Penny of Top Hill Trail

bad," and in violation of orders, surreptitiously mounted a "real horse

to trifle longer with so small a foe, resumed his easy canter, though at a swifter pace than Francis was wont to ride. All might have ended well, had not Kurt in his home-made car suddenly sounded a blatant horn as he came around a cur

the frenzied horse. Then, with tiger swiftness, Kingdon's car, a motor of make, passed him, Gene at the wheel, Pen beside him. The si

g voice came lik

s! Burr-tight! We'll

f side of the road to prevent th

r, a thrill ran through Kurt as he saw Pen step out on the runn

d far out, snatched the boy from the horse and

come out all right, as one gazes at a thrilling scene in a motion picture. When he came alongside the car, Gene looked up wit

, but his voice was

I?" clamored Franc

he lad, but a certain sparkle in Pen's eyes

ned up

she was goin

fident reply. "I kn

n the white ribbon of road to the ranch, while Kurt'

," chuckled Gene. "Kurt ain't used to being seco

hour. He found Pen alone in the invitingly-furnished sitting room, the a

the charm a woman could bring to a room like this-a room full o

pposite her-too conte

ey all?" he a

wore off and was quite ready to go to bed early. Billy

riding with Gene this mo

age for some things she needed. She tho

r utter lack of surprise or resentme

," he said suddenly. "Wouldn

and interestedly watched him b

huge one for a background. When he had a f

hat you did this morn

s simply i

eadth thing to do

ter a moment's reflection. "It was

the fate that led

"I am glad I was able to do it-to repay you and Mrs

down in the f

rki

. Thinking of you-

d you hav

ould like some. I came through the kitchen on m

e sort of entertainm

didn't go," he

lely. "I will try to find you something to eat. Will you c

h the kitchen in

'kitchen yet!' But can

t. The larder's well larded, and I will set

im and poured the coffee. It seemed to him some way that it was the coziest meal he had eaten si

hem," she told him when they could

tic mood," he said, as

myself. I know why a cat purrs. Everything

ire," he entreated.

table on one of the window seats, pulling u

g profile, the straight little features, the parted lips, as she gaze

en

weet, alluring

he said

s-K

tle with his nature. His lips quivered and t

slid from the windo

ood night!" sh

r hand in his an

ght, Pen

stopped

a matter of fact way; "you are wis

barrassment, longing and regre

as she quickly sped from the

room she stood

ed and found wanting. You don't know what lo

forth a whistle, clear, keen, inspiring. Only one person in her world was so la

he looked out and saw Jo

o!" she ca

cap at arm's length with

rt of honey! What are

. "I'm so sorry, for I was going to say

t; but say, little Penny Ante, Kurt

w of the library window.

im, stepped nimbly over the railing of the little balcony, made a qui

een for sight of you. I met Gene in town this afternoon and he told m

ng. But-have yo

y car down in the road. I just thought I'd pas

wn to say some

ike to me, Miss Penny Ante,

no one can over

y where they talked long and earnestly. On the way back to the house, P

ulness in her tone, "you reall

defiantly, "if the one I

rt and looked

t learn to be patient

eaped to

. Do you know what Gene confided to me to-ni

hed mirt

uldn't let himself. He would hang on to his love like

is my

and see if he is still in the window. I don't intend to sh

. It's cook's affinity night,

re that you are in love-enough to marry a thief? You're

boy. I am tw

I can give you-your answer. Kurt goes to town early in the

nd back stairs she reac

ed herself luxuriously to rest. "It's a very small, very funny

stcott's, Jo was c

he isn't the slickest l

still lingered, his dream-like memories trying t