OF THE 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
GLEAMS of SCARLET 
 
 A TALE OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES 
 
 BY 
 GERTRUDE AMELIA PROCTOR 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 SHERMAN, FRENCH & COMPANY 
 1915 
 
COPYRIGHT, 1915 
 
 SHERMAN, FRENCH & COMPANY 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 

 CHAPTER I 
 
 Night was fast approaching, the twilight, with 
 its opal tints, giving place to a begemmed heaven. 
 The wheat fields gleamed under the young harvest 
 moon, while here and there bright fires illumined 
 the scene, being a sort of aftermath of the stubble. 
 
 For miles and miles the eyes of the traveler had 
 viewed this expanse, treeless, flowerless, except for 
 an occasional oasis of green where homes were 
 located. The past two days had been a sort of 
 wonderment to many, flying past those western 
 homes. Now and then a little hand had waved 
 them an informal welcome as the iron monster 
 with its burden tore by before their always admir- 
 ing eyes. 
 
 Suddenly the train began to slacken its speed, 
 and soon the conductor informed his " people," as 
 he good-naturedly called the Pullman guests, that 
 they would have ten minutes to view the landscape 
 o'er. 
 
 " Come, my little lady," exclaimed a well-modu- 
 lated voice, as a brown clad figure stood at one of 
 the Pullman drawing-room doors, " just time for 
 a little ozone and a look at another huge bonfire 
 before turning in." 
 
 " Oh, very well ; but where is " 
 1 
 
2 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 " He's here; just coming to see if you cared to 
 step out, for the air is very fine," returned a mas- 
 culine voice. 
 
 Hastily donning wraps, the three tourists 
 alighted, walking rapidly up and down the plat- 
 form, watching the tongues leap from the stubble 
 fire as it silhouetted against the sky. As the 
 figures passed and repassed, the shorter of the 
 three drew an arm through each of her com- 
 panions', saying, 
 
 " Now I have two very good protectors my 
 staunch one for life, and my newly found acquaint- 
 ance, a lady M.D."; for which the speaker re- 
 ceived two simultaneous little squeezes. 
 
 " Pleasing little lady. But how about that son 
 way back in Massachusetts ; would you not rather 
 he stood in my place? What say you, Mr. Ray- 
 nor? Do you think your wife would exchange? " 
 
 " Well, Dr. Moulton, that is putting the ques- 
 tion a little strong. Eh! Amelia? " 
 
 Just then a warning from the brakeman put a 
 stop to any more banter, and they all hastened to 
 reenter the Pullman. After a brief visit together, 
 meanwhile watching the fires appear, then disap- 
 pear, as they sped on into the night, the little party 
 separated, the doctor reminding her new acquaint- 
 ances to keep one eye open as they would pass a 
 very gayly illumined western city toward morning, 
 and the sweep of prairie land would be broken by 
 the beginning of a chain of mountains which would 
 indeed be wonderful to view by the morrow. 
 
CHAPTER II 
 
 Old Sol had one ardent admirer at least when it 
 rose in its full splendor upon the following day, 
 for Amelia Raynor had watched for it even before 
 she had seen the faint flush heralding its birth. 
 She had been awakened by some commotion, and 
 lifting her curtain, had peered out upon a scene of 
 western activity gay lights, and the bustle which 
 attends the arrival of human freight. 
 
 From then on, sleep had refused to be wooed, 
 and finding that it was really approaching morn- 
 ing, she determined to witness a sunrise above the 
 mountains which were beginning to look very grim 
 and stern as they were silhouetted against the 
 early morning sky. 
 
 As a little time passed, the vapor appeared now 
 and then between the ravines of the mountains, as 
 if a veil were being lifted so that the soft shades of 
 morning could scintillate through; until finally, as 
 she again looked, she saw the deeper tints. Then, 
 as the desert traveler watches until he sees his 
 longed-for oasis, so Amelia Raynor gazed until 
 little by little the full-orbed, light-giving wonder 
 appeared over the rugged mountain range. Al- 
 most unconsciously she exclaimed, 
 
 " Horton Horton ! Wake up and see this 
 glorious sight." 
 
4 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 " What is it ? " came a deep voice from the rest- 
 ing place overhead, and soon another was looking 
 upon the sight that had brought not only the 
 ejaculation, but tears of gratitude to the eyes of 
 the traveler that God had created such marvels as 
 she had been permitted to look upon. 
 
 " Ah, Horton, God is indeed a God of love. 
 And His name shall be called wonderful." 
 
 A little later the voice of the porter was heard, 
 stating that their stopping place was just an hour 
 away. 
 
 " Well, folks, hope you rested well," cheerily ex- 
 claimed Dr. Mounton as they met after hurried 
 toilets. " I myself slept like a beaver, and, if you 
 will believe me, I never even awakened until the 
 porter bellowed out, causing me to jump nearly 
 out of my berth. But, thank fortune, I collected 
 my senses in time, making my exit in a respectable 
 manner." 
 
 " Well, Dr. Moulton, I am the victor, then, for 
 I not only saw your illumined western city, but a 
 glorious sunrise," returned Mrs. Raynor. 
 
 Thus chatting, the trio reached the station. 
 Alighting, they found a four-horse coach awaiting 
 them. This was not all, for in majestic sublimity 
 rose the snow-capped peaks, standing like honored 
 sentinels, guarding the little hamlet which nestled 
 at their base. 
 
 " This is indeed grand. What a wonderful 
 world we live in! Dr. Moulton, how little one 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 5 
 
 knows of it until one leaves the home fire and be- 
 comes for a time a rolling-stone." 
 
 " You are right, Mr. Raynor. And that is why 
 you see before y~u a lone female, for I will see 
 something of my world. And as I have not been 
 fortunate enough to find a companion, not even 
 for a trip, you see I am doubly grateful to tag 
 along with kind Mrs. and Mr. Raynor." 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
 How delightful the frosty mountain air felt to 
 the travelers, who had breathed so little ozone the 
 past few days. As the horses swung into a fast 
 pace for a few rods the breath was like new wine, 
 bringing the color to the face and a sparkle to the 
 eye. The streams were singing loudly their morn- 
 ing anthem, while the whole scene was one of ap- 
 palling grandeur. 
 
 It soon proved to be a steady ascent, but the 
 horses were faithful to their task, with the excep- 
 tion of the first nigh one, who had to be reminded 
 by a touch from the long whip that he could not 
 shirk. They had a very trusty friend, who shortly 
 after the ride began insisted upon jumping from 
 off his seat beside the driver, running and frisking 
 thereafter the whole of the way first on one side 
 of his friends, then on the other. He was a fine, 
 intelligent shepherd collie, so clean as to cause 
 wonderment until the driver informed his passen- 
 gers that his brother would be awaiting them at the 
 door of the chalet. Surely enough, as they rose 
 steadily to the height of five thousand feet, fifteen 
 hundred being covered from the station, the first 
 life to meet them was a facsimile of their guardian 
 of the drive. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 7 
 
 In another instant the driver, with a flourish of 
 his long whip and a blast from the bugle, drove 
 under the porte-cochere, face to face with a scene 
 long to be remembered by all upon that mountain 
 coach. Many exclamations of wonderment were 
 made, some remaining silent, their eyes riveted to 
 the sight, their lips refusing to utter what their 
 hearts felt. 
 
 Three young Japanese porters who hastened 
 forth to assist with the luggage, and the barking 
 of the collies soon drew the guests' attention from 
 the sublime to the practical, for a time at least. 
 
 As they were ushered into the large, hospitable 
 room, Dr. Moulton noticed tears upon the lashes 
 of Mrs. Raynor, and as they drew near to the 
 blazing fire which snapped and leaped in unstinted 
 cheer, Mrs. Raynor exclaimed as she sank into a 
 seat, 
 
 " Horton, my husband, I expected to find a won- 
 derful tinted lake and a stately glacier, but I have 
 beheld a shrine." 
 
CHAPTER IV 
 
 A delightful sense of satisfaction and comfort 
 soon filled the tourists, as having entered the small, 
 cosy anteroom, leading from the large dining-hall, 
 they were greeted by the aroma from the gener- 
 ously filled coffee urn, which the young Jap, garbed 
 in his spotless costume of white linen, had placed 
 before them. 
 
 His face was very bright and cheery and his 
 smile won hearts at once. Very deftly and quietly 
 he arranged the accessories, making every move- 
 ment count, until he seemed like a statue set to 
 motion, so softly he moved about in his sandaled 
 feet; while the golden beverage, together with the 
 viands the lad served them, proved very palatable 
 indeed. 
 
 After a little, Dr. Moulton turned to the lad, 
 remarking, " These poppies are very lovely they 
 grow here I expect." 
 
 " Ah, yes we pick them every morning," he 
 returned, showing his white teeth in approved 
 fashion. 
 
 " They are in such beautiful shades too," ex- 
 claimed Mrs. Raynor. " I noticed in the lounging- 
 room they had large jardinieres filled with them, 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 9 
 
 the same as here. Come, we must hasten out and 
 view them." 
 
 Soon they were again out in the clear, life-giving 
 morning air, standing at the very brink of the lake, 
 which glowed like a huge opal as the sun's rays 
 rested here and softened there its clear surface. 
 
 The beautiful glacier, which rose so majestically 
 at the extreme back of the lake to the height of 
 fourteen thousand feet and more, did indeed give 
 the most sublime finish to the enchanting beauty of 
 the scene. 
 
 It was no wonder Amelia Raynor had called it a 
 shrine, for many mortals, whose busy, careless lives 
 had in a measure drawn their thoughts from daily 
 communion with their Creator, had paused, as if 
 recalled to their duty, as their eyes had been lifted 
 in silent adoration of their Father's potency. Not 
 part of the year, but for all time, the peaks re- 
 mained like pillars of purity, clothed in their spot- 
 less white, outlined at times regally in pure gold, 
 as the sun's rays lingered lovingly there. 
 
 Having gazed in raptures until she could almost 
 carry away the glorious picture so stamped was 
 it upon her mind's gallery, of none more beautiful 
 Mrs. Raynor was gently roused from her silent 
 adoration by a glowing bit of color being held 
 close to her face, and the voice of Dr. Moulton, an- 
 nouncing that she had not only found the poppy 
 bed, but that she had been bidden to help herself. 
 
 " Come and see what a stunning border they 
 make." 
 
10 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 " I say, ladies, will you join me for a ride upon 
 this rainbow lake," called Mr. Raynor, as he stood 
 speaking with the boatman a young Jap who 
 was hustling about getting out the oars and 
 cushions, jabbering at the same time: "Very 
 nice very nice." 
 
 " Oh, yes, indeed, in just a few moments; we are 
 upon an exploring expedition for a little time," 
 laughingly called back Mrs. Raynor, as the doctor 
 and she turned to visit the borderland of shaded, 
 yellow poppies. 
 
 " Now this is fine. I would like to row myself, 
 if there was a boat ready. I have not had an oar 
 in my hands for a long time, hardly since my col- 
 lege days," remarked Dr. Moulton. 
 
 "Well, why not, Doctor? There is a mighty 
 interesting chap just come into the boat house; a 
 regular Westerner, a native of the place, I take it; 
 as I have been speaking with him a bit. Let me 
 see if he will not help out." 
 
 Instantly and before Elanore Moulton had time 
 to say more, a young fellow of about twenty stood 
 beside her. Touching his sombrero, he began at 
 once fitting out the second dory, when all was ready 
 and the first boat had pushed off with the Jap at 
 the oar-locks. 
 
 Dr. Moulton, always ready to chat and glean 
 any information, exclaimed, "Would you mind 
 putting in another pair of oars and coming too? 
 I have not rowed for a long time and may be very 
 glad for a helper sooner or later." 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 11 
 
 " This is not my job, but I will give you a lift 
 if you like," came the answer from the boyish voice 
 as he deftly complied, and with a swift push they 
 soon glided out upon the beautiful lake. 
 
 The doctor rowed well, each stroke sending the 
 little craft well forward until they reached the 
 side of the one rowed by the Jap, who was still 
 glibbering in the most approved fashion. Soon 
 both boats came to a narrow part of the lake, seem- 
 ingly directly under the glacier. 
 
 " Oh, how beautiful it is," exclaimed Mrs. Ray- 
 nor ; " that little cove looks very tempting, I am 
 sure. I would like to go a little farther, but, do 
 you know, I feel a bit cool and perhaps I had best 
 go back." 
 
 " Oh, I am sorry, but I would like to row a while 
 longer it seems like old times. Will see you at 
 luncheon and tell you of all the wonders and beau- 
 ties of my prolonged stay," returned Elanore 
 Moulton. 
 
 " Oh, remain by all means, Doctor. I see you 
 are enjoying it and the picture you make is a very 
 pleasing one. Horton, have the boatman put me 
 ashore, and I will take the path which looked so 
 pretty back to the chalet." 
 
 " That is not a bad idea," returned Mr. Raynor. 
 " I think a bit of a tramp would do us both good." 
 Then, explaining to the young Jap that his wife 
 felt cold, they made their landing the young 
 boatman being very happy at the liberal remunera- 
 tion he had received ; still " very sorry he could not 
 row the Misses back," he kept repeating. 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
 Dr. Moulton and her young guide were soon 
 hidden from view by the little cove from the eyes of 
 the two on shore. As the little boat turned into 
 the narrow opening such a picture of repose and 
 beauty met the glance of the lady at the oars, that 
 she well nigh dropped them, her ecstasy being so 
 great. 
 
 " Ah, my young friend, whoever you may be, I 
 wonder, do you appreciate these nature scenes? 
 Suppose you take a hand at the oars for a little 
 and I will occupy the observation seat." 
 
 For a few moments there was silence between 
 them, Elanore Moulton wishing the Raynors could 
 see the glorious picture. Suddenly she was roused 
 by the boyish voice saying, " I suppose we fellows 
 about here do not care much about nature pic- 
 tures, as you put it, but I have a sister who talks 
 just as you do. I guess it is like women folks." 
 
