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Show I LEH1 Miss' 11 . . . Copyrlcnt ey Christine Whltlc 1 j CHAPTER II Nelson, Rained financially. Jam Boston merchant, breaks the news to Nance. Bis daojhter, bis household. BiBeteea, Is on the erge of her Introduction to society, ths dsts of her debut hSTlng- been set. A short time before, an elderly cousin of Nelson's, Columbine, had sufgeeted that Nance come to btr at Pins Ridge. Colo, as a Ths offer bad been paid regarded by ths family as a Joke. Now, meeting Jack's eager eyes as he perched on the foot of her antique the memory of that family dinner all rushed back. Regardless of the cold air and ft sleeveless pink crepe nighty. Nance sat up. startled, and stared at her brother in dismay. You you're "Why Jack Nelson! not implying that I ought to go way off to Colorado Just for a a paltry twenty-fiv- e dollars a month, are you?" "Ilpe down," warned Jack, "or like as not Motber'U come butting In, and I want to talk things over with you first. I can't sleep, Nance. I keep thinking about Dad. You know how he Is always seeing the bright side of everything; but he admitted tonight that he was down and out That means flat broke, doesn't it? And even If 1 got some sort of Job It probably wouldn't much more than pay my car fares and lunches for a year or two. And there's you simply a parlor ornament and " "Thanks." broke In his sister coldly, sliding down under the puff asnin. "You don't need to rub It In Just now, do you?" "I didn't intend to rub In anything; but there's no need of the truth, either. I suppose you could help Mother 'round the house some; hut with Aunt Judy gone, and Aunt Lou home only Sundays, there won't be an awful lot to do. And Tve a notion she'd rather keep busy anyway, so's not to think about things. I suppose she's Just about heartbroken over CHAPTER I Continued 2 For this meticulous teacher of Eng- lish to use an expression even remotely approaching slang, was an event In Itself. Her family smiled; and Nance retorted: "It's plain, Aunt Lou, that this Is an occasion when Webster. Unabridged is totally inadequate! Dad dear, how can this venerable lady be your first cousin? And did she acquire her outlandish name because columbines are the state flower of Colorador "IJetter look up your history, my dear," replied her father, "Cousin Columbine must be over seventy, and Colorado didn't become a state until 187& I'll admit that I probably remember the date because it's also the year that I was born," he added honestly. "But how," asked Jack, "did an uncle of yours land way off in the wild Dadr AVest, "You've heard the story less times, son." I "Nut for a long while, and pnve It any special thought number- never Seems tjueer for one lone member of a family to start off for the wilderness. How'd It happen?" James Nelson glanced at bis sister, and she said: "As I recall the Jethro tory, Father's Nelson, who was a good bit older than the others, possessed the wanderlust lie yearned to see something besides tils native New Hampshire, and. as his young wife was fired with the game ambition, they starttd west in a covered wagon, drawn by oxen, unless my memory's at fault." "Alone questloned,tne boy, leaning forward eagerly. "Oh, not There were three other wagons In the caravan, or whatever they called It Part of those pioneers turned back somewhere In Kansas, frightened, I believe, by the Immensity of the prairie. Others pushed on to California ; but it was rumors of irold in the Colorado mountains that lured Uncle Jed in that direction, and unlooked-fo- r circumstances which made Iilm stop where he did. Of course it wasn't Pine Ridge then just unsettled wilderness. But the Journey had proved too hard on his young wife, and instead of reaching some settlement, Denver or possibly Aurarla (which was flourishing because of the gold rush) for the event her baby was born in- a covered wagon at the spot which was later to be called Pine Hldge.": "And that bnby was Cousin Columbine?" asked Nancy. Iler aunt nodded, while Dad took up the narrative, "Ilere's where her name comes in, daughter. Early next morning Uncle Jed discovered Borne enormous blue and white columbines growing nearby and carried the whole clump in to the new mother. The story goes that she ottered an exclamation of rapture at their beauty, and cried out: 'Columbines I know now what we'll call our little daughter 1" "Do- - you suppose," asked Jack, "If he'd presented the lady with a cactus blossom she'd have named her baby Cactaceous?" "Goodness gracious, boy, have you no sentiment?" reproved Aunt Judy. "And the fact that you've been studying