The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1929-11-15

| resolved TO say nothing, nut Cd
watch those two girls. like a hawk,
from then on | did so. But IL was
three weeks before heard anything
more at all. though ] saw great deal
Ii was during these three weeks
that Danny and John announced their
engagement My own opinion is that
they got themselves engaged the first
five minutes they were alone together
to wait for ten days before telling it.
Sam gave them his blessing. That
is to say, he said that any agreement
they wanted TO make was all right
with him, II Danny vas sure she
would be satisfied TO live on the Desert
Moon. and If they would wait year
to De married. They agreed to this.
the year of waiting. reluctantly. The
only people who were downright
pleased with Sans decision were Gaby
and myself |. for certain reasons of
my own. Gaby. because she was
choosing to consider herself also in
love with John.
She MADE no bones about her feel
ings. | did. not do as John did, and
set all of her open advances toward
him down to sister-in-lawly affection.
Still, didn't believe that she really
thought she was in love with John.
until I hid in the clothes closet thar
evening and heard Danny and her
talking together.
Gaby's actions, that evening. toward
John mad been so downright disgust
ing, sitting on the arm of his chair.
and trying to coax him out Of the
house to see the mountains by moon
light, and hanging herself around his
neck when they danced together. and
so on, that had a notion Danny
might have a little conversation ready
for her when she could get her alone.
had waited about ten minutes
when heard the door of .Gaby's room
open. was so tickled | all but
souealed, when heard that Danny
had come in with her, instead of GO
ing on down the hall 10 her own room
Evidently they had begun their con-
versatiOn in the hall. for Gaby's first
words were, Jealous, my dear DanT
81 don't know. But it is silly for
you to act as you do. John is in love
with me. Why should you try to take
BIN away from me, when you don't
want him yOurseIf?"
Are you sure of that?"
"Yes, | am His good looks fas-
cinate you, and so does his unsophisti-
cation. You'd like the fortune he is to
inherit. But you would never be salts
fed TO marry him and live right here
for the remainder of your life"
"No, would not I'd marry him, If
be didn't have penny-it is you who
are always thinking about his fortune
but wouldn't allow him to bury
himself, and his leauty, and charm in
this Godforsaken country. I'd get
him out into the world, and nave him
take his place there. With his ability
and energy. and with me to help him,
what place it might bel For you to
have him is-waste. Waste. You
don't know anything about love. You'll
never learn. IL tell you l can't bear
it. It isn't fair" She began to cry,
hollow sounding sobs, that seemed TO
catch in her throat and wrench free
from it
Il am sorry, Gaby. 1 love John.
He means to me peace. and .ecurity.
and decent living-the things | want
most for my life. Why should | risk
1t all?"
Coward Cowardl Peace and
security He means life to me. All
Of it; full and complete. Love. and
passion, and adventure and attain
ment, for him and for me, too. Do
you think I'll stand by. and allow you
to have him. to bury his wonder in
your peace. and smother his possibili-
ties with your security and decent
living"
81 think" Danny answered, that
you will have to. John and | love
each other; and we are going to keep
each other. You. ner anyone. can
change that"
Suppose should tell John why we
came here"
You won't do that. You can't harm
me without harming yourself But. If
you threaten that, just once more.
will go straight to John and tell him
the truth"
you promised"
II haven't broken my promise.
sha'n't, If you don't But you must
know that l haven't any interest left
In the thing"
"What about your desire for re-
venge?"
THAT desire was yours. not mine.
l never considered that side Of II at
ALL"
Coward GUTTER! Stool-pigeon-"
THAT isn't fair. Gaby. I'll help If
l can. have been helping. haven't
L? l won't hinder in any way. But
the time Is short now. Remember
that"
Danny" There was a new tone
IL UdDy , NOict, SWeeI IKE. ana dp-
pealing. | did not trust II for q min
ute; but | think Danny did. for she
answered. gently, "Yes. dearT'
Forgive me. Let's be twinny again.
Friends?" ! could hear the treaehery
in that as plainly as ! could hear the
words. | think Danny did not hear
it for she answered, 81 do want to
be friend. Gaby. do, truly. Only
please, dear. won't you leave my man
alone?"
"And you'll help me- And you won't
tell him-anything?
''Of course won't tell. Gaby. II Is
really your secret. now: not mine.
And I'll help you all I can"