 " Ah ! indeed, and has she seen this beautiful 
 cove? " asked his companion. 
 
 " Oh, yes, Sis goes everywhere she is quite an 
 explorer. I get worried over her sometimes, but 
 she only laughs and tells me she can look after 
 
 herself and me too." 
 
 12 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 13 
 
 " Good. And how aged is this sis of yours, may 
 I ask?" 
 
 " Just turned eighteen, and as good a chum as 
 ever lived. But A say, Doc," continued the boat- 
 man, " I like you. I liked you as soon as you took 
 the oars into your hands. I saw you knew what 
 you were about." 
 
 A smile had crept into the eyes of his companion 
 at his brief manner of addressing her, and now at 
 the conclusion of his remarks she laughed good 
 humoredly. " Well, that is pleasant news. My 
 name is Moulton and I am from Pennsylvania. 
 Kindly tell me yours." 
 
 " Very good, Doc. I have a handle to my name 
 also; not quite so fine as yours, but it is good 
 enough for me. It is Windy Anderson, though my 
 real name is Alfred." 
 
 A peal of laughter rang forth from Dr. Moul- 
 ton's lips at this information. 
 
 " Well, by which name do you prefer to be 
 called?" 
 
 " Well, I think Windy sounds more sociable- 
 like." At which they both laughed. 
 
 " Very good and now, Windy, my new friend, 
 tell me something of your life here, for I take it 
 from what you have said that you are quite familiar 
 with this part of the globe. Where do you live? " 
 
 " Oh, about eight miles back off the main trail 
 lived there about six years. You see, Sis and me 
 are all there is left gets pretty lonesome for Sis 
 sometimes I know but she keeps busy. So 
 
14 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 do I, for that matter. I can't begin to tell you 
 how many times I've climbed the trail up yonder 
 this summer." 
 
 " Trail what trail ? " asked his companion, 
 gazing into the boyish face, whose expression of 
 sudden sorrow, as he spoke of his sis, had given 
 place to one of lively interest as he spoke of the 
 trail. 
 
 " Well, you see, Doc, that is partly where my 
 income hails from. I am a guide I show the 
 guests at the chalet where the chain of lakes lies 
 for there are more than this one. We all ride the 
 ponies up the mountain. Say, Doc, I wish you 
 would go." 
 
 " Well, well, Windy, you are quite a lad to be 
 sure perhaps I will who knows. How far is 
 it?" 
 
 This time it was Windy's laugh that echoed 
 forth from the lovely chasm, through which the 
 boat was slowly gliding. 
 
 " Oh, not so very far," he returned, as soon as 
 his gayety had subsided. " But straight, straight 
 as a die. Have you ever ridden horseback? " he 
 continued. 
 
 " No that is one of the sports I never tried 
 but I have always wanted to. Mrs. Raynor, the 
 lady who was in the other boat, has been wishing 
 she might, and has been speaking about it for the 
 last few days. She has ridden quite a bit in days 
 gone by, and if she hears of the trail she will surely 
 want to make the ascent." 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 15 
 
 " Then you will too, won't you, Doc ? And I 
 will get you a dandy pony; his name is Spotty. 
 He is as careful as an old maid. Oh ! I mean 
 old lady," while the color mounted to his brow as he 
 hastened to change his expression of speech. 
 
 Elanore Moulton at a glance took in his di- 
 lemma, but her sense of fun got the better of her, 
 as she repeated, " Old maid or old lady which 
 do you think would really be the safer, Windy? " 
 
 " Oh, I know you could have been married a heap 
 of times, if you'd wanted to so the old maid did 
 not mean you, Doctor Moulton," Windy hastened 
 to explain, although his color was still far deeper 
 than was its usual tint. 
 
 How his companion did laugh she laughed 
 until the tears came into her eyes. Then she ex- 
 claimed, " Well, how do you know but I am mar- 
 ried? " 
 
 "I I did not see any ring but that funny 
 green stoned one upon your little finger, so " 
 
 " Oh, Windy, you are incorrigible but never 
 mind, you guessed right; and now, what's more, I 
 will go up the trail with you. You see I can, as I 
 have no other half to consult." 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 
 " And so your titled young guide has promised 
 to bring all the necessary accessories for the climb 
 up the trail, providing you can persuade us to 
 make the ascent. Well, what do you say, Amelia? 
 Shall we accept and allow Dr. Moulton to have her 
 protege here in the early morning ? " 
 
 " Oh, yes, Horton, that would please me more 
 than anything I could conceive of," returned Mrs. 
 Raynor. " But oh, my dears," and here she 
 flashed a bright smile from Dr. Moulton to her 
 husband " I am sure I shall have to be strapped 
 upon my pony, for as neither of you have ever sat 
 a horse before, and you, Doctor, have to ride 
 astride, as the young guide has advised, I shall be 
 chief witness to the blanched cheeks and dilated 
 eyes of you both, and shall be so convulsed with 
 laughter that I shall need to be well mounted." 
 
 " Well I like that what say you, Mr. Ray- 
 nor? " exclaimed Dr. Moulton, as she helped her- 
 self to another after-dinner mint. " If the morn- 
 ing's venture is half as nice as this table d'hote 
 dinner has been, it will be worth the attempt. Do 
 you not say so ? " 
 
 " I certainly do, and did you ever see a more 
 
 artistic setting to a dining-room ? while these 
 16 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 17 
 
 Jap waiters are certainly ideal. I would like to 
 have one to take East with me. As to Mrs. Ray- 
 nor's laughing her sides sore, we may have a chance 
 to retaliate when we see her in one of Windy's 
 don't-fits, instead of outfits," returned Mr. Ray- 
 nor, sending a glance of admiration to the charm- 
 ingly gowned figure of his wife. " Now, suppose 
 we adjourn to the office and see if we have any mail 
 it seems as if we are quite a step from our son 
 and friends in Massachusetts." 
 
 " Don't say son, Mr. Raynor, until after our 
 lark to-morrow, as I am afraid your dear little wife 
 will not carry out her comedy act with much zest 
 if you bring up too forcibly that lad of hers back 
 in the States eh, dearie ? " said Elanore Moul- 
 ton, linking her arm within that of her lady com- 
 panion, and together they left the well-appointed 
 room. 
 
 " Do you know, Doctor, I have been thinking 
 quite a bit about this lad Alfred, and particularly 
 his sister. Did you learn her name ? " asked Mrs. 
 Raynor. " She and my Robert are about the same 
 age ; fancy my lad living alone in such a wilderness, 
 for if their home is eight miles from civilization it 
 can be little better. Then both their parents being 
 dead, it seems to me an unusually sad affair." 
 
 " Yes, I too have had that incorrigible youth in 
 my own thoughts, most of the time, since I first 
 looked into his bright eyes ; and do you know, Mrs. 
 Raynor, the lad seems to have a very good educa- 
 tion, notwithstanding his slangy, pert remarks. 
 
18 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 We must question him more closely to-morrow and 
 learn of his plans for his sister and himself." 
 
 Later in the evening the acquaintances bade each 
 other good night, promising to meet for an early 
 breakfast, so that they could make a fresh start 
 on their much-anticipated mountain climb. 
 
 After reaching her room, Elanore Moulton 
 busied herself for a little time in arranging her 
 belongings; then turning out her light she raised 
 her shade for a view of the glorious picture she 
 knew was waiting for her vision. Yes, there in 
 the almost awful stillness of the perfect, early 
 autumn night, gleaming white and spectral, stood 
 the glacier, appearing taller and more stately than 
 ever, while the lake seemed to have beckoned the 
 turrets from their stern repose to mingle in its 
 depths, such was the reflection. 
 
 Beautiful as it was, it sent an almost uncon- 
 scious shiver through Dr. Moulton, as she gazed 
 and gazed upon its almost unrivaled beauty. Sud- 
 denly upon the still air she caught a sound, then 
 another, and ere many moments had elapsed she 
 beheld a lone equestrian galloping toward the 
 chalet. Nearer and nearer he came, until his pass- 
 ing under the porte-cochere hid him from her view. 
 She was about to return her gaze again to the sub- 
 lime picture, when a rap sounded at her door. 
 Turning from the window she called, " Come," 
 thinking it must be the maid, when who should con- 
 front her but Windy Anderson. 
 
 " Good evening, Doc. Glad you are in. I 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 19 
 
 brought the needed they will be sent to your 
 rooms soon. Would like to have brought them up 
 here myself, but Miss Young, at the desk, attends 
 to all that." 
 
 " Well, well, Windy, thank you ; but come in for 
 a little and we will have a chat. Did you just 
 come down the road upon your pony ? " 
 
 " Yes, but how did you know? " asked the lad, 
 as he stepped into the room, and took the seat 
 which was proffered him. 
 
 " Ah, ha, I am a mind-reader you see so look 
 out for me." 
 
 " Well, I should say ; but, Doc, you will look 
 real swell to-morrow, for I have brought you my 
 fringed leather jacket, and with the sombrero you 
 will be all O.K. I was so glad when the message 
 came, saying you were going, for you will have a 
 day's fun you will never forget." 
 
 " Now look here, my young friend, your words 
 sound altogether too much like Mrs. Raynor's. 
 She, with tears in her eyes, from laughter at her 
 husband's and my expense, is anticipating much 
 merriment to-morrow, and the fun you speak of 
 will likely be yours also at the expense of our 
 grotesqueness." 
 
 " Oh, now, Doc I did not " At which Dr. 
 Moulton's pretended gravity disappeared, as she 
 laughingly reassured her caller that she knew he 
 was sincere. 
 
 " And now, Windy, tell me of your home back 
 in the wilds, for I am deeply interested in you and 
 
20 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 your sis, as you call her. By the way, what is her 
 name? I forgot to ask you yesterday." 
 
 " Her name is Roma, but we always have called 
 her Sister, or Sis. You see, I gave her the name of 
 Sister when she was a wee mite, for she is younger 
 than I, and as I could not say Roma plainly I got 
 in the way of saying Sister, and then as we grew 
 older, it became Sis." 
 
 " Roma ; oh, what a pretty name, and it has 
 such a musical sound ! " exclaimed Dr. Moulton ; 
 " but, .Windy, how did you ever come by your 
 nom de plume." 
 
 " Well, it was like this Father had been a 
 bookkeeper for many years, but his health began 
 to fail and so he and Mother talked it over and 
 decided to take a homestead, hoping that by the 
 time it was cleared, Father would be his old self 
 again; but he only lived just two years. I tell 
 you, it was pretty tough upon Mother then." 
 
 Windy gained a larger portion of his com- 
 panion's liking than could have come to him in 
 many ordinary chats by the audible choking and 
 the sudden dashing away of the mist that rose and 
 trembled upon the boyish lashes. 
 
 " Then it was up to Mother with me to fill in 
 the gap, which I tried to do, but Mother just could 
 not stand such a strain and she lived only a few 
 months after our homestead was legally ours." 
 
 " Oh, Windy, I am very sorry you have, in- 
 deed, shouldered a heavy burden for one so young. 
 But how did you manage to pay for your neces- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 21 
 
 sities ? Did your father leave any money ? " in- 
 quired Dr. Moulton. 
 
 " No, Father did not have very much when we 
 left our home in !:he East, for we came from Massa- 
 chusetts, and then it took all for his illness ; but, 
 of course, we gained the right to our home as we 
 had then lived there more than half of the required 
 time. Father had hired some of the natives to help 
 him build our house, which is very comfortable, and 
 you would call it unique. It is of logs, of course, 
 but they are nearly hidden from view by ivy. I 
 believe Mother used to call it Boston Ivy ; at any 
 rate an old neighbor sent her some plants which 
 she set out and it was Roma's and her delight to 
 nurse and make them grow, until now they have 
 even partly covered the field stones that Father 
 used, here and there as he put in a chimney, and 
 also a few stones round the windows to sort of take 
 the place of sashes. There are also a couple of 
 posts at the end of our piazza for we have one, 
 Doc, even if we do live in the wilds and from it 
 we see glorious sunsets which Roma loves so well." 
 
 " I just want to see your Roma, for I feel she 
 must be quite an unusual girl," interrupted 
 Windy's companion. " Will you take me to see 
 her some day after I have learned to stick on to 
 a pony? " 
 
 " That I will and I will show you a fireplace 
 that is one, for that is the foremost attraction of 
 our ' Snugey.' So now you see, Doc, that is why 
 I have been guiding parties up the trail to view 
 
22 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 the chain of lakes you will visit to-morrow so 
 that I might earn a little filthy lucre to keep the 
 larder filled. That is also why I gained the title of 
 ' Windy,' for I made it a point of entertaining my 
 parties, so that I might take a larger mite home. 
 On account of my being so newsy the other guides 
 began to call me Windy, and I have been called 
 so ever since. I must skip along now, for Sis will 
 be waiting up for me and it is getting late. So. 
 good night, Doc. I will be on hand in the morn- 
 
 ing." 
 
 Rising, he turned to leave the room, but Dr. 
 Moulton detained him by crossing over to his side 
 and putting her hand upon his shoulder, while with 
 an unusual degree of kindness, she said: 
 
 " Good night, my young friend. Thank you 
 for your kindness in coming here. Give your sis- 
 ter my best wishes and tell her I shall make it in 
 my way to see her very soon." 
 
CHAPTER VII 
 
 The next morning Dr. Moulton was astir very 
 early, for there were some letters she felt she must 
 send by the day's mail, and as they had planned on 
 a rather lengthy climb she thought best to have 
 business before pleasure. She had drawn her 
 table near the window, and every now and then she 
 would pause and gaze upon the wondrous picture 
 gleaming bright as a morning star amid its sur- 
 roundings. She had been putting the picture on 
 paper, by sending the details to the widowed 
 mother she had left in the home so dear to them 
 both in the East. Nor did she leave out the 
 description of Windy, her young friend. She 
 wanted to speak of the ride she was looking for- 
 ward to so eagerly, but, fearing it might cause her 
 mother anxiety, she refrained; but as her eyes 
 rested on the really artistic jacket and sombrero, 
 she added this postscript, 
 
 Never mind, Mother, I shall have among my col- 
 lection some kodak mementos, which will not only 
 be good for the blues, but may show you your 
 daughter as a very daring tourist. And now I must 
 go and have my breakfast for I am as hungry as an 
 early riser should be. 
 