botany cries aloud. Cactaceous I never heard the word before." "Nor 1," admitted Mother. "But do you mean to say, Jim, that a man who possessed the wanderlust was content to stay right where Fate landed him for the rest of his natural life?" "Indeed no," spoke up Aunt Louise "and In my opinion Uncle Jed's pool wife had a lonely time of It He was forever leaving her to seek gold, silver, and adventure. That was, I Imagine, after other settlers Joined them. Years later he did strike sliver at Leadvllle; but his wife had died of hardship before that I believe she never saw the mansion' Cousin Columbine's so proud of. Uncle Jed was the big man of the town In Pine Ridge then, though the place can't be much more than a settlement now. Anyway, it Isn't on the rsap." "And siie expects us to send Nancy to a plactr like that?" gasped Mother. I didn't realize It was so Isolated." "But It's home to Cousin Columbine," observed Aunt Judy, "and per baps she's lonely." "I wonder if she'd be satisfied with sc?" suggested Jack. "I have a touch of this wanderlust myself." "You'd make ft swell dressmaker," Jeered bis sister; and then, being called to the telephone by one of the admirers of whom Cousin Columbine Would disapprove, promptly forgot the I half-brothe- r, - four-poste- r, slde-steppl- yon." Nancy said nothing for a moment; then : "Do you think it will add to her happiness if I'm two thousand miles away, all alone, living with a queer old woman we've never seen, and dying of homesickness?" "No," said Jack, "I think she'd worry herself sick. But If you weren't alone, Nance If if I went too " "You !" Interrupted the girl, amazed. "Why, how do you know that Cousin Columbine would take you In?" Jack hitched an Inch or two nearer, his eyes bright with Interest "I don't expect her to ; but she might get me a Job on some ranch. Sis. I've always been crazy to see the West; and with us both away earning our own living, things would be easier for Dad and Mother." "But you said yourself. Jack, that what Cousin Columbine wanted was a slave!" "Oh, forget It. I was Just talking. If she has a woman come In every day the work can't kill you ; and If I were near enough so we'd get together every little while, It wouldn't be so bad. And we'd be helping Dad, Nance. He wouldn't even Honestly helping. have to feed us!" , The girl gave way to a reluctant smile. "Is my appetite as fearful a thing as that? Why you talk as If we'd have to apply to the Salvation army for 1 4 1 matter. aladwnT "Do do you think we must Jack? I'll admit that the idea terrifies me." We're "Oh. be your age, Nance! not going into darkest Africa." "I know; but It's so awfully far away. Suppose we got sick had appendicitis or something." Jack laughed softly. "The only way youll get appendiWe never have citis Is by been sick either of us so why worry? I don't say it'll be all fun by any means; but we will be learning something about the country, as the old lady said; and It's not a life sentence. We'll come home soon as Dad gets bis business straightened out. Be a sport. Sis, and let me write the letter." "Without asking Dad or Mother?" He nodded. There'll be time enough to talk It over when we hear from 'ousin Columbine. Like as not she'll veto the whole scheme; but even if they won't consent after we've made our plans. Nance, no harm will be done." "Well," agreed Nancy with sudden resolution, "go on and write." "That's the stuff!" Jack slid his long legs off the bed and proceeded, as noiselessly as possible to open the windows again. "'Night Sis. 1 knew you'd see sense after I showed It to you. And don't you dare let on we're up to any thing. Just keep mum." It was not so hard to "keep mum" as Nancy expected. The next few days were strenuous ones for the older members of the family, and the amusing letter from Colorado was completely forgotten. Jack, who did not return to Exeter on Monday, spent two of those days driving his mother and Aunt Judy to Edgemere In his beloved "Mary Ann," so they could look Into conditions at the old home and decide what furniture must be sent out from over-eatin- the city. There were also plans to make for Aunt Judy, who was to sail In a fortnight The air was filled with a subtle confusion and unrest. And then one late afternoon, returning from a tea to which bor mother had urged the girl to go. Nancy spied a telegram on the hall table. It was addressed to Jack, but she grasped the envelope eagerly, her heart pounding as she tore it open. A dim hope that Cousin the Columbine would whole Idea, swept through her, hut the message, eccentric and to the point, read briefly: "Your letter shows you