J peas I —— - Bellefonte, Pa., December 20, 1912. —— — —— —— —— —— 5; A GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST GENE STRATTON-PORTER Copyright, 1909, by Doubleday, Page & On Ro SYNOPSIS Althougn a good scholar, Elnora Com- stock, entering high school, is abashed by her country dress. She needs $20 for books and tuition fees. Her mother is unsympathetic, and Elnora tells her trou- bles to Wesley Sinton, an old neighbor. When Elnora was born her father was drowned in a swamp, embittering her mother's life. Elnora determines to raise money by gathering forest specimens. The Sintons buy clothes for her. Elnora, getting her books cheaply, finds @ market with the Bird Woman for but- terflies, Indian relics, ete. ; Mrs. Comstock’s devotion to her hus- band's memory will not permit her to sell trees or have oil wells dug on her land. The clothing. Elnora is delighted with her outfit. Her mother says she must pay for it. Wes- Jey and Margaret Sinton discuss the girl's Sintons bring BElnora new Pete Corson, a Limberlost frequenter, warns Elnora not to visit the Limberlost at night or go far into the swamp at any Billy, a bright but untrained little chap, with a shiftless father and hungry broth- er and sister, gets Einora's luncheon. Wesley, troubled by Corson's warning, in- vestigates Sinton finds some one has been spying on Elnora. The girl feeds Billy again. She is “taken up” by the high school girls. [Continued from last week.) CHAPTER Vil | Wherein Mrs. Comstock Induiges In “Frills” and Billy Reappears, T was Wesley Sinton who really wrestled with the problem as he drove about his business. He did not have to ask himself what it meant; he knew. The old Cor- son gang was still holding together. Elder members who bad escaped the law had been joined by a younger brother of Jack's. and they met in the thickest of the few remaining fast places of the swamp to drink, gamble and loaf. ‘Then. suddenly, there would be a robbery in some country house where a farmer that day had sold his wheat or corn and not paid a visit to the bank. or in some neighboring village. The home of Mrs. Comstock and EI- nora adjoined the swamp. Sinton's land lay next. and not another resi dence or man easy to reach in case of trouble. Whoever wrote that note had some human kindness in his breast. but the fact stood revealed that he feared his strength if Elnora was de- livered into his bands. Where had he been the previous night when he heard that prayer? Was that the first time he had been in such proximity? Sinton drove fast. for he wished to reach the swamp before Elnora and the Bird Woman would go there for more moths. At almost 4 he came to the case, and dropping on his knees studied the ground, every sense alert. He found two or three little heel prints. Those were made by Elnora or the Bird Woman. What Sinton wanted to learn was whether all the rest were the footprints of one man. It was easily seen they were not. There were deep. even tracks made by fairly new shoes, and others where a well worn heel cut deeper on the inside of the print than at the outer edge. Undoubtedly some of Corson's old gang were watch- ing the case and the visits of the women to it. There was no danger that ' anyone would attack the Bird Woman. | She never went to the swamp at night, | and on her trips in the daytime every ! one knew that she carried a revolver, | understood how to use it and pursued her work in a fearless manner. Sinton was afraid for Elnora, yet he did not want to add the burden of fear | to Katharine Comstock’s trouble or to disturl; the joy of Elnora in her work. He stopped at the cabin and slowly went up thre walk. Mrs. Comstock was | sitting on the front step with some sewing. She dropped her work on her lap, laid her hands on it and looked into his face with a sneer. i “You didn’t let any grass grow under your feet,” she said. Sinton ssw her white, drawn face “You said you were going to prose- Bemorralits atc | heard there was a man here last night | | | | this opening of the ditch, Kate.” | “Broke the lock? “No. Used a duplicate key. Today | | 1 want to nese around a little.” Sinton went to the east end of the eabin and looked up at the window. ' There