 23 
 
24* GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 Upon meeting the Ray nor s, she related to them 
 the very pleasant call she had received the previous 
 evening after leaving them. Also that her desire 
 to see the "Sis," as the lad called the girl Roma, 
 was very great. 
 
 " Can we not plan to see her to-morrow ? You 
 see, Mr. Raynor, you and I will have gotten our 
 sea legs on by that time and will be all ready for 
 another voyage. And now I will meet you both 
 very shortly. The side porch is where Windy in- 
 formed me he would be with the ponies. Have you 
 your sporting blood up, Mr. Raynor? I will 
 gather mine together, ere I again see you. We 
 know our little lady here will only have to spend 
 her energy in suppressing that abundance of jollity 
 she expects to have such excess of in beholding our 
 antics Eh, my dear? " 
 
 Here Elanore Moulton gave her companion a 
 friendly little pat and turned to leave. Amelia 
 Raynor, however, detained her, exclaiming that she 
 thought it would be a very good idea to take along 
 an anesthetic, " For, if when about to make the 
 descent, Horton or yourself should find your 
 courage had taken wings, you could still be brought 
 to the depths below, even though in an unconscious 
 state." 
 
 u There she goes again, Doctor, poking fun at 
 poor we, us and co. But we must hurry now or 
 our friend Windy will get impatient," laughed 
 Horton Raynor. 
 
 Just as the tall clock that stood in the recess of 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 5 
 
 the inner hall chimed the half after seven, Elanore 
 Moulton appeared, transformed into a veritable 
 Western cowboy. Very natty, indeed, she looked, 
 attired in Windy j s fringed jacket, while the som- 
 brero was highly becoming. The divided skirt 
 secretly caused her some annoyance, but she felt 
 that she must be a thorough sport, so acted ac- 
 cordingly. As she stepped out upon the porch 
 under the porte-cochere, she found Mr. and Mrs. 
 Raynor already there, both looking very smart and 
 their faces full of much merriment. 
 
 " So, ho, my lady mountaineer, you are charm- 
 ing and most punctual ! " exclaimed Amelia Ray- 
 nor, " But, my dear, I am sorry that I have a little 
 disappointment I must acquaint you with." 
 
 " Where is Windy? Who is that lad with the 
 ponies ? Are we to have two guides ? " suddenly 
 inquired Dr. Moulton, as the lad drew nearer the 
 steps, leading the ponies. 
 
 " That is my news," returned Mrs. Raynor. 
 " Windy sent this guide to tell us that he was never 
 so sorry about anything in his life as that he could 
 not go with us this morning, but that it was such 
 a swell morning he advised us to go. He also said 
 he would see us later and explain how it had hap- 
 pened." 
 
 " Oh, I am sorry, for Windy was so pleased when 
 he gained our acquiescence but, never mind; it 
 is, as he says, a swell morning, and we have a game 
 of excelsior before us." 
 
 The new guide seemed a first-rate sort of fellow, 
 
26 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 whose name was Joe, and as Dr. Moulton had in- 
 sisted upon mounting first, as she wished Mrs. 
 Raynor by, as well as the guide, she straightway 
 made the acquaintance of the rather meek-looking 
 animal into whose keeping she was about to re- 
 linquish herself. With much laughing and a 
 goodly amount of chatting, she soon found her- 
 self sitting very straight and tall upon the back 
 of Spotty, her four-footed friend. 
 
 Mrs. Raynor was the next to find her seat upon 
 a very pretty bay pony, Dolly by name. It seemed 
 just a bit awkward to her at first to find her feet 
 both encased, but being so used to the saddle she 
 soon became accustomed to it. 
 
 Mr. Raynor had a roan, named Polly, which 
 fell to his lot, and he mounted with much fun at his 
 own expense. 
 
 Soon the trio were out under the blue dome of 
 heaven and had turned their ponies' heads to fol- 
 low Joe and his rather spirited animal, which he 
 called Scotty. He had hastened ahead of his 
 party, after seeing that they were properly ar- 
 ranged. Past the beautiful lake they took their 
 way, Dr. Moulton and Mrs. Raynor riding side 
 by side, while Mr. Raynor followed as their body- 
 guard. 
 
 Soon the chalet was left in the dim background, 
 while almost from the start the trail proved a 
 steady ascent. How beautiful everything looked 
 in the fresh newness of the early morning! The 
 woods, as they entered them, seemed so silent, as 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 27 
 
 if the awakening of the new day had not as yet 
 been manifested. A delicate aroma greeted them 
 from the pines that stood tall and spectral upon 
 either side. 
 
 " Ah, my dear Mrs. Ray nor, is it not good just 
 to be alive upon such a morning as this not to 
 mention sitting a fiery steed, as straight as a 
 brigand?" called forth Elanore Moulton, for the 
 little party were now riding single breasted up the 
 rather steep incline. 
 
 " It is indeed, and I would give a good deal for 
 your picture which I mean to snap before our ride 
 is o'er," gayly returned her companion. 
 
 " I can tell you one thing ; it is not the last ride 
 I shall take, for just to breathe this scented air 
 would make me almost willing to risk breaking 
 any one's camera," answered Dr. Moulton. 
 
 Slowly and with certainty in their every step, 
 the ponies bore their burdens up up always 
 up ; stopping ever and anon to rest or to snatch a 
 morsel from some leafy twig that came temptingly 
 near. Now and then the chattering of a squirrel 
 or the scampering through the underbrush of some 
 little mountain rabbit, would cause the ponies to 
 sniff the air as if bidding their forest friends a 
 cheery good morning. 
 
 " I say, Doctor," called the cheery voice of Mr. 
 Raynor, " are you going to walk, ride or roll down 
 this mountain trail? I have begun to grow gray, 
 just contemplating the thought of how in thunder 
 I am to reconnoiter." 
 
28 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 How the woods resounded with laughter at this 
 outburst from the aide-de-coup! Even Scotty, 
 the leader of the little band, laid his ears back as 
 if to take in the cheeriness which vibrated through- 
 out the air. 
 
 " Well, as to the descent, I cannot answer you, 
 Mr. Raynor. What I was thinking just now was 
 that I did not wish to reach the top, for it is so 
 beautiful here Why, it is like a crystal maze, 
 and when we reach the top we must descend and 
 then our fun will be upon the decline." 
 
 " I say, Joe," continued Dr. Moulton, as she 
 called to the guide who was some little higher up 
 the path, " how much longer are we to be per- 
 mitted the excitement of this climb ? " 
 
 " For about one-half hour I should say, miss, 
 and then you will see a picture you will never for- 
 get. The twin lakes are seven thousand five hun- 
 dred feet above the sea, and you will have climbed 
 two thousand feet. Not bad for a first one, 
 miss." 
 
 " No, not bad ; but I wonder if Spotty here, 
 good creature, knew how my heart beat the first 
 half hour, and only for the beauty of the woods 
 he might have beaten a hasty retreat and without a 
 rider." 
 
 As they advanced toward the top of the trail 
 the light, which glinted in some times in patches, 
 then again in floods of sunlight, converted the scene 
 into a perfect bower of bright, dainty freshness 
 and serene loveliness, until one felt that to be a 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 29 
 
 veritable child of nature was to be the envy of all 
 God's creatures. 
 
 Windy was right. Dr. Moulton uttered to her- 
 self, " I have enjoyed this ride, hugely, but the lad 
 himself I am sorry he could not have been my 
 guide ; but then I shall see both him and that sis of 
 his before I go back to my busy life again." Just 
 here her soliloquy was interrupted by Joe remark- 
 ing that they would see the gigantic Beehive Moun- 
 tain in a few minutes that separated the lakes, and 
 that now very soon they would be at the top. 
 
 Sure enough, after another few deep pants upon 
 the part of the ponies for it seemed even steeper 
 just here than at any other part of the ascent 
 the little party realized that Excelsior would be 
 proclaimed. Joe had already dismounted and was 
 tying Scotty to a tree, meanwhile calling to the 
 trio that he would soon help them, as they would 
 have to walk a little way if they wished to view 
 the second lake. 
 
 " Well, well, here we are, to be sure ! " exclaimed 
 Mr. Raynor, as Polly appeared upon the wide 
 clearing which the other sure-footed creatures with 
 their riders had gained, and were waiting to be 
 released from their burdens, " I tell you, Doctor, 
 these ponies are very faithful, and it would not be 
 a bad idea for many of the human family to profit 
 by their example." 
 
 Here they began to climb the steep pass of some 
 two hundred feet, to where the twin lakes lay 
 concealed. 
 
30 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 They were very busy chatting, when their rather 
 labored breathing permitted, when all at once Ela- 
 nore Moulton happened to glance to the extreme 
 height of the climb and there her gaze rested upon 
 a picture such as an artist would have made him- 
 self immortal by, could he have converted it to 
 canvas as she beheld it. 
 
 " Oh ! " came from her parted lips, in such an 
 awed tone that Mrs. Ray nor, who was directly 
 behind her, felt that something had befallen her 
 friend, and only when she too had gazed up to the 
 place where Elanore Moulton's eyes seemed riveted, 
 did she understand. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 For a moment both Dr. Moulton and Amelia 
 Raynor felt that they must be witnesses to an ap- 
 parition, so silent did the figure appear. The pic- 
 ture which had drawn the ejaculation from Ela- 
 nore Moulton had been a slight girlish one, garbed 
 in a simple dress of brown homespun, while at the 
 slender throat was knotted a kerchief of scarlet. 
 The wind had blown the soft brown hair over her 
 shoulder until one could scarcely tell where hair 
 and dress met, save from a patch of scarlet which 
 held the braid of wavy hair and lent the bit of 
 color to the scene ; while a face, in which suppressed 
 amusement vied with curiosity, looked down upon 
 them as she stood in the doorway of a most un- 
 usual-looking abode. 
 
 Several years previous there had been built at 
 the summit of the trail a shelter for tourists. It 
 had proved a haven from storm, and also a place 
 to retire when the rather difficult climb by foot had 
 been completed, which was necessary, after leaving 
 the ponies, in order to view the second lake. 
 
 This the slip of a girl, standing there with her 
 gray eyes riveted upon the little party, had been 
 a witness to. She little realized the charm her ap- 
 pearance presented to the two ladies, who reluc- 
 
 31 
 
32 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 tantly withdrew their eyes from the attractive pic- 
 ture to resume the short climb that would bring 
 them to her side. 
 
 " Well, of all things! who can that child be? " 
 softly questioned Amelia Raynor of her friend. 
 
 " I will soon tell you," was the subdued answer 
 from Dr. Moulton, who with a last gigantic stride 
 had finished her task and now stood with eyes once 
 more looking upon the young stranger. Elanore 
 Moulton, in the few minutes which elapsed for her 
 to reach the side of the girl, had been conscious of 
 a magnetic personality, and when she heard her 
 own voice saying, " Roma," and felt the soft clasp 
 of a little brown hand in hers, it seemed to her only 
 perfectly natural that this child should be there 
 waiting to greet her. 
 
 " And this is the lady that Broth has told me of 
 and whom he thinks is right nice. He could 
 not come to-day, so all of a sudden I took it into 
 my head that I would beat him out and here I am," 
 exclaimed the girl, showing a great degree of ani- 
 mation as she thought of the surprise it would be 
 to that brother when he should learn of it. 
 
 " Yes, Roma, my child," returned Dr. Moulton, 
 " this is your brother's friend and I hope yours 
 also. I have been most anxious to see you, for 
 Windy has spoken so much of you. Mrs. Raynor, 
 this is Roma, the Sis of our friend Windy. I knew 
 it the moment my eyes rested upon her, partly from 
 her brother's description and partly from premoni- 
 tion." 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 33 
 
 Mrs. Raynor here took the girlish hand into her 
 own as Elanore Moulton reluctantly released it, 
 and drawing the child closely to her, said, " I also 
 am very glad to know you, Roma. I have a son 
 many miles from here whom I have not seen for 
 several weeks, and I think you must be about the 
 same age." 
 
 " I am nearly eighteen. Brother says he is to 
 give me something fine this year, for it is a birth- 
 day a girl should not forget. Do you think he is 
 right? " Roma asked, as she allowed Mrs. Raynor 
 to embrace her. 
 
 " I tell you that brother of yours is quite a 
 chap, Roma, if I am any judge of lads. But here 
 comes Mr. Raynor and Joe," exclaimed Dr. Moul- 
 ton. 
 
 " Oh, was your guide Joe ? " Roma asked. " I 
 am glad; he is 'most my brother too. I did not 
 know who was to show you the trail. I would have 
 liked to, but was afraid Broth would not let me, so 
 did not ask him, but just got a start ahead of you, 
 and well here I am." 
 
 The words were scarcely finished when Mr. Ray- 
 nor joined them, and Roma was presented to him. 
 Meanwhile, Joe had stood a little back of the 
 group, but never once did his large dark eyes leave 
 the face of the girl who stood there, the center of 
 all, in her simple naive attractiveness. Elanore 
 Moulton, wishing to speak with the guide, turned 
 to step toward him, when she intuitively turned 
 again from her project for the light which radi- 
 
34 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 ated from his glance, as it fell absorbed on the 
 girl, was one which she felt had best remain undis- 
 turbed, at least by her. 
 
 By the time Roma had turned to greet Joe, which 
 she soon did in her sweet frank way, every trace of 
 the look which had rested there so recently had 
 vanished. He simply remarked that he had not 
 expected to see her again until evening, although 
 he noticed all the way up the trail fresh foot- 
 prints, but had not thought she was before him. 
 
