Evening star., 1936-02-16
Magazine Section

Cdll stay Dob q NO' =
like to put her among our converted
girls at the Mission till the boat
comes"
Upon that l broke in. was wild
with myself for not having seen in
time how things had gone - for hav-
ing missed the chance of freeing Pink
by saying had killed Black Cooper.
1t was too late for that now; but |
thought there was something that |
still could do. l went to where she
was sitting, wrapped in her hair. upon
the floor, and put my hands beneath
her arms and lifted her up. Slowly
and plainly | said: II love you.
think you like me. Will you let this
man -" pointed to Wauchope -
marry us. and I'll take care of you?"
She knew nothing but Spanish; still.
there are some things woman will
understand, even if you put them in
Patagonian or Choctaw. She stood
there for a minute, half in my arms
and half out of them. looking at me as
if she would pierce my soul with her
eyes. What she saw seemed to satisfy
her, for she nodded, once, slowly, and
put her hands before her face, NUT
tering and shaking all over. She
seemed to be praying. from what
could hear; there were mothers in it.
and saints, and someone called Con-
zalez, whom reckoned to be the extra
special saint she said her prayers to.
"You needn't be afraid" said.
"I'll stand by you better than any of
your saints" had an idea in my head
then: it had to do with canoes and
other islands. and places where people
could be safely hidden away.
The two missionaries stood looking
at ME queerly. told them that Car
nation could have the house to herself,
and never be troubled; that I'd take
care of her, and. being her husband,
Icould see that no one annoyed her or
started fighting over her.
So Wauchope married us on the
spot. and he gave me lecture about
guarding her and about the great
crime she had committed. In the early
sunlight we went off together to my
cottage, Pink silent as if she was
stunned. and me half mad with joy.
In day or two had become used
to the miracle it was to have her there,
to see her sleeping in my room Uor |
turned myself out into the kitchen)
as soft and safe as little bird in its
nest: to find her opposite me at meals,
saying don't know what in her gol-
den Spanish voice. and trying to learn
my language and make herself useful
and pleasant about the house. never
asked her anything about the killing
of Cooper. I knew him for a cruel
beast, and felt he had only got what
he deserved. l was bit frightened,
at times, about what they might do to
Pink, if calling man-of-war came in;
but then l d make up my mind to have
her safe hidden before that.
Unexpectedly, came upon Lewis,
early one morning. walking near the
house | hadn't seen him, nor think
had anyone else. since the day of the
native wedding. He seemed much as
usual; a little more inclined to be civil,
though. for he turned and walked with
me towards the township, where |
was bound.
Good morning." he said. II hear
you've taken over the charge of
Cooper's woman"
/ countered him: Hold on there
with your woman. The lady is my
wife" He bowed acknowledgment,
in the sarcastic way he had.
They are saying" he went on.
that she killed Cooper. That is
quite absurd"
Isaid, 81 don't know whether it is or
not; anyhow it don't matter"
Lewis walked on. Presently he said
-" "She will never be hanged"