Evening star., 1936-02-09
Va HIGH COURAGE .sI
- b. ss $500 80 sesnsn ~ aE
CHAPTER XXI.
NEWS FROM PORTLAND.

xNo VIC OoN40 4A1NS - 4A4 C
~ place" Anne's interest was
- awakening; she walked
4 \ into the kitchen. Elisa. the
view, I can see the bar and every ship
that comes into the river from here"
Cant eat view," came the practical
rejoinder.
They continued their tour. found
two bed rooms on the south side.
Each gravitated to their choice, and
chattering like magpies. made way to
the front of the house. Anne slipped
easily through the window, stood on
the front veranda and looked up the
short flight of steps to the street,
thence to forest Of young frs, emer-
aid green under the beat of the Spring
sun, thrusting their tips into the deep
blue Of the sky.
She could live here. She could work
about the house, wear herself out
physically and perhaps find some peace
for her spirit in the relaxation which
must follow. She had always thought
she'd like to garden, she'd even tried
little. But the gardener at her home
had objected to her messing" among
his conventional plots and she had
given up.
"ItW take soap and water, lye and
disinfectant," Lisa. was saying from
behind her. Then We can start
thinking of paint and lumber and
wallpaper. And then there1l be fur
niture to buy and Nikki!" her
voice arose to a screech.
Anne turned quickly. Lisa was half
way out of the window, her feet on
the front veranda, her head, with its
top knot pitched forward over one
eye, staring out Of a broken window
pane. Anee looked at the feet. high
button shoes ending in black cotton
stockings; then at the face. mot at
me, you owl" she cried as Anne fought
to keep from shrieking with laughter,
there in front of you"
Anne wheeled to the side and found
herself face to face with John Neuman.
How do you do, I-ah-"
Anne laughed at the expression on
Neuman's face, as she turned to him.
She knew he was seeing girl in
faded house frock, a tangle of curls,
whipped about by frisky wind. and
that he had expected to see smartly
gowned young woman with long
smooth braids.
"The young lady's name is Nikki
Nielsen" said Lisa, sharply.
Anne saw the blue eyes twinkle
"Of course" he apologized, mice to
meet you, Miss Nielsen; you resemble
| a girl I once met. Perhaps you'd be
willing to listen to a message have
for that girl"
I I'd be delighted" answered
Anne, but the laughter had disap-
peared from her face.
MY friend drove your car on to
Portland, after had telephoned Judge
Kellogg. He arrived just as the dray-
men we're leaving your things at the
judges house, so as soon as they had
left, Kellogg hired a truck and had
Glen take them on back with him. I
brought them along with me-"
You mean they are here, now?"
asked Anne in surprise.
Judge Kellogg seemed to think
you'd have less trouble taking them
now than later. No one knows yet
that you are not in Portland"
II convinced him over the telephone
that you'd be staying on here for a
few months" Neuman went on to ex-
plain. "You will be, won't you?"
"She will be-" stated Lisa, positive
ly. Were going to take this shanty
and make home Of it,
Anne looked at the ramshackle house,
looked out on the water, out to the
curving arm of Cape Disappointment.
Did she really want to settle here?
She looked at John Neuman; tall,
sturdy, dependable, he, too, stood
looking out on the water. She studied
the sun-bronzed, lean face, the i'm
mobility Of his expression, and then he
turned toward her and she caught the
full force of his personality in the
direct gaze of his sailor blue eyes.
"Yes," she agreed, disturbed at the
feeling of excitement which awakened
her from the lethargy OF the past few
days. "Yes," she repeated. "I am go
ing TO stay.
Having made her decision, Anne
joined Lisa in telling John of their
plans for the house. He listened in
tently, then suggested they have an
old country houSe-raising.
CLOSED season is due in, next week,
and most of us will have time on our
hands. Wen all pitch in, tear out
and build in. and by the time the sea-
sons over you'll be settled in your
home"
Anne also discussed buying gilnet-
ter for the Sorki boys. Again John
listened, then, after few moments OF
thought, he spoke.
THAT would rob you of. too much
Of your money. You're so accustomed
to having all you need, you may not
appreciate its value. Remember, there