 " That was funny, Joe ; funny you did not hear 
 Gypsy's whinney, for she made that queer little one 
 of hers, several times, on the ascent, and now I 
 must go for her," Roma exclaimed as she started to 
 turn from the little circle. 
 
 " Why, where is she, Roma? " Joe asked. " I 
 shall fetch her. Is she in that little clearing you 
 like so well, under the clump of pines ? " 
 
 " Yes, Joe, but how well you remember. It is a 
 long time since Broth, you, and I rested there to- 
 gether. I should have thought you would have 
 forgotten all about it before this. But, thank 
 you, if you will bring her, for I want to ride back 
 with you all," returned the girl. 
 
 To Dr. Moult on, who could not but overhear 
 the conversation, there was but added proof in the 
 little dialogue to confirm the glance she had seen 
 from Joe that unconscious love, deep and true and 
 not of a brotherly nature, was his for the girl 
 Roma. 
 
 " And now, folkses, I want your pictures, singly 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 35 
 
 and collectively," announced Mrs. Raynor, as she 
 began to perch her head first on one side then on 
 the other, planning for the poses. " Doctor, we 
 would feel that naif of our climb up the trail had 
 been thrown away if we did not have Roma's pic- 1 
 ture to take home with us, would we not? " 
 
 " Oh, yes, that we would ; and, Roma dear, would 
 you mind standing again in the doorway of the 
 ' Refuge,' as you call it, so we may have your own 
 self just as we first saw you? " asked Dr. Moulton. 
 
 " All right I will ; but when Joe fetches 
 Gypsy you must take her picture, for she is my 
 own beauty j and is like my second self, as she shares 
 much of my time, and fun," exclaimed Roma, as 
 she hastened to comply with the wish for her photo- 
 graph. 
 
 Gypsy proved to be all that her mistress had 
 said of her a beauty of the buckskin type, of a 
 perfect cream, while her mane and tail, which were 
 white, were full and long. A real circus horse, 
 Joe used to call her, until one day he had been very 
 forcibly informed by Roma that she was nothing 
 of the sort, and that she did not wish to have her 
 called such, for Gypsy had too much dignity for a 
 pony of that calling. From that day she had been 
 Gypsy, nothing else, as far as Joe had been con- 
 cerned. 
 
 " And now, Roma, that we have viewed the twin 
 lakes, I think you had best lead our procession 
 when we descend the trail, letting the Doctor here 
 follow, while Joe and Mrs. Raynor keep an eye 
 
36 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 upon me; for if I am going to retreat other than 
 upon shank's mare, I feel I must need a double 
 bodyguard," seriously exclaimed Mr. Raynor. 
 
 With much merriment the party picked their 
 way back to where the ponies were waiting them, 
 Joe having led the buckskin for Roma, and now 
 they were all mounted once more and ready for the 
 return to the chalet. 
 
 If Roma had been a picture worth remembering 
 when looking forth upon nature from the door of 
 the " shelter," she was equally such when sitting 
 in her graceful, natural attitude upon the back of 
 her beloved Gypsy, who seemed to feel so proud 
 when bearing her slight body, while she shook her 
 mane ever and anon in the most approved fashion. 
 It was the simplest thing in the world for Roma to 
 ride side-saddle even down the trail, which she did 
 much of the way. At the start, Dr. Moulton had 
 shown faint traces of nervousness, which Roma had 
 been keen enough to detect, though with much tact- 
 fulness she had refrained from saying so ; simply 
 remarking, as she saw how tightly the Doctor 
 grasped Spotty's bridle, that, " It is so wonder- 
 ful, but the ponies never make a misstep if you let 
 them feel their own way." 
 
 " Well, you little witch," Elanore Moulton re- 
 turned, " you are surely Windy's Sis, and thank 
 you for giving me a hint in such a charming man- 
 ner." 
 
 A little later, as she felt more secure in her sad- 
 dle, she learned much of the life and likings of 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 37 
 
 her young companion. Learned of the depth of 
 her love for the only brother, and that he was al- 
 most her only relative. That of girls and their 
 way she simply knew nothing, for, with the excep- 
 tion of her mother, she had scarcely spoken with 
 other than men or lads since leaving her home in 
 the East. She was but a simple child of nature, 
 and what wonder of her love for the woods and 
 mountains had they not been her companions, 
 her confidant, her almost all? In them she had 
 recognized God's greatness and beauty a bless- 
 ing, indeed, they had been to the lonely child. 
 
 When nearing the last half of the trail, Roma 
 gave a shout of delight and in a twinkling sprang 
 from her saddle. With a sudden movement, ex- 
 tending her hand a trifle from the path which had 
 been worn by the constant plodding of the ponies, 
 she brought forth and held to Dr. Moulton's as- 
 tonished gaze a circlet of gold, while the light as 
 it fell upon it was not brighter than her eyes, as 
 she exclaimed, " Oh, it is a perfect beauty of a 
 ring. Who do you suppose lost it ? " 
 
 " Well, Roma child, how in this world did you 
 see it away from the path where it lay and how 
 nicely it fits," returned her companion, for the girl 
 had instantly put it on her finger and was now 
 gazing in admiration at it. " It is what is called 
 a signet ring, dear, and here are the initials 
 A. E. P. in the form of a monogram." 
 
 " Oh, dear, I am sorry it has that upon it, for 
 if I should not find the one who lost it and I do 
 
38 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 so hope I won't it will seem all the time as if it 
 were really and truly some one else's when I want 
 to believe it is all mine. You see, I never had a 
 ring 1 before. Mother had one but it was left upon 
 her finger," here a shadow fell athwart the young 
 face, reminding Elanore Moulton of a similar one 
 she had seen upon the brother's. " But I hear 
 the others coming, so we must move along," con- 
 tinued Roma, as she hastened to her seat in the 
 saddle. " Please do not say anything about my 
 finding it, Dr. Moulton, as I would like to sur- 
 prise both Broth and Joe," suddenly Roma broke 
 out. 
 
 " No, indeed, I will not mention anything rela- 
 tive to it and I " 
 
 But here Roma's voice interrupted her saying, 
 " I only mean for to-night, for, of course, you or 
 Brother must inquire at the chalet if any one has 
 lost one. I will put it into my handkerchief and 
 to-night I will put it on when I am getting the 
 boys' supper." 
 
 How bright the girl's face appeared all the rest 
 of the homeward way and what an expressive face 
 hers was! Dr. Moulton felt that she would like 
 that girlish, animated, little creature always be- 
 side her, for she had already found a deal to ad- 
 mire in Windy's Sis. 
 
 And when a little later she, together with Mr. 
 and Mrs. Raynor, urged Roma to come in and take 
 tea with them, she admired her still more; for, 
 after thanking them, Roma added, " Not to-night, 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 39 
 
 for what would my two boys do without their 
 cook?" 
 
 Promising to ride down with Windy the next 
 day however, she bade them good-by telling Mr. 
 Raynor she thought he had acted first rate. Joe 
 and she then giving the reins to their ponies, were 
 soon lost to view as they started for their home, up 
 another trail, in the opposite direction from the 
 chalet. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 
 " And so this is the place your father and my 
 uncle hove to, is it, when he so unceremoniously 
 left the East for parts unknown ? " The speaker 
 was a short thick-set lad of some years the senior 
 of Windy Anderson, to whom he addressed his 
 question. 
 
 " Yes, Father brought his family here some 
 years ago. It did not look then much as it does 
 to-day for I can tell you there has been much 
 hard work put in since those days." 
 
 " H'm then it was hard work which killed 
 your father, eh? I thought like as not it was 
 worry." Here the speaker seated himself in one 
 of the very chairs the dead man's hands had fash- 
 ioned from pine boughs, and taking from his 
 pocket a rather large and gaudy cigarette case, 
 opened it, and helping himself to a weed he was 
 about to return the case to his pocket, hesitated, 
 and in a rather patronizing tone exclaimed, " Will 
 you smoke ? " 
 
 " No not just now," was Windy 's reply ; 
 " but will you be good enough to tell me how you 
 happened to drift up to these parts?" 
 
 " Well, you see, cousins are scarce articles to 
 me, and when I learned just how affairs stood I 
 
 made up my mind it was my right to know my 
 40 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 41 
 
 kin." Here he spent a few moments inhaling the 
 smoke and sending it out in streaming lines from 
 his large nostrils, then continuing, he remarked, 
 " But you seem surprised to see me. I suppose 
 you received my letter. How about it ? " 
 
 " Yes, it was at our imposing post-office this 
 morning and spoiled a climb I would have given a 
 good deal to have taken. But how does it happen 
 that I never heard my father speak of your fam- 
 ily? Where is your father? " 
 
 " That's just it. If Father were alive I should 
 not be standing here talking to you, and if your 
 father stood here he would understand why I have 
 come; but as you and I are their representatives, 
 I will tell you why I am here. My name is Ben 
 Anderson, and my father was your father's half 
 brother. He was some years older and a kind 
 you would call ' easy.' Your father in his day 
 was quite a sport and found himself in many a 
 scrape." 
 
 " Now look here, Cousin Ben, although I never 
 knew of you until to-day, I am much surprised at 
 what you tell me, for I never thought of Dad in 
 such a light. He seemed a thoughtful sort and 
 if the scrapes you speak of were of his making, I 
 am very sure they were honest scrapes. But go 
 on with your story," added Windy, in a sort of 
 an apologetical tone for having broken in. 
 
 " Well, honest they may have been in the start 
 as to that I can't say but at the finish they 
 were anything but of that name for " 
 
4$ GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 Here Windy, who had been seated, with a quick 
 spring was by the side of the speaker, while with 
 hands clinched and face very pale, and with an 
 unnatural cadence in his tone exclaimed, " Have 
 a care, for though you be of my flesh and blood 
 you cannot come here and insult my father's mem- 
 ory ; for even as I know it is a cursed lie I will not 
 allow such words to ring out upon the air where 
 my father's honest voice used to be heard." 
 
 " Oh, very well," returned the oily tongued vis- 
 itor, as he continued to enjoy his half-smoked cig- 
 arette ; " but perhaps when you see the proof of 
 which I was about to speak, you may not wish to 
 be violent." 
 
 " Proof? proof? What proof can you or any 
 one else have regarding my father's honesty ? " 
 
 " Well, now, suppose you hear what I have to 
 say, then I will show you my right to speak as I 
 have and must." Windy reluctantly resumed his 
 seat while his companion resumed, 
 
 " A few weeks before your father hied himself 
 to this out-of-the-world place he forged my fa- 
 ther's name for several thousand dollars. This 
 was some few years ago. I only learned of it 
 some weeks since from some papers which I found 
 when looking over my late father's effects, and 
 which in his own handwriting stated the case." 
 
 Here he glanced at Windy to see how he was 
 taking the affair, but no sign of belief in the truth 
 of his story could he detect. " You see, your 
 father was not a lucky gambler and when he got in 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 43 
 
 so deep he could not get out, why he had to and 
 did the easiest thing he could to square himself." 
 
 " In heaven's name why tell me more of this 
 monstrous lie? Show me proofs if you can," came 
 Windy's voice, which had grown hoarse from sup- 
 pressed emotion. 
 
 " Just as you say perhaps you did not know 
 what an excellent penman your father was or at 
 least what a remarkably good copyist at any 
 rate, gaze upon this." While drawling out his 
 last few words, Ben Anderson had brought from 
 his breast pocket an old, rusty-looking billhook 
 and now having removed a rather yellow-looking 
 check from its depths, was holding it before 
 Windy's searching gaze. 
 
 After a close scrutinizing glance, followed by a 
 low moan, Windy turned from his companion and 
 buried his face in his hands, while the words, 
 " Father ! Father ! how could you ? " came audibly 
 from his lips. For a few moments nothing save 
 the sighing of the wind through the pines could be 
 heard; then Windy asked, "Do you think my 
 mother ever knew of it ? " 
 
 " No, I am sure my father never divulged it, 
 partly for the sake of the family name; then, 
 again, I believe he was very fond of his brother 
 Edward. The reason I am here is that I want 
 you to make it up to me, for I am left almost with- 
 out a shilling, and as I learned that the homestead 
 had been cleared I thought it no more than my due 
 that you should give me a lift as my father gave 
 
44 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 one to yours. But come, old man," he continued, 
 " do not take it so to heart ; no one but us knows 
 anything about it." 
 
 " Thank Heaven for that and now, Ben, I 
 will do what I can for you upon one condition. I 
 do not know whether you have heard or not, but 
 I have a young sister whom I have watched over 
 since she was a tiny baby. She was my father's 
 idol, and rather than have her learn of the condi- 
 tion of things as you have told me I would sacri- 
 fice everything. Hark! I hear now the sound of 
 Gypsy's hoofs, and still those of another. Sis 
 is coming and Joe must be with her. We will talk 
 it over to-morrow; to-night you are simply our 
 cousin who has come to spend a holiday." 
 
 Hardly before the words had left his lips, 
 Windy was standing beside the steaming flanks of 
 the two ponies, while he helped his Sis to alight. 
 The twilight was fast spreading a mantle over the 
 early autumn day as Roma greeted her brother, 
 else she would have noticed the unusual pallor of 
 his face; then, such was her amazement, upon 
 reaching the piazza, to see a stranger standing 
 there, that she had no thought for aught else. 
 
 Windy soon hastened to say, " Roma, this is the 
 one from whom I received my letter to-day, which 
 caused me to send Joe up the trail in my stead. 
 He is our cousin, Ben Anderson, from the East." 
 
 Instantly the girl's face was alive with anima- 
 tion as she extended her hand, saying, " Why, this 
 is nice, and a surprise. I did not know I had a 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 45 
 
 cousin. But now I must hurry, for I know you 
 all must be hungry, and I have lots of news for 
 you, Broth." 
 
