she was shaking. "There's
something--tell me!"

"They didn't take him," he said slowly, weighing each word and
looking down at her pityingly "They never will. He--had an accident. A
horse--fell with him--and--he was dead when they picked him up." It was
as merciful a version as he could make it, but the words choked him,
even then. "Girlie!" He went around and knelt, with his arms holding her
close.

After a long while he spoke again, smoothing her hair absently, and
never noticing that he had not taken off his gloves. His gray hat was
pushed aslant as his head rested against hers.

"Perhaps, girlie, it's for the best. We couldn't have saved him
from--the other; and that would have been worse, don't you think? We'll
forget all but the good in him"--he could not help thinking that there
would not be much to remember--"and I'll get a little home ready, and
come back and get you before snow flies--and--you'll be kind of happy,
won't you?

"Maybe you haven't heard--but Eagle Creek has made me foreman of his
outfit that's going to Canada. It's a good position. I can make you
comfortable, girlie--and happy. Anyway, I'll try, mighty hard. You'll be
ready for me when I come--won't you, girlie?"

Miss Conroy raised her face, all tear-stained, but, with the light of
happiness fighting the sorrow in her eyes, nodded just enough to make
the movement perceptible, and settled her head to a more comfortable
nestling-place on his shoulder.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Rowdy of the Cross L, by
B.M. Sinclair, AKA B.M. Bower

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