Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1928-07-05
CHAPTER VII
An Early Morning Party

at the tent. Her father had already
Weakened, when Christie was called
to the tent door by a voice and,
standing in the moonlight.
~ didn't want you to think I went
away with any hard feelings" he
said, explaining himself calmly to
Christie and throwing into his words
that touch of sympathy and interest
he was always able to summon.
Christie listened with reluctance. But
as her caller was at no loss for
words, he was soon heard by her
father, who, raising his voice, called
him, over Christie's protest, into the
tent.
Here's the man." he said, that
can give us the help we need,
Christie, If you'll treat him in the
way you'd ought to.
Christie burst into tears. The OBJ
legation of secrecy was on her-she
thought she knew why, now; but she
would not resist the satisfaction Of
q covert threat. IF Mr.. Starbuck
won't help u.s." she exclaimed, 1--WE
may find somebody in Sleepy Cat
that WILL"
She was sorry the instant she had
spoken, but 1t was too late to recall
her words.
anybody that goes near the store
without me-" Starbuck said calmly,
will get riddled with buckshot-so,"
he added, looking first at Christie and
then at her father, "don't make any
mistake like that
He marched with dignity out Of the
tent. Fyler kept up weak fire Of
reproach. Christie was used to such
things on more subjects than one,
and only continued to listen silently.
What thoughts were in her mind, her
father, least Of all, could have sur
missed. She gave him some refresh
msnt presently, and he fell into an
uneasy sleep. That moment seemed
to rouse her from her apathy and sig
nalize her resolve.
She rose cautiously but hurriedly,
caught up q shawl that lay across her
cot, opened her little trunk, and
stealthily drew out scarf.
Pausing, and looking at her father
only long enough to be sure he slept,
she carefully lowered the wick Of the
lantern, blew out the light, and
stepped with as little noise as posi-
BILE to the tent door. Wrapping her
self In her shawl, and winding her
scarf about her head and neck, she
pushed open the fly and stood alone
out in the moonlight.
Once started, Christie did not hesi-
tate. She walked swiftly along the
street, hardly knowing which way to
look In her quest, but determined to
follow 1t. The only place where she
hoped she might make q successful
inquiry was at the big barn; and to-
ward this she directed her steps.
She was being trailed, though she
did not realize 1t. Believing herself
lnobserved and unseen, she pursued
her course, and it was only when
Bob Scott stepped out Of shadow
In front Of her that she was fright
ened.
"Were you looking for somebody,
ladyr' he asked.
Christie jumped, but SCOTS inof-
fensive manner treasured her. She
had seen him in company with Sell
wood at the store, and some instinct
told her he meant no harm.
81 am looking for some one"
"Who Ii it,"
"He's the superintendent Of the
freighting line"
was down to see your father tonight"
"Oh, she cried in confusion. II
don't mean Mr.. Starbuck."
Scott was confident. II don't,
either. You mean John Selwood. If
you do want to see him, I think can
find him. But I'll have to be gone a
few minutes. Now, here's the barn"
-he pointed to the big structure
close at hand. IF you'd walk down
with me and wait few minutes In
the Office, I'll have him here"
Still In fear and trembling, Christie
accompanied her guide to the barn
ofice. Two formidable blocking dogs
rushed to the door as Scott opened
Il. Admonishing them, he turned with
q quiet grin. A lighted lantern on the
desk revealed the interior to Christie.
'Tt you can sit here for FIVE minutes"
said Scott, "thess dogs will guard
you better than anybody In Sleepy
Cat could do 1t. Just pet them a lit
tie" Christie made friends cautious
ly with the two dogs. 1--WE call one
Chloe" explained Scott, "and this IL
Sweetheart. They're Mr.. Selwood's
favorite wagon dogs-half bull and
half mastiff-and If anybody tries to
come into this Office while I'm gone,
they'll eat 'em up. Are you willing
to wait with themr
Christie smiled rather mournfully.
II suppose can't help It," she said
uneasily. "Please hurryI"
SAoft lost M tina In OetftnU ta Gal