 With a light spring she disappeared within, and 
 soon her slight form could be seen by the two, who 
 remained so silent since she had disappeared from 
 the scene. Ben Anderson had been rather con- 
 fused, and his usual confident manner had waxed 
 a little less jubilant since the gray eyes of the girl 
 had bidden him welcome, while he had returned her. 
 hand clasp and thanked her. And now, as the 
 last gleam sank from view from the afterglow, 
 Roma's voice was heard, bidding them to come and 
 sup. 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
 " What a dear child she is ! " exclaimed Elanore 
 Moulton, as she watched Roma until the last gleam 
 of her scarlet ribbons faded from between the pines. 
 " She is like a poor, untamed, little bird ; I 
 wish " but here her soliloquy was interrupted 
 by the return of Mr. and Mrs. Raynor, who had 
 hastened to inquire for the day's mail. 
 
 "Well, Doctor, shall I caU a wheel chair," 
 laughingly inquired Amelia Raynor ; " or will you 
 and Mr. Raynor have a potato race upstairs ? " 
 
 " Either is agreeable ; what say you, partner in 
 all my ridicule? " 
 
 " Ow*," returned Mr. Raynor. At which the 
 ladies pealed forth a laugh, for their gallant did 
 look a bit as though he, too, could be easily satis- 
 fied. "But, do you know, I like Windy's Sis. 
 Are we not going to see her again before we 
 leave? " asked Mr. Raynor. " I think it would be 
 very nice to have her and Windy dine with us to- 
 morrow." 
 
 " That it would, Mr. Raynor," replied Dr. 
 Moulton. " I have been thinking so, too, since 
 we bade Roma good-by. But here you are at 
 your room. I will join you both in the dining- 
 
 46 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 47 
 
 room after I have rested awhile, but will be punc- 
 tual for dinner." 
 
 That night, like every night, all manner of dif- 
 ferent pictures might have been seen and studied 
 around the tables spread for the evening's repast, 
 as Dr. Moulton and the Raynors settled themselves 
 once more in the unusually attractive dining 
 apartment of the chalet, all dressed becomingly in 
 the required custom of the day. 
 
 So another little party was assembled. Roma 
 felt that her boys must be hungry, and so having 
 prepared a real little dinner, she called them; and, 
 in truth, a very inviting repast she had concocted ; 
 for when the two young men stepped into the 
 unique room which acted as living- and dining- 
 room, the aroma which greeted them was most 
 gratifying, while Roma, as she assigned the new 
 cousin his place, was most gracious, as a hostess 
 should be. 
 
 The lamp, with its plain white shade, sent forth 
 a dash of light which fell over and on Roma, show- 
 ing the carmine in her cheeks, which vied with her 
 scarlet throat-piece for brilliancy. The brown 
 hand that poured the delicious-smelling coffee as- 
 sumed an unusual poise as she caught the flash 
 which now and again returned to her vision from 
 her newly found treasure; for Roma, after having 
 seen that the omelet was done to a turn and the 
 toast just the shade of brown that Broth liked 
 best, had slipped the ring on her finger and now 
 was patiently waiting for his outburst of surprise. 
 
48 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 " Well, Miss Roma," the suave voice of the guest 
 began, after he had partaken of several not very 
 dainty mouthfuls, " you are what a little girl told 
 her auntie, that she was ' a good cooker.' Where 
 did you learn the art? " 
 
 " Oh, I have had to learn to keep my boys 
 from feeling that ' I-want-something-to-eat-I-don't- 
 know-what feeling,' " returned Roma. Joe, who 
 just entered the room, added his " Ha, ha," to the 
 rather rough one of the newly found Ben. 
 
 " Well, Roma, that was a remark, sure enough. 
 It is rather one on you and me, eh, Joe? But 
 come, or your something will be cold," continued 
 Windy. " This is Joe, my friend Joe, this is 
 a new-found cousin, Ben Anderson ; and now, Joe, 
 I shall want to hear all about your day Did 
 the lady I mean the tall one they call Doc 
 did she enjoy it? " 
 
 The introduction of the young men had been 
 rather brief, but somehow it seemed to Joe that a 
 slight cloud had rested upon the good-natured face 
 of his friend and pal, Windy ; but it was instantly 
 replaced by a look of real pleasure as he mentioned 
 the name of the lady tourist. 
 
 " That she did. She bade me tell you that her 
 young friend Windy was right; it was one of the 
 pleasantest days and trips she ever took, and that 
 she missed him much, but that his " 
 
 " Joe, let me warm up your coffee, for it must be 
 cold," interrupted Roma, as she reached out her 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 49 
 
 hand for the half-filled, generous cup at Joe's 
 plate. 
 
 He hastened to comply, while Windy, turning 
 toward Roma, said, " I want Dr. Moulton to see 
 our ' Snuggy,' Sis, and you." 
 
 " Yes, but Roma has " 
 
 " Oh, Joe, I am sorry to interrupt," Roma has- 
 tened to say, " but would you mind coming with 
 me ? I could not open a can of pears ; I wish to 
 have you all try," and instantly the young house- 
 wife, with Joe following in her wake, was headed 
 toward the heart of the " Snuggy." 
 
 Once beyond the hearing of the ones remaining 
 at table, Roma began : " Joe, you are awfully 
 stupid. Did you not see I wanted to tell Broth 
 myself, instead of having you spoil all my fun? 
 But now that you are here you may open this for 
 me, although I really and truly have not tried this 
 special can." 
 
 " Well, you are a bluff one, to be sure ; but, my 
 eyes where did you get," and before Roma 
 could desist Joe had encased her ringed hand in 
 his large one and was looking in great wonderment 
 at the shining bauble. 
 
 " That is part of the secret I will tell you and 
 Broth after our ' Snuggy ' is tidied up for the 
 evening. Come, now, get to your job, for I must 
 hurry back, for it appears to me the new cousin 
 is a bit hungry." 
 
 Upon the return they found Ben still doing jus- 
 
50 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 tice to the supper, while he was apparently carry- 
 ing on most of the conversation. Windy proved 
 a very good listener, and more than once a sub- 
 conscious thought stole over Roma that Broth 
 seemed a little unlike his usual self, but in the ex- 
 citement of the novel evening she did not find time 
 for further thought regarding it. Strangely 
 enough, however, the glint and glitter of the little 
 new ring did not attract his attention until Roma 
 was clearing away the remains of the repast. 
 
 Joe had invited Ben to join him while he took 
 a look at the ponies before leaving them for the 
 night. As the last sound of their retreating steps 
 was heard, Windy, who had been sitting very quiet 
 and still retaining his seat at table, suddenly be- 
 came very agitated, and exclaimed, " Roma, what 
 have you on your finger? " and before she could 
 answer or even have her little fun of explaining 
 regarding her first trinket, Windy, in a manner so 
 violent as to almost frighten the girl, had again 
 demanded an answer. 
 
 Poor Windy ! He had had a hard battle to fight 
 during the last few hours, nor was it little wonder 
 he was unaccountable for his really rough man- 
 ner, but to Roma, with whom he was always so 
 tender and affectionate, it came like a bolt out of 
 a clear sky, causing her to stand trembling like a 
 poor little ewe lamb, until, frightened by his angry 
 looks, she burst into tears. 
 
 Then and only then did the brother, who had 
 been so tried by the shameful news he had learned 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 51 
 
 from the new cousin, realize the manner he had 
 assumed toward his Sis. Instantly, he had 
 reached her side and had folded her into his 
 strong, boyish arms, while, if Roma had known, 
 real tears fell upon her glossy hair, as she crept 
 into his welcomed shelter. After the first violent 
 sobs had subsided and Windy had patted the lit- 
 tle flushed face, he drew the hand that had caused 
 the tumult to his vision and repeated his question, 
 trying to make his tones more like the familiar 
 ones of her Broth. 
 
 " I found it found it to-day, coming down 
 the trail," came from the still-half-sobbing tones 
 of Roma. 
 
 "Trail? What trail?" exclaimed the boyish 
 voice. " Roma, where have you been to-day ? " 
 
 At this, the girl drew herself from the arms that 
 partly encircled her and, straightening her little 
 figure, lifted her head until her gray eyes looked 
 into the dark depths of her brother's, as she re- 
 plied, " I wanted to see the lady you told me so 
 much about and so I went up the Lake trail, but, 
 Broth, you have no right to speak to me as you 
 did. On our way back I found the ring, which I 
 wore home just for to-night to surprise you; 
 but," and here the ring was suddenly drawn off 
 by a defiant motion and thrust into her brother's 
 hand, while she continued " I am sorry if I did 
 such a great wrong, but " 
 
 " Sis, my little Sis, forgive me ; I did speak 
 harshly to you say you forgive me, for it shall 
 
52 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 shall not happen again " With a tender smile, 
 though still with a questioning glance, Roma re- 
 turned to his eagerly waiting embrace, then, draw- 
 ing her to the large chair he had fashioned and 
 she had made attractive with bright-colored cush- 
 ions, he took her upon his knee and began plying 
 her with all sorts of questions about her trip. 
 
 Soon her face was like a rose after a summer's 
 shower fresh and fair, while a suggestion of 
 dewdrops lingered there. The willing tongue, 
 once loosed, flew blithely along, Windy drinking 
 in the pictures which followed one another as they 
 passed to him from the graphic description of the 
 narrator. 
 
 " So the doc is coming up here to see us you 
 are sure, Sis," Windy exclaimed, after he had en- 
 joyed a hearty laugh at the way Roma had de- 
 scribed the doc's frantic grasping of her bridle 
 on the descending trail. 
 
 " Oh, yes ; she said she must see our ' Snuggy.' 
 I do not wonder you liked her ; I " and here a 
 thoughtful look stole into the gray eyes, and but 
 for the sound of returning steps there might have 
 passed into a brother's keeping a glimpse of a 
 lonely little life. 
 
 With a subtle movement Windy lifted his Sis 
 and, placing her in the chair they had both occu- 
 pied, turned and, opening the outer door, let in 
 the spicy evening air, for their home nestled among 
 the pines. The lad loved his sister with a fervent 
 love, but the boy's fear of ridicule would show it- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 53 
 
 self, now and again; and just now he felt that he 
 did not care to be found showing too much senti- 
 ment before the new-comer, but, not wishing to 
 wound Sis, he had left her and assumed an inter- 
 est in the cousin he little felt, as he stood in the 
 doorway waiting for Ben, who, with Joe following, 
 shedding the light from a lantern to guide him, 
 came into view. 
 
 "Well, Joe, Sis sort of stole a march on me 
 to-day, didn't she? I am very glad she enjoyed 
 it so well, and now I am going to ask you boys to 
 join me upon the piazza for a smoke, as I am 
 afraid if we all fire up here we shall drive our lit- 
 tle housekeeper out of her domain." Whereupon 
 Windy, stepping to his sister's side, playfully 
 pulled her ear, as he continued, " Now, is not your 
 protector thoughtful to-night ? " 
 
 " Yes, Roma, I think Pal is right. He always 
 is, you know. I am afraid we might make it a tri- 
 fle hazy if given time enough," and Joe's " ha ha " 
 broke forth, thus ending his speech. 
 
 " Well, perhaps so " returned the girlish 
 
 voice. " I will remain here and just begin with 
 my wonderful day, thinking it all over and it 
 will not be bad fun either, for it has been a jolly 
 one." 
 
 After a pull at their pipes, which lasted longer 
 than they would have believed, the trio reentered 
 the " Snuggy," to find a little creature lying silent 
 and peaceful in the depths of the big chair 
 wrapped in the arms of Morpheus, the scarlet rib- 
 
54 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 bon and kerchief still giving the added touch to a 
 lovely picture. 
 
 How tender both the voices were as they with 
 gentle words wakened the sleeper, and laughingly 
 making a cradle for her with their entwined arms, 
 they bore her away to her little room she call- 
 ing out, " Good night," to the new cousin, who 
 was just looking on. 
 
CHAPTER XI 
 
 It was long into the night ere Windy Anderson 
 fell into a troubled sleep, for learning that the 
 father whom he had always regarded as above re- 
 proach could have so far forgotten his manliness 
 as to stoop to such a deed as the new-found cousin 
 had proved, was a crushing blow to the lad. 
 Then, again, he did not like Ben; why, he could 
 not tell, but it did not seem as if he could have him 
 become an inmate of the " Snuggy " where, except 
 for the loss of their parents, Sis and he had been 
 so happy. To be sure, Joe was there, but that 
 was different; he was just Joe. Then, although 
 Ben had promised not to, in any way, acquaint 
 Sis of the disgrace, if she should find out from 
 something he might let drop, her life would be 
 spoiled, for Sis had idolized her da-da, as she 
 called him. 
 
 The first consciousness that Windy experienced 
 was Sis's voice calling him a very unusual thing, 
 for he was an early riser and often spent an hour 
 or so in the field before breakfast. He had con- 
 tinued on with the raising of wheat, as his father 
 had started, though as yet he did not have a very 
 large acreage, but hoped in time to realize much 
 
 more from the enlargement of the project. Joe 
 
 55 
 
56 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 and he had planted a small garden where they 
 raised all the vegetables that supplied the table. 
 So, together with the fees Windy picked up as a 
 guide, he had started a nest-egg in the bank at the 
 nearest town. 
 
 Hardly believing his ears as he answered his Sis, 
 Windy hastily arose, wondering why he felt so un- 
 like himself, when like a flash the whole event of 
 the preceding night came rushing over him; but, 
 like many another, he put his shoulder to the wheel 
 and when he greeted Roma a little later he laugh- 
 ingly said, " Well, Sis, you had your sleep first 
 last night, so I thought I would be last this morn- 
 ing." 
 
 To Ben he appeared agreeable, but Joe, who 
 happened to be standing near when the cousins 
 met, again felt a slight friction seeming to arise 
 from the contact of the two. " Well, come ; I must 
 have kept you all from breakfast and you must be 
 famished," continued Windy. 
 
 Some little time after they had finished their 
 morning meal Windy came into the kitchen where 
 Roma was busy with her work, and exclaimed, 
 " Well, Sis, I see you are right at it you will 
 have to ask for higher wages as you will have one 
 more hungry fellow to feed." 
 