to be a true Nelson Stop Can get Job on ranch three miles from here Stop Sorry to hear of your father's reverses Stop If notified will send check to cover expense of trip for both of you Stop Advise come as soon as possible-Colum- bine wet-blank- Nelson." Nance read this twice, her hands gripping the paper tensely. She was still staring at what seemed an irre vocable sentence at hard labor, when her fnther entered the room so quietly that she had no chance to conceal the tell-talyellow message. He asked, a touch of alarm In his voice: "What's happened?" She glanced up, forcing a smile of reassurance. ."Nothing to worry about. It's a a telegram for Jack. No bad news, Daddy." ."Let's see, daughter." He stretched out a hand, but Nancy thrust the paper into her coat pocket. "No," she said, "you'll have to wait til) Jack comes home and tells you. He took Aunt Judy over to the Spears' on some Inst errand." She moved away, his eyes following her, puzzled. "But who's It from, Nancy?" The girl laughed. "You're Just as curious as an old woman, Dad; but I promised not to tell, and I'm not going to. You won't have long to wait It's almost dinner time. Here's Aunt Louise." She darted off before he could question any further; but as she reached her room a voice recalled her, and Jack, who had come in close on his aunt's heels, was up the stairs. "Ill there!. Dad says I've got a telegram. What luck?" Nance held It out, watching him rend it The boy drew a deep breath of relief. ' "Good ! That's settled then." "It's not If Dad objects, or or Mother." She couldn't keep the shamed hope out of her voice, and catching Its meaning Jack said scornfully: "Don't be a slacker. Sis. Come down and see how they all react Every one's there, even the kiddle. We'll take a vote. Buck up. Nance. It's a pity If you can't help out when all the rest of us are trying to." That hurt Nance turned away to hide the tears which sprang Into her eyes. A slacker! Well, she'd show him! If only she wasn't so beastly scared at the Idea. . . . In a second," she said as "Be do-her brother made an Impatient gesture; and then added angrily: "And don't you call me any names before the others 1" "Oh, see hers!" He followed her Into the room, closing the door. "I didn't mean anything, Sis, honest I was only afraid they'd see how much you hate to go, and put their feet e "Pipe Down," Warned Jack. Christmas dinner! Dad can't be so hard up that we'll have to worry about food. ( j m . . . Parmenter Christine Whiting By SYNOPSIS - ij FREE PRESSLE Parmesur Jack." "But It costs less to support three than five, my dear. You can't get away from that If you say the word I'll send an air mall letter to Cousin Columbine tomorrow. I'll explain what's happened, and ask if I can get a Job out there. We needn't say a word to Mother nntll we hear from her. I'll ask her to telegraph." Nancy looked at the boy curiously, as If she were observing a stranger. Jack was only seventeen and his sister had always regarded him with the tolerance nineteen bestows upon a younger brother. Now, suddenly, he seemed older than herself, for at tlio first hint of trouble he had put his shoulder to the wheel It made Nancy feel a bit ashamed of herself; for she knew that It was not Jack's boyish curiosity to see the West which caused lilra to make this plan, but a genuine desire to help his father. "Welir he questioned with Impatience. The girl drew In quivering breath. n It down. Come on now. Let's get over before dinner." was verj The family's rebellion nearly unanimous. Said Dad: "If you must have Jobs, someboth of you, surely we can find home." nearer thing too Said Aunt Louise: "You're to Jack, and impressionable. young surin rough or to months six spend die of roundings; and Nancy would boredom if of mulling worse. What Into your head?" put such a wild Idea "lie was only trying to help." defended Aunt Judy with her unswervIs terribly ing lojaity, "but Colorado my head I'd worry Jack. far away. exoff"; while Phil, the claimed excitedly: "fiee! folks. I'd like to be a cowschool and boy ! Just think of quitting staying outdoors all day!" And strangely, this innocent remark of her younger son was what stopped the protest on Margaret's lips. In a flush she remembered that not many months ago the family doctor had said of Jack: "If that boy were mine I'd let him forget school for a year or A Job on a two and live outdoors. farm would be worth considerably more to him than a diploma." Yet because Jack seemed reasonably well this good advice had not been tnken very seriously. But now, inches looking up at the of boyhood, those warning words came back, and to