The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-01-13
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be mistaken, ever. She only had known him a few days; yet time did not seem to matter. It was as though the comradeship of the open road, their mutual experiences, had bridged that gulf.
 "Now we're getting into real country" Bret said, later on. "See those big boys looming up in the distance? They're the Shenan- doahs; 5000 feet, some of them. Feel the difference in the air? Take breath and fill your lungs. It will wash away all your troubles, make you new once more"
 You love your country, don't you?" Comics voice was soft with understanding. She who had five homes, a villa on the Riviera, a 6OO-acre country estate, town house, a winter palace and sum- mer one, had never called any one of them "home". She knew that, too, was something she had missed.
 Every tree, every blade of grass" Bret said. T always come back to it no matter how far I roam" His words were ones Connie was to recall many times.
 He said, T hope you'll learn to love it, too, One thing I can guar antee," he flashed her grin, you'll have plenty of elbow room! You'll be as free as the birds that have the whole heaven for their own"
 "How did you know" she asked, "that freedom is what want more than anything, chance to try my own wings for awhile?"
 Isn't that what everyone wants? Though after you've tried them, you'll be glad to fly back to your nest and your sweetheart-again."
 "No." Connie shook her head, took deep breath of the air that, as he had told her, seemed to wash all the past away, making her re- born again. T don't believe I'll want to go back. Certainly not be- cause of any one person! When I do, perhaps I'll always wish could return as you have" She did not know then, either how true her words would prove.
 Bret said he thought they had better stop at the McCallys' cabin, which they would reach soon, to get warm and have dinner. It would be dark by the time they reached their destination. Already it was growing dusk.
 The cabin, like most of those they had passed, was built of logs, cemented with mud, but inside it was neat and clean. The old couple welcomed Bret as though he were a relation, though like the people in the hills, they did not make show of emotion.
 Iris well you're getting back" the old man said with that easy drawl that fell so sweetly on Con- nie's unaccustomed ears. Things ain't been going too likely without you, MT. Hardesty. I hear tell some of your men walked out on old Pop Walters. The lazy loaf CTS. Though reckon it won't take long for you to whip 'em back to harness"
 T reckon not!" Bret laughed, but his dark eyes were troubled. AS soon as they had eaten he said he thought they had better push on"
 The old man told them there had been heavy snow higher in the hills. Wouldn't surprise me-" he added, "by the looks of them clouds but what we was due for more. Maybe you'd better let us put you up for the night, MT. Hardesty."
 Bret thanked him for his hos pitality. but refused it. That is," he looked at Connie, unless you'd | rather not risk it?"
 "I'd much rather go on," she hastened to assure him; she knew that was what he wanted.
 The old people shook hands with each of them, wished them a safe journey. Then the woman said, her small eyes in her face, as wrinkled and weather beaten as the mans, lighting up with interest. Would you mind my asking? You ain't bringing home a bride, be you, MT. Hardesty?"
 "A bride! Bret looked startled, as though the suggestion were sheer impossibility. Then he laughed. Why, no. Miss Blyn is going to help with the books. She'll live at Mrs. Parson's."
 Reckon she'll put on few pounds then" Mrs. McCally said. And tis just as well, cause I know of at least one heart as would be broken"
 50! You must have a sweetheart, too - since you accused me of one, MT. Hardesty," Connie said after
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