 " I will take him at the same pay I have been 
 getting," laughed the rosy maid, flying about like 
 a little swallow, " for he will not stay long enough 
 to pay me to raise my price." 
 
 " I do not know about that, Sis. You see, he 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 57 
 
 is our coz, and has always wanted to live in the 
 West. He believes there is money to be made out 
 here in wheat anH various ways. Now, what do 
 you say if he wants to remain? " 
 
 " Well, of course, as he is our cousin we should 
 try and help him, I suppose, but " 
 
 " But what, Roma ? Do you not like him ? " 
 
 " Oh, it is not that," continued the girl, " but 
 somehow it will all seem different but there, per- 
 haps he will not enjoy it as much as he thinks." 
 
 Windy here walked toward the door, simply be- 
 cause he could not keep the thought silent as under 
 his breath he muttered, " Dear Heaven, I hope it 
 may prove so." 
 
 " And now, ' Fanchon my cricket,' I am going 
 to ride upon several errands, and shall stop at the 
 chalet before I return, so you must let me take the 
 ring back and see if there is an owner for it. Also, 
 I shall see my doc. Have you any message for 
 her?" 
 
 " Oh, yes, Brother ; take her my best love and 
 tell her I want her to be sure and not forget to 
 come and see our ' Snuggy ' before she goes home. 
 I will get the ring, but do hope you will not find an 
 owner then it will be mine. You must invite 
 Mr. and Mrs. Raynor to come up with the doctor, 
 for they are very nice." 
 
 When Roma stepped upon the porch she saw 
 that Ben was already mounted upon Joe's Scotty, 
 and Glossy, her brother's horse, stood pawing the 
 ground, anxious to be upon the move, or, as Roma 
 
58 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 said, reminding her of the sugar he did not mean 
 she should forget. Nor had she, for her little 
 brown hand had suddenly reached out a goodly 
 bit as she laid it flat under the dilated nostrils of 
 the good beast, and neither was Scotty forgotten. 
 
 Ben evidently had been in the saddle before, but 
 his appearance was not to the saddle born. 
 Windy, on the contrary, was a very Don Quixote, 
 and Roma watched him with a proud, loving ex- 
 pression upon her face until his last wave answered 
 her own, and the descent hid him from her gray 
 eyes. 
 
 Meantime, Mrs. Raynor and Dr. Moulton were 
 having a very spirited conversation regarding the 
 poor little ring Roma was hoping very hard no one 
 would claim. 
 
 " Do you know, when I wound my watch upon 
 retiring last night I missed my little charm that I 
 have worn so many years and, search as I did, I 
 have not found it. I am so sorry about it," and 
 Mrs. Raynor looked quite disturbed for her. 
 
 " What was it, a rabbit's foot or a four-leaf 
 clover? " asked her companion. 
 
 " Ah, my dear, something dearer to me than al- 
 most anything I possess. A little signet ring with 
 the initials A. E. P. upon it. You see, I have a 
 half brother much younger than myself, but as 
 there are only we two, he seems as near to me as 
 my own brother." 
 
 " Oh, Mrs. Raynor, did you wear it up the trail 
 yesterday ? " asked her companion in a very quiet 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 59 
 
 tone, while she almost dreaded the answer, for the 
 bright face of Roma seemed suddenly to appear 
 before her, a disappointed look deepening the gray 
 eyes. 
 
 " Yes, I had it on when I left the chalet. But 
 why do you ask ? Has any one seen it ? " eagerly 
 returned Amelia Raynor, adding, " I gave it to 
 Allyn when he was fifteen years old and when he 
 outgrew it I begged it back as my own, and I have 
 worn it ever since." 
 
 "Poor little Roma! I think you will not be 
 able to sport your newly found trinket very long, 
 even if you did wish very hard that an owner 
 might not be found," thought Elanore Moulton, 
 and she told of the finding of a ring by the girl 
 Roma, adding, " I am very glad, Mrs. Raynor, 
 that you will have your trinket back, and I can 
 imagine how you must prize it, but if you could 
 have heard the glad cry and seen the look in her 
 expressive face you would feel just a little sorry 
 that the owner had come to light." 
 
 " I shall buy her a nice little one when I return 
 and send it right back to her," eagerly exclaimed 
 Mrs. Raynor ; " but, do you suppose she will send 
 it back?" 
 
 " Yes, indeed, she told me that Brother should 
 return it upon the morrow, but she did so want to 
 show it to her boys, as she called Windy and Joe." 
 
 As the lads passed from Roma's lingering gaze 
 they neither spoke for some little way, until Ben, 
 who had been busying himself securing a cigarette 
 
60 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 as his starter for the day, broke out so abruptly 
 as to cause Glossy and his master both to start 
 perceptibly. " Well, I suppose it is all right for 
 me to send for my belongings. I have not many, 
 but what I have I would like." 
 
 " Yes, Ben, you may as well get them. I told 
 Sis this morning that you might remain for a 
 lengthy visit. But, Ben, remember. If one word 
 gets to my little girl that you have told to me, you 
 and I will be through forever." 
 
 " Oh, I will take care of that part," his com- 
 panion returned, while the look that darted 
 from his eyes and the smile that sneered from his 
 thick lips might have caused a feeling not only 
 of antipathy but one of guarded caution if they 
 had been beheld; as it was, Windy, who had not 
 even glanced at him since their start, intuitively 
 felt a sense of antagonism, though, if he had been 
 asked why, he could not have explained. 
 
 Their conversation lagged much of the way and 
 it was with a great sense of satisfaction that 
 Windy caught the first glimpse of the picturesque 
 chalet, and expressed his intention to stop there. 
 " You may ride about, Ben. I shall not be long, 
 but I have a message for a tourist I met some 
 few days ago, and will join you later." 
 
 " Oh, suit yourself," was the reply, although it 
 was very evident Ben had not expected to be turned 
 off in such an unceremonious manner. As Windy 
 turned up the drive that led under the porte- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 61 
 
 cochere, he met Mrs. Ray nor and the doctor just 
 emerging, and hastily alighting he turned to meet 
 them. 
 
 " Well, well, Windy. You are a great chap, to 
 be sure, to paint such a graphic alluring picture 
 of the trail and then at the last moment to forsake 
 us and leave us to the tender mercies of another. 
 I would not forgive you save for the fact that I 
 met your dear little Sis," chattered Elanore Moul- 
 ton. 
 
 " Yes, Doc. She has told me all about your 
 trip, and it was a gala day for her, I can tell you ; 
 but if you knew how I missed it myself, you would 
 not believe it," returned Windy. Here he turned 
 to Mrs. Raynor and inquired if the ride had put 
 the mister out of business, to which they all had 
 a jolly laugh. 
 
 Just then Mr. Raynor hove in sight, and learn- 
 ing that the laugh was upon him, exclaimed, 
 "That's all right; keep it up. But, my lad, I 
 shall kidnap that Sis of yours out of spite if for 
 nothing more, if you make fun of me. Now, we 
 want you both to come and have dinner with us 
 to-morrow, for we leave the day following and 
 must see her at least again." 
 
 " Thank you, Mr. Raynor, very much ; it is 
 jolly fine of you, but Sis and I want you all to 
 come to us, and if you have only one more day 
 you must come to-morrow. It is not so very steep 
 and a much easier ride in every way than to the 
 
6 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 Lake trail." Here he turned to Dr. Moulton and 
 in a very earnest tone continued, " You will come, 
 won't you, Doc ? " 
 
 " Yes, Windy, I think I will, for we all must 
 say good-by to Roma, and if you would rather we 
 visit you, I expect you have won." 
 
 " Oh, thank you, Doc. I always thought you 
 were a dandy and now I know it," Windy ex- 
 claimed with great enthusiasm. 
 
 " Even if I do sometimes sign myself Miss ; eh, 
 Windy?" 
 
 They straightway laid their plans as to how 
 they should make the ascent the next day, deciding 
 Joe should come for them. It was thought best 
 that they should ride the same ponies as the day 
 before. Dr. Moulton exclaimed, " We are sure 
 that they brought us safely home once and we will 
 trust to them and luck to accomplish it once more." 
 
 Here Windy was obliged to enter the chalet and 
 Mr. Raynor strolled off in another direction. No 
 sooner were they out of sight than Amelia Raynor, 
 who had been very silent for the last few moments, 
 exclaimed, " I expect our young friend has gone 
 to make inquiry relative to his little Sis's bauble." 
 
 " I have not a doubt of it, but here he comes," 
 returned her companion. 
 
 " I have been in to inquire if any one had lost a 
 ring," Windy said, as he approached the ladies. 
 " Doc, Sis did so want to wear it just last night. 
 I have left it at the desk, but I hope the same as 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 63 
 
 Sis does, that no one will claim it, for it made her 
 so happy." 
 
 For a moment there was no remark, until finally 
 Amelia Raynor spoke, saying, " Somehow I feel 
 that no one will ever claim it," whereupon Elanore 
 Moulton passed her arm through that of her com- 
 panion, and if there was an unusual warmth in the 
 contact, no one but themselves were the wiser. 
 
 Sending their love to Roma and telling Windy 
 they would see him again soon, they bade him 
 good-by. Windy spent considerable time trying 
 to learn the whereabouts of his Cousin Ben, but 
 after a lengthened hunt he decided he must have 
 returned up the trail, and so he too turned Glossy 
 in that direction. His surmise proved right, for 
 when he came in sight of the Snuggy there sat 
 Ben, big as life, upon the piazza, still puffing at his 
 inevitable cigarette. 
 
CHAPTER XII 
 
 Such excitement as prevailed the next morning 
 throughout the Snuggy. Roma was astir with the 
 birds and at no little time later she had given each 
 lad, even Ben, his task. 
 
 " You see, Broth, it is my first real party, and 
 it must be a success." 
 
 Little did the boys realize the depths of womanly 
 intuitiveness which the girl possessed. If she had 
 been accustomed to dinner parties every day she 
 could not have carried out in many ways a more 
 unique or pleasing program. They did not know 
 of the thoughts that flashed through the mind of 
 the little housewife as she lay with flushed cheek 
 pressed into her pillow the previous night, trying 
 to woo the sleep that simply would not come, until 
 finally, when detail after detail had passed and re- 
 passed, she, from sheer mental fatigue, at last suc- 
 cumbed, and now she was carrying into effect the 
 outgo of her mental picture. 
 
 " Now, Joe, you and Ben may carry this table 
 out on the piazza for me; it is much too lovely a 
 day to remain indoors. And then, Joe," Roma 
 continued, " I would like you to take down the 
 Navajo blankets that Father bought from the 
 
 friendly chief the first year we settled here. What 
 
 64 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 65 
 
 lovely colors they use ! Do you remember the box 
 of trinkets they sent us one Christmas? I expect 
 Mother and Dada knew all about it long before we 
 did. You see, Cousin Ben, we could not go shop- 
 ping as the children in the cities do, and we had 
 not passed the age of Santa, so the gifts of the 
 bright toys were very dear to us. I have always 
 kept them. They are now packed away, but I 
 mean to use them upon my table to-day." 
 
 " Hurrah ! Sis, you are the girl ; but how on 
 earth did you ever think of that idea," exclaimed 
 Windy, spinning across the room and lifting Roma 
 by the elbows, he held her poised in air. 
 
 " Well, you see, as Mother used to say, ' Neces- 
 sity is the mother of invention,' but, Broth, you 
 stop your meddling and keep at work. I want 
 you to cut me a small, well-shaped pine tree for 
 my table, while I go and hunt up my Indian 
 trinkets." 
 
 " Very good, Minnehaha, at your service." 
 
 Here Joe, who was unfastening the blanket which 
 hung from one side of the Snuggy and which made 
 such a picturesque draping, turned, while the eye 
 of the manly Hiawatha could not have beamed 
 forth more adoration than did his as he looked 
 down on the girl Roma. Ben, happening to turn 
 at that moment, was a witness to the scene, and 
 as he passed quietly out on the porch under some 
 feigned pretense, a long low whistle resounded upon 
 the clear autumn air. 
 
 The piazza, where they were to hold their fete, 
 
66 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 had a southern exposure, and the air, so fragrant 
 and spicy, was borne to Roma as she flitted about. 
 She first arranged the bright Navajo covering 
 over the table where it lay in dignified repose, the 
 ends falling in graceful folds to the floor. Then 
 such a medley of articles as were brought forth 
 from the depths of the box that she had kept in 
 hiding. With a long string of beads she made a 
 trail, extending the entire length of the table, a 
 distance of some few inches in width, while here 
 and there she had single pine twigs to act as 
 trees, while moss was used on either side of the 
 trail, giving a touch of soft green which looked 
 very realistic. A little more than half way the 
 length of the table she had formed two miniature 
 lakes by using pieces of mirror glass and surround- 
 ing them thickly with moss and lichen. By the 
 lake's side she moored two very good sized toy 
 canoes, which she intended utilizing later as dishes 
 for her viands. A little further along she, with 
 Windy's help, erected the symmetrical little pine 
 tree he had cut for her, while under its spreading 
 branches she placed a miniature tent made partly 
 of birch bark, while the entrance was of twisted 
 sweet grass. It was a very unique bit of work, 
 and had been constructed by one of the Indian 
 lads, and this she now planned to represent the 
 Refuge at the summit of the trail where she had 
 stood when first spying the party who were to be 
 her guests to-day. At each place a small moccasin 
 was placed to designate where the guests were to be 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 67 
 
 seated. These were filled with wild flowers, there 
 being no two alike, and which Joe declared was 
 certainly the finishing touch. 
 
 As Roma stood back, looking with critical eyes 
 on her handiwork, she could not but feel a glow of 
 pride, for it did present a very gala appearance; 
 while Ben, who had sauntered up just at the mo- 
 ment, complimented her so highly, exclaiming, 
 " Why, Roma, you have certainly lost your call- 
 ing ; you should have been a decorator. A society 
 lady could not have done better." 
 