the complete surprise of everybody. Mother said: "It would be a splendid thing for Jack an outdoor winter In a milder climate; but " "You're not Implying." broke In her husband, "that you'd let those children go off there all by themselves?" torse. of being homesick If I had a n a wear Will you Daddy. hat Jack? And leatner cuae n down vour less like they do frin Gee! I wish I was In the movies? too!" going, "We don't know yet whether any-hBYiin-sonny." returned his fa ther. "Where's Cousin Columbine's sure letter, Margaret? Let's make Nance." our of Is what expected There endued a fruitless search for the long epistle; but Mother said: "I remember those duties pretty well, Jim Vance was to dust the 'mansion' every morning, get sup;er Thursdays. sew. read the paper aloud, get to ueu four-gallo- v' r by r. Life isn t jnit s rame ef We often knew tnincs la aavaata. We knew it arighteni may "wou- When felka start suinr Ur,i V " uine-thirt- y "And abstain from the boy friend." chuckled Jack. "I admit that last is a big order for Nance.' "A lot vou know if rou think I a run around with those country bumpkins," I ill "Children!" This exasperated exclamation came from Jack. "I'll say If Nance Is old enough to be launched In society with a big splurge, she's old enough to be away from home for a few months with a relative, too. As for me. Dad, you bet I'll have to do a man's work or lose the Job. Why. I'll be eighteen In well, on my next birthday." Since his previous birthday was only six weeks back, this brought a laugh. Then Aunt Judy said: "And what does Nancy think of all these plans?" The girl hesitated. ' All eyes had turned upon her; but glancing up she saw her brother's, and responded gamely: "It would be something new, wouldn't it? And it couldn't be very much duller than Edgemere." "But Nancy!" protested her father in distress, "you'd be living with an old lady, one you've never seen and who we've reason to believe eccentric. And if she paid your fare you'd be. In duty bound to stick It out a while, no matter what you found." "But I'd be earning my living." she retorted, wondering why she was ar guing on the wrong side, and what had got into her. Why, in fact, didn't she tell them the whole truth that she was frightened stiff at the prospec- twould almost rather die than spend a winter with Cousin Columbine, but was ashamed to admit it before Jack? "Well," declared Aunt Louise, "it's the most extraordinary plan I ever heard of. And from Nancy! As I said before, what put such an Idea Into your heads?" "Circumstances, of course," spoke up Aunt Judy. "They want to help tnrougn the hard sledding: and I think they're splendid. Hut how could we let you go so far from home, dears? You might be sick." There followed a silence before Mother said : "I'm not in favor of this move yet; but I'll have to admit that according to Doctor Strong Jack's more likely to be sick if he stays In school." She went on to tell them of the doctor's chance remark, and add ed: "I thought at the time that he was overcautious. Jack seemed so well; but that boy has grown ap pallingly, and 1 dare say life in the open air would build him up If he man t have to work too hard." Aunt Judith sank back and stared at her sister. "I'd never have expected that from you, Margaret. But If von nsb mQ Nancy will expire of loneliness In about one month. What will she do with no young friends to run ifroun(j with, and Jack three miles off on a ranenr The boy laughed. "You talk as If the population of Pine Ridge was made up of Inhabitants over seventy. Aunt Judy! Didn't t ousin columbine mention a postman ter's daughter? And of course there are others. AVho knows but Nance win nna her her affinity or whnteve they call it out in the big wild West ' "Affinity!" sniffed Aunt Louise. where did you pick up that non sense? Ana its far more nrohni.i that what she ll find Is a devastating amies or nomesicKness, young man' "Well," Jack retorted, "that's noth latau' "It might as well be" observed hi father. "I remember spending .,m mer at my grandmother's farm when I was twelve. I expected a real lark out noniesicn i well, I warn you kid that homesickness Is no llcht mnar "l s'pose you'll be ridlna hora-hn- A ail, day long." spoke up the little urouier envnusiy. "i wouldn't think HOME INDl'8TY LErajPATBOMZE THIS WEEK'S PRIZE STORY life 1 The wealth and indattrin at tkW mountain region are largely eantralitdlata, Is the buyer. If he could tnly rteliie he helps when he bnyi thii rrsiea 't tie, modi tire there would be a greater ation between the buyer and producer,tenth tt this slogan alwayi first, 'lnterraeaauh Made Goods