Evening star., 1936-11-29
Mountain HideOut =
INSTALLMENT I.

lNSTALLMENT j.
TINE flying hoofs Of Captain.
big bay horse, rang sharply
on the gravel Of the narrow
Il mountain road. Rounding
turn at full gallop. Marjory Wilmer
saw the highway ahead. and quickly
reined in her horse. When he had
stopped, she leaned forward and pat
ted his neck with her gloved hand.
How was that, Cap?" she inquired
Fun, wasn't it? Well, we'll let you
rest a minute now. I'm more Of a
load for you than was few months
ago."
Cap tossed his head. as though
scofiing at the idea that any 16-year-
old girl could be load for him, and
Marjory laughed delightedly. She sat
easily in the saddle. her face glowing
from the effect Of the fast ride in the
cold December air, and looked back
up the road toward Laurel Mountain
Inn.
But the sound of car coming alcng
the highway made her turn her head
quickly. After listening a few Sec
onds, she recognized the car. 1t was
Simon Smith, man of all work at the
inn, returning from one of his regu-
lar trips to the little town Of Sutter
for supplies.
She clucked Captain into a walk,
and moved down to the edge of the
highway. Simon saw her and stopped
the car beside the sign reading
Chicken Dinners" and Tourists"
and pointing up the narrow road
which led to the inn. Simon's homely
face wore grin as he touched his
cap.
We'll, you're sure pretty picture,
sitting up there on top of Cap"
Simon said admiringly. You're a
mighty different looking girl than
when you came up here last Summer
You were just skin and bones then,
and pale as a ghost. And look at
you now!"
MARJORY laughed. "Oh, I'm not
AA that fat, Simon" she protested.
"It's all these clothes. It's cold today"
II never said you was fat" Simon
denied quickly. There's no fat on
you-it's just hard muscle. But you're
sure healthy looking!"
And I feel wonderful" Marjory
breathed deeply of the cold, pure
air. Il hope you brought back lots
of food. I'll be starved by dinner
time"
Simon chuckled II guess Mother
Cough will fix you up" he said. He
looked at her for a moment. We're
sure going to miss you when you 60
home next week for Christmas. Think
you'll be coming back?"
L don't know, Simon. It all de-
pends on what the doctor says.
Probably not, if I'm really as well as
I feel"
Simon shook his head. "It's going
to be lonely for Dad and Mother
Cough and me without you. Winters
are mighty lonely up here, anyhow.
But know you'll be glad to get back
to your family and your friends"
Marjory nodded gravely. "Yes, I
will be, Simon. But I'll hate to leave
the inn. too. You folks have been
awfully good to me-"
Simon looked down at the floor Of
the car. Then he showed it into gear.
Guess I'd better be getting back"
he said. 1T will be dusk before long.
You 60 on and finish your ride. But
look out for cars on the highway"
Marjory waved hand gaily. There
aren't enough cars on this highway to
scare Captain, even in his most skit-
tish moments!"
THE car started with a snort and
Marjory watched it disappear
among the leafless trees as the road
curved Then she guided Captain out
onto the highway and walked him
slowly along the dirt shoulder, being
careful to keep off the pavement.
After few moments Captain began
to get restless. Walking was too slow
for him on this brisk, invigorating
day, 50 Marjory let him trot. There
was not a car in sight, as this road
carried very little traffic, being merely
a connecting road which ran from
Sutter over the mountain to through
highway on the other side. But it
curved constantly, and Marjory kept
well over on the shoulder, never know
ing when car might appear sud-
denly around bend.
But all her precautions were wasted
because of an innocent little stream
which cllt Under the road and he.