 With such hearty approval she decided the ar- 
 rangement would do, and began to think of the 
 more substantial part. Soon the kitchen was 
 sounding and resounding to the merry refrains 
 which rang forth from the lips of the busy lass, as 
 she concocted tempting morsels for the pleasure of 
 all. As the hour of noon began to tick itself into 
 prominence, Roma disappeared, soon to reappear a 
 veritable Indian maiden, for she had donned a real 
 typical costume, one she had played Minnehaha in 
 many times. 
 
 "Well, Sis, I think you will do," exclaimed 
 Windy, as he surveyed her with much pride, " and 
 I expect Doc will think so too." 
 
 Ere long a faint halloo was heard in the direc- 
 tion of the trail and soon again a louder one. In- 
 stantly Roma and Windy were on the alert. 
 Roma remained at the entrance of the Snuggy to 
 welcome, while Windy hastened to assist the ladies 
 to alight. Such exclamations they uttered as to 
 
68 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 the beauty of the view obtained from the eleva- 
 tion, the quaintness of the building, and above all 
 the picturesqueness of their young hostess. 
 
 Dr. Moulton again folded the motherless girl 
 in her arms, while Windy, who stood near, really 
 wished he also might be included, for he had taken 
 an unaccountable fancy to the lady tourist and 
 felt that if his Sis could have such a friend life 
 would be much brighter; for, boy as he was, he 
 realized somewhat the need of womanly comrade- 
 ship for her. 
 
 Such a merry party as they were ! The Snuggy 
 was not only admired, but snap-shots of every part 
 were taken by the doctor, who was quite carried 
 away by its uniqueness. 
 
 Soon Roma hospitally announced dinner by 
 knocking ingeniously upon an old pewter platter 
 which Windy had found buried and which they 
 always had felt must have been the property of 
 the Indians. Windy offered Dr. Moulton his arm 
 in the most approved fashion, while Mr. Raynor 
 followed with Roma, the charming Minnehaha ; 
 Mrs. Raynor fell to the lot of Ben, for Joe insisted 
 upon serving them, as he declared Roma had been 
 quite busy enough. 
 
 If ardent enthusiasm alone was needed for the 
 success of the dinner it was not withheld, for the 
 ladies were so pleased and surprised at Roma's pro- 
 gram that they could not say enough, while the 
 gentlemen not only did enjoy the gala appearance 
 of the spread but did their best at the tasty repast. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 69 
 
 " Well, Roma, you may apply at any time for 
 the position of cook at my home," exclaimed Mr. 
 Raynor, as he helped himself to another portion of 
 the egg salad that looked very tempting where the 
 young chef had arranged it upon lettuce leaves in 
 one of the canoes, while in the other was a tempt- 
 ing display of muffins, good to behold, cold boiled 
 ham sliced to a nicety, " escalloped potatoes rival- 
 ing her own mother's," Dr. Moulton declared, 
 while, to cap the whole, was a lemon meringue pie 
 and " really having a meringue," Windy said. 
 Then, turning to Mr. Raynor, he continued, 
 " What, pray, should we do without our cook if 
 she accepted such a proposal as yours? Do you 
 suppose we boys would get a pie like that every 
 day? Well, I wonder!" 
 
 " There, Broth, that is quite enough," returned 
 Roma, but the sweet, contented little smile which 
 accompanied her rebuke was very pleasant to see. 
 Joe proved a very handy waiter, while Ben made 
 himself most agreeable and really succeeded in be- 
 ing quite an entertaining conversationist. 
 
 Their luncheon over, where so regally the inner 
 man had been appeased, the guests asked their 
 hostess to show them the Snuggy, to which she 
 acquiesced, as she was quite proud of her little 
 home among the pines. 
 
 As Elanore Moulton watched the young girl 
 and realized her position, a sense of protector- 
 ship stole over her and she felt that perhaps God 
 in His great far-seeing mercy had sent her on this 
 
70 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 trail, the end of which might prove of benefit to 
 the orphaned girl. A little later, when Windy 
 entered the Snuggy, she asked him to come and sit 
 by her, and when after a goodly amount of honest 
 praise had been given the little domain, Dr. Moul- 
 ton suddenly put her hand on her companion's arm 
 and said, " Windy, you cannot realize perhaps 
 what this visit has been to me, but I want you to 
 know that somehow both you and your sister have 
 stolen into my heart and if the time should ever 
 come when either of you need a friend I will be one 
 to you both." 
 
 " Doc, how can I thank you enough ? You are 
 surely a trump, and you must have been sent here 
 to help me out. Many times I have felt that per- 
 haps Sis should not live here, here with no other 
 comradeship than Joe's and mine. She should go 
 to school somewhere, but where, that has been the 
 part that has troubled me. You see, we have a 
 tiny nest egg and I know that our parents would 
 have sent Sis away, if they had lived, for both 
 know the value of an education, and had very good 
 ones themselves. As for me, they meant that I 
 should go, but that's a thing now of the past; 
 reasons have sprung up that will keep me here 
 a-pegging. But Sis, now more than ever, I wish 
 might go. You see, our new cousin has shown a 
 great liking for the West and has asked to remain 
 with us for a spell. I cannot refuse him, but I do 
 not intend that Sis shall stay here and become a 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 71 
 
 little household drudge for we three lumbering fel- 
 lows." 
 
 " Bravo, my young friend," interrupted Ela- 
 nore Moulton, " you have spoken worthy to be the 
 brother of such a sweet Sis. I, too, have been 
 thinking, and am fully persuaded that Providence 
 has sent me to know and admire you folks. There 
 is a splendid school for young ladies not far from 
 my home, not a fashionable, elegant sort of place, 
 but a good refined school where a practical educa- 
 tion can be obtained and where the girls lead 
 happy, industrious lives and where they may fit 
 themselves for useful vocations. The fee is not 
 an extravagant one by any means, and if Roma 
 should go I promise to watch over her and make 
 her happy." 
 
 " I am sure of that, Doc, but suppose we speak 
 to Sis about the project and see how she takes it. 
 What say you, my little Minnehaha? " continued 
 Windy Anderson, as Roma approached the corner 
 where they were seated and where the ardent 
 brother soon made room for her by himself. 
 " How would you like to live near the Doc and go 
 to school ? " 
 
 " Pray, pardon me, Windy, for interrupting, 
 but I want Doctor Moulton to see some of Roma's 
 sketches and also her water colors ; then she will 
 almost insist upon her going somewhere to improve 
 her talent, for I think it very marked that she has 
 unusual genius in that line," explained Mrs. Ray- 
 
72 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 nor, holding to view a sketch of much promise, 
 giving a glimpse of a trail where the tall trees 
 twined their green branches, covering the pathway 
 beneath with lights and shadows, until one looking 
 could almost hear the gentle sighing of the wind 
 and inhale the fragrance of the wood. 
 
 " So ho ! my little chef is an artist as well," 
 commented Elanore Moulton, " and a very good 
 one, I quite agree with Mrs. Raynor ; and now 
 there is all the more need for you to study." 
 
 " I would love dearly to go if it were not for 
 leaving Broth," Roma replied, " but I do not see 
 how I could go and leave the three boys here to 
 care for themselves ; they would make a fine mess of 
 our little Snuggy." 
 
 " Well, Roma, my child, you and Broth talk it 
 over, and when the right time comes you may be 
 sure we shall all make you very welcome and see 
 to your needs. My home will always be wide open 
 to you both, and Mr. and Mrs. Raynor will second 
 the motion, I am sure. And now," continued Dr. 
 Moulton, " I think we must say au revoir, much as 
 we dislike to. To-morrow morning will soon be 
 on us and I have many things to do upon arriving 
 at the chalet; so, my little Minnehaha and my 
 stanch guide, I want to thank you again for this 
 delightful day and I assure you it will never leave 
 my consciousness. I want you, Roma child, to 
 write me, for I shall feel that a part of myself has 
 been left here with you in this calm wooded abode." 
 
 With great tenderness Elanore Moulton bade 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 73 
 
 farewell to the young girl, and both felt that some- 
 thing had passed into and from their lives that 
 day that nothing could efface a true friendship 
 that was pure as refined gold. 
 
 The late afternoon sun flickered round and 
 about the descending party as the doctor and her 
 companions turned many times to look back at the 
 friends who lovingly and steadfastly watched their 
 descent. Windy, with his arm thrown about his 
 Sis, stood almost unconsciously watching the rapt 
 gaze of the face beside him, then turning he fol- 
 lowed long the departing figure of his newly found 
 friend, while almost reverently the words, " God 
 bless you both," fell upon the pine-scented air. 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
 
 " Yes, Mrs. Moulton, you had scarcely turned 
 Busy Bee's head round the first corner when on 
 answering the bell there stood but you cannot 
 guess," and here Betsy's black face glowed and 
 gleamed, while her round bead-like eyes fairly 
 danced with suppressed animation. 
 
 " Well, Betsy, I am sure it is some one you 
 either like very much or think that I do, or both ; 
 but as for guessing, I am not quick at that, so 
 help me out, that's a good soul." 
 
 " He is coming again and to-night, for I asked 
 him to," and here Betsy's wrinkled visage looked 
 a little awed, for, trusty servant that she was and 
 had been for many years, she felt that even she 
 had boundaries. 
 
 " I am sure," she continued a little more confi- 
 dently, " you will not mind when you know who it 
 is, and then, you see, Miss Elanore arrives in time 
 for dinner, so I asked him for that." 
 
 Mrs. Moulton's gentle face had assumed more 
 dignity than she felt, but she thought it best to 
 hold Betsy with a little tighter check than usual, 
 for since her daughter's departure some weeks 
 previous she had wielded her scepter with a most 
 
 unrestrained fashion. 
 
 74 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 75 
 
 " Well, Betsy, I must say that I am surprised, 
 for you remember Miss Elanore is rather particu- 
 lar as to her guests, and as she will likely be quite 
 tired after her long ride, I am afraid you have 
 overstepped a bit." 
 
 Betsy by this time had hastened to the hall 
 where she secured the bit of white paper which she 
 felt certain would make all the amends necessary, 
 and returning handed it to her mistress, still with 
 a subdued look of satisfaction at her demeanor. 
 
 At sight of the name which meant so much to 
 many as well as to the one in whose hand the card 
 rested, a look of intense pleasure lighted up the 
 refined features, while the title of Hon. Allyn E. 
 Prentice, Los Angeles, Cal., resounded in the room, 
 followed by the words, " Betsy, you did exactly 
 right. At what time is he to come? " 
 
 " He could not exactly say, Missey, but in time 
 for to dine. I is so glad you is glad, and I's sure 
 the Mister and Master Rupert would be could they 
 know, and perhaps they do, no telling. Now I'll 
 fly, for the doctor will want everything so-so, as it 
 always had to be in the college days, when young 
 Prentice used to come home with young Master, 
 that was before he had a handle to his name eh, 
 Missey,"- - this with an accompanying look into 
 which had crept a tenderness which was far from 
 being feigned. 
 
 " Yes, Betsy." Here a slight turn almost uncon- 
 sciously found Mrs. Moulton with glance directed 
 to two portraits, evidently of father and son, both 
 
76 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 with the same frank, manly expression beaming 
 from the clear dark eyes. For a little space of 
 time Mrs. Moulton stood lost in thought, when 
 remembering herself, she, turning to speak, found 
 that she was alone. Betsy had gone. " Ah, my 
 husband and son, we all remember you with such 
 thoughts of love, but none more loyally than 
 Betsy." 
 
 Seeking her room, Mrs. Moulton dressed in 
 some haste, so that she might have ample time to 
 give the finishing touches to the necessary arrange- 
 ments below. Tastefully she arranged the flowers 
 in the richly appointed rooms, not forgetting the 
 usual tokens at the beloved portraits. She also 
 attended the laying of the grate in the library, 
 for Elanore had a special love for a cozy fire, even 
 though plenty of fresh-scented, autumn air was 
 carried into the roomy apartment. 
 
 Having finished her further inspection as to 
 table acquisitions, she returned and, seating her- 
 self, gave memory complete sway. How long she 
 sat there she did not know; she was recalled by 
 hearing her child's voice, accompanied by one of 
 deeper tone, and quickly starting she hastened 
 toward the sound, only to be intercepted before 
 she could fully realize it by the strong, warm em- 
 brace of her beloved daughter's arms. 
 
 " Elanore Allyn, where in the world " 
 
 " Yes, right here in a very busy world," con- 
 tinued the deep voice of the gentleman, who wanted 
 to give her a little time for composure. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 77 
 
 " Why, Mother, you have been so long alone, 
 you had forgotten my silent entree," here turn- 
 ing toward her companion she added in an apolo- 
 getical tone, " You see, I have added an M.D. to 
 my name, consequently the latch key. But, 
 Mother mine," this as the new-comer had tightly 
 grasped the elder lady's hand " is it not good to 
 welcome Rupert's friend? " 
 
 Such a busy evening as the trio passed ! Betsy 
 was all smiles as she served them in her most pat- 
 ronizing manner, and her bright eyes scarcely left 
 the masculine member of the party except to at- 
 tend to her duties. Such yarns as they did spin! 
 She afterward remarked to Mrs. Moulton, as some 
 time later she stepped into the kitchen to test the 
 coffee that was to be served in the library, " Why, 
 I could 'most smell the pine needles and see the 
 great snow-capped mountains, and to think that 
 Miss Elanore and Massa Allyn have seen the same 
 wonderful sight ! " 
 
 " Yes, it was very nice for them both," returned 
 her mistress ; " and almost singular too that they 
 should pass through with only a few hours be- 
 tween." 
 
 Meanwhile in the hospitably furnished library 
 more yarns were in progress. 
 