was no way any one could have reached it without a ladder, for the logs were hewed and mortar filled the cracks even. Then he went to the west end. The willow faced him as he turned the corner. He examined the trunk carefully. There was no mistake sbout small particles of black swamp muck adhering to the sides of the tree. He reached the low branches and climbed the willow. There was earth on the large limb crossing Elnora's window. He stood on it, holding the branch as had been done the night be- fore, and looked into the room. He could see very little, but he knew that if it bad been dark outside and suffi- clently light for Elnora to study inside he could have seen vividly. He brought his face close to the netting, and he could see the bed with its head to the | east, at its foot the table with the candles and the chair before it, and then he knew where the man had been who had heard Elnora’s prayer. Mrs. Comstock had followed around , the corner and stood watching him. ! “Do you think some slinking hulk was up there peekin' in at Elnora?" she demanded indignantly. “There is muck on the trunk and plenty on the limb” said Sinton. “Hadn't you better get a saw and let me take this branch off 7 “No, I hadn't,” said Mrs. Comstock. “First place. Elnora’s climbed from that window on that limb ali her life, and it's hers; second place, no one gets ahead of me after I've had warning. Any crow that perches on that roost again will get its feathers somewhat scattered. Look along the fence there and see if you can find where he came in." The place was easy to find as was a trail leading for some distance west of the eabin. “You just go home and don’t fret yourself,” said Mrs. Comsteck. “I'll take care of this. If you should hear the dinner bell at any time in the night you come down. But I wouldn't say anything to Binora. She best keep ber mind on her studies if she's going to , school.” When the work was finished that night Elnora took her books and went to her room to prepare some lessons, but every few minutes she looked to- ward the swamp to see if there were lights near the case. Mrs. Comstock raked together the coals in the cooking stove, got out the lunch box, and, sit- ting down, she studied it grimly. At last she arose. “Wonder how it would do to show Mag Sinton a frill or two,” she mur- wmured. Mrs. Comstock was up early and without a word handed Elnora the luncheon case as she left the next morning. “Thank you, mother,” said Elnora and went on her way. She walked down the road, looking straight ahead until she came to the corner, where she usually entered the swamp. She paused, glanced that way and smiled. Then she turned and look- ed back. There was no one coming in any direction. She kept to the road un- tit well around the corner, then she stopped and sat on a grassy spot, laid her books beside her and opened the lunch box. She scarcely could believe her senses. Half the bread compart- ment was filled with dainty sandwich- es of bread and butter sprinkled with the yolk of egg and the rest with three large slices of the most fragrant spice cake imaginable. The meat dish con- tained shaved cold ham, of which she knew the quality; the salad was toma- toes and celery, and the cup held pre- served pear, clear as amber. There was milk in the bottle, two tissue wrapped cucumber pickles in the fold- ing drinking cup and a fresh napkin in the ring. No lunch was ever daintier or more palatable. Of that Elnora was perfectly sure. And her mother had prepared it for her, She glanced around her and then to her old refuge, the sky. “She does love me!" cried the happy girl. “Sure as you're born she loves me: she just hasn't found it out yet!" She was to go to the Bird Woman's after school for the last load from the case. Saturday she would take the ar- row points and specimens to the bank. That would exhaust her present sup- plies and give her enough money ahead to pay for books, tuition and clothes for at least two years. She would work early and late gathering nuts. In October she would sell all the ferns she could find. She must collect specimens of all tree leaves before they nests and cocoons later and wide open for anything Id