Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1932-05-29

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Q bad fall and Is in splnts."
The other sensed tension but ignored r..
"Glad happened along. I am In no hurry
but Alec has to make the train and will 60 oat
with you" He stepped to one side. with . wave
Of his hand toward the tall grave-faced man
behind him:
Ladies' allow me to present the Sky Pilot of
Western Alberta the bestowed man in all our
countryside
Two days later a little group stood upon the
platform at Nordegg. They had come through
a furry of snow but the promised storm had
spent its force along the line. Here we're great
banks thrown to one side by the ploughs that
had struggled to keep the road open and the
heavy mountain engine was putting ready for
its eastward trip. Helen and Malcolm stood
alone. She, striving to hide an agitation threat
ening her self-control, could say no word. 1t was
he who spoke. his eyes steady upon her face
as seeking to impress every changing ex-
preston upon his memory.
Il regret can go no further, but leave you
in good hands. McLauren goes with you and
Jack" He spoke casually, as if this parting
was ordinary one, yet wondered how he
again to pick up the life that had be-
come one Of contentment; wondering if the
pain gripping his heart was really love for this
woman who had come unwanted into his life
again. He 10 ked from her back the way they
had come. Back there was home Would he
again be content with his loneliness? He
struggled with the impulse to express his
thought As he hesitated, Helen spoke breath,
less with the surge Of feeling that held her.
Malcolm take me back to the cabin with
DO you know what you are saying?" he said
sharply.
Yes. I know and I am ashamed" Her
voice SO low he leaned forward to catch the
words. Il must speak I have always hoped
I could some time make up to you for the
cruel thing did, The words came haltingiy
but desperate with the resolution to make him
believe, for she life and love slipping away
from her.
"A Winter up there in my cabin" he asked
incredulously. with the sound of the wind
soughing through snow-laden branches; listen
ing to the roar of a mountain lion or the
scream of panther! Would you be content
We two alone for months? No one coming in to
break the monotony. Just the two of us,
alone?" He was making determined fight
against the overwhelming desire to take her at
her word
Yes, for all time"
He held his voice under rigorous control as
he drew away so he could look into eyes that
met his steadily although her face crimsoned
rs it love- Helen, is it pity and remorse
for the indgnity you put upon me? Is it love
for you that holds me in its grip? do not
know, but with your going again face Geth-
semane."
Il love you Malcolm" The reply came
slowly. She had said all there was to say and
now outside things crept into her consciousness.
The bell of the engine ringing. The con-
ductor, impatient at the delay ca ling all aboard.
You are making it very hard for me, Mac.
The train is waiting. The Sky Pilot goes with
it. Am also to go?"
mo. You stay with me, Helen, for you have
given me back my faith my belief in you. I
love you. will never again let you out Of my
life"
It was an unusual happening, the marriage
service upon the wind-swept platform OF Me
mountain station, with feathery fakes of snow
stin falling. The waiting putting engine be-
tween high banks Of snow; the mountains each
moment looming more distinctly out of the
clearing atmosphere; the unusual assemblaGs.
Of witnesses; banket-wrapped Indians, half
breeds with their women little children cling
ing to them; few white men roughly dressed,
with Malcolm Southern and Helen BrainaYd
standing before the Sky Pilot of Western Al
berta speaking the solemn words that made
them one.
few moments later, IS the train pulled
and struggled out toward civilization, the two
who had come through travail to happiness
turned back up the snowy trail-toward home.
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