The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1934-05-25


"But only two. You didn't even
know there were three" she coaxed.
Come on--let me give them back the
baby"
"Oh, we'll" he said reluctantly.
Instantly the girl reached in and
pulled the baby clear Of the wagon,
the mother with it. 1t was not really
a baby, being a falr-sized youngster.
but the least of the three. With her
arm across the two she pushed them
away from the wagon. Then she be-
gan speaking rapidly in Navajo.
It was the white mans law. which
was above tribal law, she told them,
that the children go to the schools
where they would learn the white
mans ways, where they would be fed
and clothed. They would become wise
and above their station at the present
time, being better for the knowledge
they would get. And she, the mother,
would have them back soon for visit,
hearing all about what they had
learned and eaten In the meantime.
The littlest one she could keep now,
providing she would go back to her
hogan in peace. If not, it too would go.
Would she listen to the white mans
law? Would she take her one child
instead of losing three-for a little
time only?
The man spoke, and the woman,
with her tragic eyes on the little
scared faces in the wagons tail, hug.
ging her babe, nodded.
20. K, Mr.. Satter," Sonya said
guardedly.
Satter struck his near horse, and the
blackboard bounced away.
Turning in stark and tragic resig-
nation, the two bedraggled figures
moved off toward the canyons mouth,
| the woman's eyes still strained back
across her shoulder where her children
were disappearing in the distance.
The tall man looked back at Sonya,
and his eyes spoke-like Two Fingers
had.
Blinded by tears, the girl climbed
back In her saddle. She had forgot
ten Rodney Blake entirely. 1t was not
until they were well out on the des-
ert's floor that she remembered him.
'Rod," she said then, "do you see
now why cannot leave them? There
| Is so much to do for them. They need
| me sol"
eyes," he said coldly. II see."
There was something In his tone
which caused the conversation to Ian
guish, and they rode for miles through
the early day without speech. Then
Sonya stirred in her saddle and looked
at Blake.
"Did you say you are leaving the
day after tomorrow, Rod?" she asked.
II did, but might as we'll have kept
the information, for all the impression
it made"
"Oh, no, dear. I'm just $3.50 full
of troubles, you know. I didn't mean
to seem careless You know didn't"
Il wish to heaven I did, Sonya!" the
man said passionately. well, remem-
Der the rest of the things said-par-
ticularly that no man or anything shall
| get you from me, that mean to have
you for my own If it's the last thing
l ever do in life. Just remember that,
my girl"
flush came in Sonya's face.
II suppose should be flattered,"
she said sharply, "but am not. There
is something about this attitude Of
| yours, Rod, that angers me-a seeming
| of command that goes down hard with
me. Ones life is his own, marriage or
no marriage, to a certain extent, you
know. I'm not the type of woman
who can be completely absorbed"
"Forgive me-" Blake said quickly.
"Perhaps I do seem dictatorial, but
my excuse must BIO that ancient one
which covers a multitude of sins
great love-"
II wonder" said Sonya.
Sonya made a hurried trip next day
| to Chez wash and found the woman
much better.
$50" she told her happily, smooth
ing the gaunt young cheek, 1--WE made
the good fight together. Ali is well,
little mother"
And Two Fingers smiled his Slow
smile, and the young doctor rode
away.
Sonya spent that last evening in the
patio with Rodney Blake. alone I'M
der the stars, swinging in the fringed
hammock, her hand between his palms,
his low voice in her ears, speaking of
the future. Serge and Lila, sensing
the strain between them, had retired
early. And Sonya put her arms about
Rods neck, kissed him and took his
kisses, and felt happy.
1t was late when they separated in
the living room, tiptoeing in like a
pair of sixteen-year-olds, laughing in
whispers, and early when they all
gathered again for breakfast. 1t was
quite drive down to the little town
where Rod would take the train for
New York, and Sonya, who was driv.
ing him, wanted an early start.
The last moments on station plat
form aro ALWAYS filed with Stra npa