use. She would see that night about to the ward must be ahead of wanted to furnish fey il : ib i g her with a confident smile. brought you something!” he an- i} “Good gracious, Kate!” cried Sinton. nounced without greeting. “This is *Is that what you have been thinking all day? I told you before I left yes- terday that I weuld not need do that. I want to ask you if you ever see any- thing about the swamp that makes you think the old Corson gang is still Jimmy and Belle—ard we brought you Jou a present.” He offered s parcel wrapped in brown paper. “Why, how lovely of you!" said El 1 | nora. | alive?” | me when you ran away so fast yester- “Can't say that [ do,” sai@ Mrs, Com- stock. “There's kind of dancing lights there sometimes, but I supposed it was just people passing along the road with lanterns.” “Kate, I have got to tell you some- thing. Elnora stopped at the case this morning. and somebody had been into it in the night.” ” . “Naw, I didn't forget you,” said the , boy. “I wouldn't forget you, not ever! Why, I was ist a-hurrying to take | things to Jimmy and Belle. My. | they was glad!” | Elnora glanced at the children. They sat on the edge of the bridge, obviously ' clad In a garment each, very dirty and : about seven and nine. Einora's heart began to ache. “Say.” said the boy. “ain't you going to look what we have gave vou?” “I thought 1t wasn't polite to 100K before people.” answered Elnora. “Of course I will if you would like to have | me." i i i unkempt, a little boy and a girl of | Elnora opened the package. had been presented with a quarter of a stale loaf of baker's bread and a big piece of ancient bologna. “But don't you want this your selves?” she asked in surprise. “Gosh, no! I mean ist plain no,” | said the boy. “We always have it. | We got stacks this morning. Pa's | come out of it now. and he's so sorry | he got more "an ever we can eat. Have you had any before?” “No,” said Elnora, “I never did.” The boy's eyes brightened and the girl moved restlessly. “We thought maybe you hadn't,” sald the boy. “First you ever have, you like it real well. but when you, don't have anything else for a long; time, years an’ years. you git so tired.” He hitched at the string which held! his trousers and eyed Elnora specula- tively. “1 don't s’pose you'd trade what you got in that box for ist old bread and | bologna now, would you? Mebby, you'd like it! And I know, I ist know, what you got would taste like heaven to Jimmy and Belle. They never had nothing like that. Not even Belle, and she's most ten. No, sir-ee, they never tasted things like you got.” : Elnora knelt on the bridge, opened the box and divided her lunch into three equal parts, the smaller boy get- ting most of the milk. Then she told them it was school time and she must poy 1 “Why don't you put your bread and) bologna in the nice box?" asked the boy. “Of course.” said Elnora. “I didn't think.” When the box was arranged to the children’s satisfaction all of them ac- companied Elnora to the corner where she turned toward the high school. Elnora and Billy led the way, Jimmy and Belle followed. “Billy,” said Elnora, “I would like you much better if you were cleaner. Surely you have water. Can't you children get some soap and wash your- selves? Gentlemen are never dirty. You want to be a gentleman, don't you? “Is being clean all you have to do to be a gentleman?" “No,” said Elnora. “You must not say bad words and you must be kind and polite to your sister.” “Must Belle be kind and polite to me, else she ain't a lady?" | “Yes.” “Then Belle's no lady!" said Billy succinctly. Elnora could say nothing more just then, and she bade them goodby and started them home. | “The poor little souls!” she mused. “I think the Almighty put them in my way to show me real trouble, I won't be likely to spend much time pitying myself while I can see them.” [Continued on page 7. Col. 1.1 Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets are the medicine for delicate persons. Their ac- tion is as gentle as effectual. They break up constipation without breaking down the person using them. Try them. i i i § : ! : : g ood’s Sarsaparilla. ] Hi 5 fie 15k } ii tlh i ; Sivi6d LYON & COMPANY. Rheumatism