The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1929-08-09


turned to me.
''Oh. could be so happy II | only
had chance. If only had the chance
other girls have. II would take So
little TO make me the happiesf girl
In the world-just TO have home, q
plain. simple home where all was sun
shine and peace; just TO have the
commonest comforts, to be care-free.
TO love and be loved That would he
enough" She sighed and went on:
Then II I might have books lit-
tie music. fiowers-oh. II seems like
dream of heaven: as well might
sigh for a palace"
mo palace could be too fair for
you, Berna. no prince too noble. Some
day. your prince will come. and you
will give him that great love I told
you of once"
Swiftly shadow came into the
bright eyes, the sweet mouth curved
pathetically.
mot even a beggar win seek me. a
poor nameless little girl travelling In
the train Of dishonor."
She had all the sad sophistication of
the lowly born, yet with it an inyinc-
ible sense of purity.
Once l asked her:
"Berna. If you had to choose be-
tween death and dishonor. which
would you prefer?"
Death, of course" she answered
promptly. Deaths easy; physical
death; compared with the other. com
pared with moral DEATH"
She was very emphatic and angry
with me for my haZarded demur.
Never was such a brave spirit, so de-
termined In goodness, so upright In
purity. and blessed her for her IN
faltering words.
We were dreamers twain, but while
my outlook was gay with hope. hers
was dark with despair Since the cpl
sode of the scow | had never yentured
TO kiss her. but had treated her with
a curiouS>reserve. respect and courtesy.
Indeed. | was diagnosing my case.
wondering If loved her. affirming.
doubling on a very see-saw of indie
termination. When with her felt for
her an intense fondness and at times
an almost irresponsible tenderness.
Was l in love? Poor. fatuous fool
wanted her more than everything
else in all the world. yet | hesitated
and asked myself the question.
Hundreds of boats and scows were
running the rapids. and we watched
them with an untiring fascination.
That was the most exciting spectacle
in the whole world The issue was
life or death, ruin or salvation. and
from dawn till dark. and with every
few minutes of the day, was the
breathIess climax repeated. Every
day were bodies dragged ashore. The
rapids demanded their tribute. The
men of the trail must pay the toll
part, and but two nights later II came.
We were sitting by the river. 1 remem.
Der. a little way from the boats. AS
she sat, silent and with hands clasped.
il was as if the shadows that for a
little had lifted, now enshrouded her
with a greater gloom.
Tell me your trouble, Berna."
She shook her head. her eyes wide
as IL trying to read the future.
Its nothing: It's only my foolish
ness. II tell you. II wouldn't help
me any. And then-it doesn't matter.
You wouldn't care. Why should you
carer"
She turned away from me and
seemed absorbed in bitter thought
"Carel why. yes, | would care; D
do care. You know I would do any
thing in the world to help you You
must tell me. Berna. II will worry
me indeed If you don't"
Once more she refused. pleaded
with her gently. coaxed. en-
treated. She was very reluctant yer
at last she yielded.
well. If must" she said; "bu;
it's all so sordid. so mean, hate my
self; despise myself that I should
have TO tell it."
She kneaded a tiny handkerchief
nervously in her fingers.
"You know how nice Madam Wrinkle
STEMS been to me lately-bought me
new clothes, given me trinkets- Well.
there's reason-she's got her eye on
a man for me-"
bit my lip
who's the man"
"Jack Locaslo. Have you heard of
him? He's got a million dollar claim
on Bonanza"
Had heard of him! Who had not
heard of Black Jack, his spectacular
poker plays. his meteoric rise. his
theatric display?
"Of course he's married" she went
on. "bui that doesn't matter up here.
There's such a thing as Klondike
marriage. Anyway. he wants me-"
"But you wouldn't surely you
wonldnrT'
She turned on me tiercely.
-Whai do you take me forf Surely
you know me better than thnt Oh.
YOU almost make me hate yon"
vainly tried to soothe her. whis
pering:
''Oh. my dear. tell me all about It
TN sorry. girl. I'm sorry"
She went on in her fierce. excited
way
He came TO the restaurant in Ben
nett He used 10 watch me lot His
eyes were always following me- ! was
afraid. trembled when served him.
He liked TO see me tremble. IL gave
him a feeling of power. Then he TOOK
to giving me presents. costly gifts !
wanted to return them. bur she
wOuldn't let me. took them from me.
put them away. Then ne and she had
long talks. I know IL was all about
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