the story of the
meeting In the thicket. But he was
profoundly astonished when the girl
favored him with q warm, gay smile
and cried out a cheery "How do you
/ do, Kenneth"
Better rarn around and ride back
with us, Kenny" said Barry, politely
but not graciously.
II am on my way to the Wild Cat to
see man on business" said Kenneth,
lamely.
"KennyT repeated Viola puckering
her brow. Where have heard that
name befores ! seem to remember
oh, as IL 1t were thousand years ago,
Do they call you Kenny for short"
1T grew up with me-" he replied.
Ever since can remember. my
folks
He broke OF In the middle Of the
sentence. confronted BY q disconcert-
ing thought Gould 1t be- possible that
somewhere In Yioia's braan-or rather
in Minda's baby brain,-that familiar
name had stamped itselff Why noti
II 1t had been impressed upon his own
baby brain, why not IN a less degree
upon hersi
He lifted his hat and rode off. He
had gone not more than twenty rods
when he heard a masculine shout from
behind; turning, he discovered that the
couple were still standing where he
had left them. Lapelle called out:
Your sister wants to have a word
with you."
She rode swiftly up TO where he was
waiting.
Il just want to let you know that I
intend to tell mother about meeting
Barry out here today" she said, un-
smiling. II shall not tell her that we
had planned 1t in advance, however.
We did plan 1t, so If you want to run
and tell her yourself, you may do so.
1t will make no"
rs that all you wanted to say to
me- ViolaT he interrupted.
For moment she faced him rebel
iiOusly, hot words on her lips. Then
a surprising change came over her
Her eyes Quailed under the justifable
scorn in his. She hung her head.
mo-" she said, miserably. II thought
it was all, but 1t isn't. I want to say
that I am sorry said what did"
He watched the scarlet food sweep
over her cheeks and then as swiftly
fade. 1t was abject surrender, and yet
he had no thrM Of triumph. TITS
It's all right, Viola," he stammered,
awkwardly. Don't think anything
more about 1t. We will consider 1t
unsaid."
NO. we'll not" said she, looking
up. But I am sorry, Kenneth. VIII
you try to forget iti'
He shook his head. "Never Forget
ting the bitter would mean that l
would also have to give up the sweet"
said he, calamity.
Il must be going now" she said, bit
ing her lip. "Good-by-Renny." A
faint frown clouded her brow after she
had uttered the name. Il must ask
mother Ii she remembers hearing ia
ther speak Of you as Kenny"
"Say, VIOLA" came an impatient
shout from Barry Lapslle, "are you
going to take all dayf"
It was plain to be seen that the
young man was out Of temper. Ken
meth could not repress a chuckle. =
Better hurry along" he said, grim
ly, "or he'll take your head Off"
She rode of In high dudgeon and he
was left to curse his nl-timed jest.
What blundering fool he had been
Her first, timid little advance-and he
had met 1t with boorish, clownish wit
Dusk was falling when Kenneth
rode slowly into the town again. He
had reached decision during that
lonely ride. He would not remain in
Lafayette. He foresaw misery and
unhappiness for himself If he stayed
therefor. be 1t here declared, heswas
In love with Viola Gwyn. No., worse
than that. he was n love with Minda
Carter, and therein lay all the bitter
ness that allied his soul He could
never have her. Even though si1a cast
off the ardent Lapelle, still he could
Y n. L l.