IS A CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASE. It manifests itself in local aches and inflamed AMILY FAVORITE The Best Lamp Oil At Your Dealers, Popular Mechanics Magazine “WRITTEN SO YOU CAN UNDERSTAND IT” GREAT Continued of the World's Progress you begin at time, and Ey oe The “Shop Notes” o Hire (20 pages) gives Saay Wa to do how tg fake Amateur Mechanics (1) pages) tells how to ake Mission wireless outfi engines, magic, and hs Tous, $1.50 PER YEAR. SINGLE COPIES 16 CENTS Ask your newsdealer, or WRITE FOR FREE SAMPLE COPY TODAY 57.47-3t St. Mary's Beer. Christmas Suggestions. season. S909 FURS. Everything in Fur Sets for Ladies, Misses and Children, Also single Muffs, SILKS. If you are giving Silks, buy them here. All the newest shades in Charmeuse Crepe Meteors, Silk Crepe de Chines, Marquisettes, Bro- cades, Messalines, Habutal, Satins and Taffetas, NEEDLEWORK. This department is laden with excellent Christmas ideas, What nicer gift than a Hand embroidered Scarf or Centrepiece, Every- thing new and dainty in White, ecru and colors. Neckwear Suggustions which must appeal to all who wish to give a dainty gift. Collar and Cuff Sets in lace and embroid New ef- fects in Stocks, Jabots and Bows. These Bows are especially attract- ive for the price. Men’s Silk Knitted Neckwear in all the new styles and colorings. HOSIERY. Woman's Ingrain pure thread Silk Stockings, in medium and light weights, These Stockings are excellent values; soc. to $1.00, in black, white and tan, KNIT GOODS. The finest hand-knitted Wool Garments made, including Sweaters for Men, Women and Children. Baby Sacques, Aviation Caps, Gloves, Mittens and Toques. HANDKERCHIEFS. Ladies’ all linen, hand-embroidered Handkerchiefs, from 15¢. up. All Linen initial Handkerchiefs from roc. up. Children's Cotton Handkerchiefs from 15c. a dozen up, A handsome line of Bath Robe Blankets in exclusive pat- terns. Japanese Silks in all colors. A complete line of Crepes in plain colors and with side bands for Kimonas. U MBRELLAS . We have on display a fine line of new Umbrellas for Men, Women and Children, in silk and gloria. LEATHER GOODS. Hand Bags, Purses and Suit Cases, in all shapes, and at very low prices. “QOH VOY Special Reductions on all ‘La Vogue’ Coats and Suits. Christmas shoppers can make a dollar go farther here than else- where. Shop Early. Shop Here. Our stock was never so complete with Christmas Gifts as this nm: —_—I—— Lyon & Co. -.. Bellefonte ’ The sunshine of lager beer satisfaction radi- ates from every bottle of ELK COUNTY BREWING COMPANY'S EXPORT. glass is a sparkl- exquisite taste any brewer’s sibly create. Our ment is equipped latest mechani=- and sanitary de- the art of brew- cently installed a ment ranking Qur sanitary ilizing the bottles filled, and the of pasteurizing has been auto- guarantees the our product. We at the brewery tles, as exposure to light Every ing draught of and is as pure as skill can pos- entire establish- with the very cal inventions vices known to ing, having re- bottling equip- second to none. methods of ster- before they are scientific process the beer after it matically bottled lasting purity of bottle our beer in AMBRE bot- injures flavor. Elk County Brewing Company ST. MARYS, PENNSYLVANIA 5743-14 The Pennsylvania State College. The : Pennsylvania : State : College EDWIN ERLE SPARKS, Ph.D, L.L. D., PRESIDENT. Established and maintained he Joint on of the United States Government and the FIVE GREAT SCHOOLS—Agriculture, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Mining, and Natural Science, offering thirty-six courses of four years each—Also courses in Home Economics, Industrial Art and Physical Education—~TUITION FREE to both sexes; incidental charges mod- erate. First semester of February; Summer of each year. For catalogue, bulletins, 57-26 ns middle of ber; second semester the first for Teachers about the third Monday of June THE REGISTRAR, State College, Pennsylvania. announcements, etc., address CVV TY YY YY YY Yeager’'s Shoe Store Fitzezy The Ladies’ Shoe that Cures Corns Sold only at Yeager’s Shoe Store, Bush Arcade Building, BELLEFONTE, PA. Er
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