are always beet". "P w Pl LYNN ARGVLE. Spanish Fork. H At 400 Utah Oil Refining too-thi- n ing i Service Stations in Utah and Idaho SPECIAL For The Month 01 JITNI $75 fori Conpltti Six Moitks Beauty Citta Yen can new learn a profeisioa last will make yon independent for the net of your days, f IS per month only in the complete course of six monthj. Phone or write for our catalogue, USD SCHOOL CF BEAUTY CULTOKE 121 So. Main SU 8a It Lake City OTAH ASK YOUR DRUGGIST FOR APEX AN INTERMOUNTA1N PRODUCT . HADE OF THE FINEST INGREDIENTS AND LEAVES NO RESIDUE. "You're Just as Curious as an Old Woman, Dad." replied his sister. "Would any fellows who could help themselves stay In a s place like that? And I've no Interest in the other sort, so Cousin Columbine needn't worry about those young men callers she mentioned. And you needn't either," Nance told her mother with a smile. "I s'pose you'll see Pike's Peak." ob served the small boy thoughtfully. "It rises fourteen thousand feet above the plains, and was sighted by Zebulon Pike in November, 1S0G, when with fifteen- soldiers he climbed to the summit of Cheyenne mountain and " "You see," broke in Jack, grinnlns. "that's the boy who ought to go to Harvard! Imagine me reciting whole pages out of history. Dad ! Why In " He stopped abruptly because the curtains at the door had parted and a maid announced : "Dinner is served. Mrs. Nelson. And," (she came forward, extending a silver tray on which was lying a yellow envelope),, "here Is another telegram, for Mr. Jack." Jack took the telegram, staring at it for a surprised moment Then Phil cried out impatiently: "Why don't you read it? I bet you anything that Cousin Woodbine has changed her ASK FOR BEET SUGAR back-wood- THE ONLY HOME New Beautiful shouted, Modern on ths Arizons Strip, Half Way to Los Angeles Highway No. 91 38 Miles Beyond St. Gcorro HOTEL. CABINS AND CAFE Reasonable Rates Prohibition Repealed in Ariions Pennies Indian head pennies were first coined in the year 1858. The design was changed a little in I860, First Indian Head and a slightly thinner coin wai made in 1864. The Indian head 1859 to piece was made from inclusive. 1909, EL3 while even Dad forgot his worries in amusement at the little' "The lady's name is Columbine,1 you crazy kid, and," (tearing open the envelope), "she says: 'Advise bringing plenty of heavy underwear and flannel nightgowns for Nancy Stop Nights and early mornings apt to be cold. Columbine Nelson.' " "I'd give a lot to see Nancy in a flannel nightgown," observed Phil dryly. "Mrs Grant had one on the night I slept over at Tim's house, and she came in to give him some medicine. It made her look like an old lady. I bet Nance wouldn't be found dead in one, or Mother either. Come on. Let's eat." Dad was still smiling as they moved toward the dining room; but once seated, he looked across at Mother and his eyes clouded. Both were thinking that this would be the last dinner in the old home. Two maids were leaving next day; and only the cook was to remain untii the city house was closed. boy's-mistake- SUGAR BEAVER DAM HOTEL mind." "Woodbine !" Jack WSAE? R0UNDTR1P TO . LOS ANGELES VIA SAN FRANCISCO From Salt Lake City and Ogdrt, travel to Los Angeles via Sot Francisco for exactly the sani aisea lwunduip fare as via routes. This low fare is goodm standard Pullmans (plus bertn charge). TO SAN FRANCISCO $12 ANGELES $19.87 TO LOS From Salt Lake City and in Ogdea, fast train roomy coaches on well-serve- d Remembering this fact, Aunt had stopped at a florist's An hai Judy watt home, and a dozen Jonquils nodded gaily from the center of the table-AunLouise, eyeing them with disapproval, started to say something about foolish extravagance," and t then held her tongue. After all. she with extraordinary tact, If thought Judith wanted to spend money for something In these hard times, It was perishable her own business. TO BB CONTINUED. Peat Mots Peat moss Is any moss from which Peat Is formed, especially sphagnum a moss, type of moss which grows only In swamps or in water, annual decay, they build where, by up layers of Peat ivm ,nos9 ltspf ,9 by florists In parking for other horticultural potted plants and purpose. Southern Pscift For details, see your local raUrojdig or write D. R. OWEN, 41 South Main Street, Salt Gtfe utoO" 0. WekNoxJMZS ... ... i,eaLil h A man dat tries w finos Eben, Uncle said time," self terrible out o' patiencj , he gits soon or later w where everybody is obligea honest" 3&2 $3.00 lntermountain made tood, , Send your to shore. erss to lntermountain i" amn, P.O. uoi your story sppesre this column yon win eeiiro chech for rr ,re u . |