 " I am so sorry you had to make such a hurried 
 trip of it all, for it is a country that is too grand 
 to leave until one actually has to. I feel that I 
 shall never again see such stars as those I viewed 
 from between and over God's gigantic towers, 
 
78 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 nor such clear limpid water can I ever for- 
 get it? " 
 
 " You are as great a lover of nature as was 
 your brother," returned Allyn Prentice. " He 
 would rather tramp it for hours through moun- 
 tains and glen than any other fellow I ever met ; 
 but you are certainly right about the territory 
 which we have just passed through. I was awed 
 when we ' made the loop,' winding down in and 
 about like a huge viper with its subtleness and 
 strength, and, if you believe me, I really envied 
 the trainmen their quietness and freedom to live 
 near old Mother Earth, as I passed the almost 
 isolated huts by the wayside." 
 
 " It is a shame you cannot go back that way, 
 for then you could visit the most original ' snuggy ' 
 you could imagine; for as I have carte blanche to 
 it, it would be well worth your while," here Dr. 
 Moulton's face assumed a more thoughtful, more 
 tender aspect than her companion had seen upon 
 it since she enfolded her mother in her embrace. 
 
 " Well, pray, what may a * snuggy ' be? " in- 
 quired her companion, with a slight gleam of 
 amusement in his rather critical eyes. " It is 
 surely a new figure of speech to me." 
 
 " Just a home, or rather homestead, way back 
 up a trail, where the pines whisper and sigh, and 
 where live a brother and sister with love so strong 
 for each other that no sordidness could ever wean 
 one from the other a love so beautiful to be- 
 hold," said Elanore Moulton. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 79 
 
 " Well, it is rather unfortunate I am not per- 
 mitted to embrace such a picture, but perhaps it is 
 better so, for, yoM see, my dear Doctor, a lawyer's 
 heart cannot afford to grow too soft; but, pray, 
 tell me more of the pair." 
 
 Here Mrs. Moulton, accompanied by Betsy 
 carrying a tray on which a coffee urn with its 
 steaming contents figured prominently, brought 
 the conversation to a standstill for the moment, 
 and when later it was resumed the topic, at least 
 by one, had been forgotten. 
 
 Over their coffee, mother and daughter listened, 
 as Allyn Prentice told them of California, of his 
 work and aspirations, until it seemed as if once 
 more the years had rolled back and he was a lad 
 again. There had been only a very few years be- 
 tween Rupert and Elanore Moulton and Allyn 
 Prentice. The latter had been reared by a maiden 
 aunt in a thriving New England city, where he 
 had practically been his own master long before 
 he cast his first ballot. He had always admired 
 his aunt, but she had been what the world calls a 
 practical woman; always keenly alert as to the 
 standard of Allyn's examination papers, even when 
 he, as a lad, attended the preliminary school. He, 
 naturally a very good scholar, tried even harder, 
 as his aunt always made it a point of adding or 
 subtracting from his allowance in proportion as 
 his average went up or down the line. Thus in- 
 stilled in his youthful mind that success depended 
 upon his own exertion, he had year by year put 
 
80 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 forth much energy, until now at thirty-five years of 
 age he had risen even beyond his most ardent hopes. 
 As a lawyer, he had long been counted as one of 
 the keenest, while for the past few years he had 
 given it his attention to the extent of his time, until 
 he had come to be known as California's Criminal 
 Lawyer; but just as he always was, Allyn Prentice 
 lacked the tenderness and sympathy which many a 
 clever lawyer possessed and which in the loss of a 
 loving mother and tender environment he had been 
 deprived of. His one thought for years had been 
 self, name, position, glory. If he had ever had a 
 real tenderness in his life, it had been years back 
 in his college days and for his friend and room- 
 mate, Rupert Moulton. He had been lionized for 
 years. As for matrimony, he had not thought it 
 worth the trouble, although his vanity had been 
 appeased many times by tributes from the fair sex. 
 
 It had been several years now since his visit East, 
 and much as Mrs. Moulton and Elanore enjoyed 
 his visit they both felt that, clever and entertaining 
 as he was, there was a trace of blase in his bearing 
 of which he evidently was unaware. He was then 
 on his way to Washington, D. C., upon some 
 special case then pending in the Supreme Court. 
 
 Swiftly the evening passed until Allyn Prentice 
 announced his intended leaving, as he was obliged 
 to take a very early train next morning. The 
 added persuasion of Mrs. Moulton and Elanore for 
 him to remain their guest over night did not pre- 
 vail, as he declared his very early start impera- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 81 
 
 tive, and that their kindness and hospitality should 
 not suffer from his early hours. 
 
 " And now I hope some day you will think well 
 of running out to the land of flowers, when I will 
 do my best to show you some of the beauties of the 
 country of which I am so proud." 
 
 His leave-taking was very sincere and both Mrs. 
 Moulton and Elanore felt an extreme tenderness 
 for him for auld lang syne. Still the doctor could 
 not refrain from adding as his hand parted from 
 hers, " I forgot to tell you more about the Snuggy ; 
 but then, you see, lawyers better not have carte 
 blanche to such places." His laughing answer, 
 "No, better so; but then, who knows?" accom- 
 panied his tall figure as the door closed upon him. 
 
CHAPTER XIV 
 
 A glorious autumn followed in which the little 
 creatures of the scented woods were Roma's next 
 guests. The squirrels became so friendly as they 
 scampered to and fro getting in their harvest that 
 the girl, as she talked and mimicked them, felt that 
 she learned of their secrets as she exchanged with 
 hers. 
 
 Roma was changed. She herself admitted it, 
 and as for the lads, they felt it sorely. Still, she 
 was ever alert as to their welfare and busied her- 
 self with a song on her lips ; however, one or other 
 of her boys, as she called them, would often come 
 upon her sitting very quietly with a thoughtful ex- 
 pression upon her sensitive face, while at times 
 wistfulness keenly apparent glowed at them, called 
 forth by subconscious communion with her own 
 thoughts. 
 
 Joe was the first to feel the difference; still, 
 never a word did there pass from his lips to Windy, 
 for he knew that there had been some talk of 
 Roma's going away to school and he feared that 
 if her brother were brought to see the sense of 
 loneliness he felt certain was now creeping into her 
 life, he would urge her going. That secrecy was 
 
 a selfish thing on his part Joe acknowledged, as 
 
 82 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 83 
 
 he felt the warm blood in his veins grow and then 
 subside into slow pulsations as he again thought 
 of what her absence would mean to him. But the 
 day came when Windy put the question to him 
 direct. 
 
 The boys had both been away guiding tourists 
 and had at the urgent request of the party left 
 the ponies for the night at a stable near the chalet 
 where they were to be used for a ride by moonlight. 
 The lads, who were to be well remunerated, decided 
 to foot it back to the Snuggy. It was a crisp 
 autumn afternoon, the air having a zest like 
 champagne, and the friends bent their young 
 strength as they climbed up the steep ascent. 
 Windy seemed a trifle sober, but as the beauty of 
 his surroundings stole over him from mere associa- 
 tion he became brighter, until he seemed more like 
 the Windy of old. Their jokes sent forth many a 
 reechoing laugh as they still continued on their 
 way. As they neared the top of the climb, Windy 
 exclaimed, " Let's make Sis think we are a couple 
 of brigands, and steal in on her; she, not hearing 
 the ponies as they usually carry us up, will indeed 
 be off her guard." 
 
 " Perhaps she too may be having a tramp," 
 answered Joe in rather an off-hand manner, for he 
 still remembered the somber looks he had been a 
 witness to when she had felt herself unobserved. 
 
 But Windy seemed to think it quite a lark, so 
 stealthily they approached the door, which they 
 reached by crouching low from the side of the trail 
 
84s GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 to the large pines which stood near the Smiggy. 
 But what could it mean, for Windy, with knuckles 
 poised to announce himself, halted, while unmis- 
 takable sobs were borne to the lads' ears and com- 
 ing straight from the Snuggy? Still still as 
 death both lads remained, but a guilty look was 
 creeping into the eyes of Joe, and after a moment's 
 pause, he laid his hand on the arm of his friend 
 while the words, " I should have told you before," 
 came from his quivering lips. 
 
 "Told what, Joe? Be quick." Here a vision 
 of the city cousin came before him and with bated 
 breath and clinched hand he stood expecting to 
 hear that his dead father in some way had been 
 maligned and Sis his Sis had learned of it. 
 
 " Just this, Windy ; your sister is grieving for 
 companionship ; the companionship such as we lub- 
 bers cannot give her. I have seen it coming since 
 the time that your doc said good-by, but I, like a 
 selfish lout, have kept it from you, for well " 
 and here the honest face flushed deep under its 
 coat of tan " because I could not bear that she 
 should leave us." 
 
 Windy grasped the hand of Joe fervently, for 
 he felt not only sympathy but gratitude that his 
 worst fears had proved groundless. Instead of the 
 silent entry they had planned, a usual boyish an- 
 nouncement was the result, preceded by an amount 
 of stepping not of the lightest sort, accompanied 
 by a prolonged conversation. 
 
 " I will come in later," Joe exclaimed, as after 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 85 
 
 a few moments they heard Roma's steps coming 
 to the door. 
 
 With gentle thoughtfulness they had allowed her 
 time to recover herself in a measure, still Joe felt 
 that no one but Broth should encroach on her at a 
 moment when the depths of her heart were in such 
 sore trouble. It was, therefore, Broth alone that 
 met the sad-eyed girl, who eagerly appeared to be 
 gay, though the mist was hardly free from the gray 
 eyes where an assumed gleam reigned instead. 
 
 " Why what has anything happened ? " ex- 
 claimed Roma, a look of fear following the sad- 
 ness in her eyes as she noticed the retreating figure 
 of Joe and beheld her brother, each without his 
 pony. 
 
 " No no, Sis, just a chance to gain a little 
 more of the wherewithal to send you to Pennsyl- 
 vania to get some laming," cheerily answered 
 Windy as he drew her gently into the Snuggy, the 
 darkness inside proving a friend indeed, as neither 
 wished the other to realize the tumult that reigned 
 in their innermost thoughts. 
 
 Windy was most graphic in his conversation to 
 Sis, as she busied herself getting supper for her 
 boys. Soon Joe tramped in, and a merry meal 
 they tried to make for the girl, although both 
 watched her furtively while there and then they 
 felt that it was indeed a changed Roma from their 
 comrade of former times. 
 
 From that on Windy watched his Sis keenly, 
 and many little remarks he dropped as to the time 
 
86 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 when she should return to them a real up-to-date 
 young woman, but not a word of her actual time of 
 leaving, until one day he received a letter post- 
 marked Pennsylvania, and in unmistakably a lady's 
 handwriting. Somehow that night, as he made 
 his way up the familiar trail that led to the 
 Snuggy, it seemed that indeed the last tie that 
 bound him to the homestead would soon be severed, 
 for he realized the time had come for Sis his Sis 
 to leave her lonely home and seek the com- 
 panionship of others. How he too would like to 
 go out into the world for a time ! Not that he did 
 not love the woods and the trail no, for these 
 were his life but the constant society of Ben, 
 Ben the overbearing, was wearing to his nerves. 
 To be sure, the city cousin was away a good bit 
 of the time, going often to the next settlement 
 where he had become chummy with a gang of real 
 boys, as Joe laughingly called them. This took 
 him away many an evening, in fact several days 
 had been known to pass without his returning, and 
 then in a most irritable state of mind. At present 
 he was taking a week's tramp in which to get ac- 
 quainted, as he remarked, " with game both un- 
 tamed and otherwise." He was to have as com- 
 rade one of his cronies, and when at last he said 
 his good-by none at the Snuggy were at all sad at 
 his departure. Roma many times in the past 
 months had put the question to her brother as to 
 his length of stay, but was always answered to the 
 effect that he was their cousin, therefore they must 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 87 
 
 make him welcome. And now Windy was indeed 
 very glad that Ben was away upon a hunt, for he 
 knew that Sis would want to spend her last few 
 days with her boys, for the title had been dear to 
 Joe and himself long before the third lad had 
 arrived to be included in the list. 
 
 That evening as they all sat in the cosy sitting- 
 room of the Snuggy, Windy suddenly left the room, 
 only to return in a few minutes holding a letter 
 which he placed into his Sis's hands, saying, " It is 
 all really true, my lassie. Joe and I are only 
 waiting to " but Roma heard no more, for she 
 was being transplanted many miles away as she 
 read with bated breath and gleaming eyes, until a 
 long-drawn, half-sobbed, half-ecstatic " Oh ! " es- 
 caped her. 
 
 The next moment she was kneeling at Windy's 
 feet, while a convulsed little figure was sobbing as 
 the boys had heard her before, though she had 
 never dreamed of it. Now, as before, Joe stole 
 noiselessly from the room, while an answering sob 
 was not far from the surface in his own manly 
 throat. 
 
 " Oh, Broth, I am so glad but " and here her 
 earnest eyes searched his face " are you sure 
 you can spare me? You see, I will come again in 
 June and then perhaps I may never want to go 
 back again " ; this in a sort of apologetic tone, 
 the hearing of which made Windy draw the lithe 
 figure the closer, as he answered, 
 
 " Yes, I can spare you, for I know it is right 
 
88 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 that I should, and time will tell best whether you 
 return or not ; and now, you see, you are to leave 
 by the end of this week as Doc wants you to start 
 with the class at its beginning; and to think that 
 my Sis will not only study things she should know, 
 but drawing and painting as well for you re- 
 member both Mrs. Raynor and our doc were very 
 strong upon that point. And now, my young 
 lady, do you think you can manage the trip alone? 
 I will go a starter with you and Doc will meet you 
 at the train when you reach her home city. It 
 will take you three or four days ; you will eat and 
 sleep in queer places; but you are game; you can 
 and will do it." 
 
 " Yes, I can and will," came like an echo from 
 the strained, red lips. 
 
 A little later a lively trio canvassed the situa- 
 tion. Joe offered Roma a little horsehair trunk, 
 his one treasure, as it had belonged to his dead 
 mother, and no living soul but the girl could have 
 been an incentive for him to part with it. She 
 accepted it upon one condition, that he would write 
 her and tell her of all the happenings at the 
 Snuggy and thereabouts. 
 
 The remaining few days seemed like unreal ones 
 to the waiting girl. The sorrow which she felt at 
 leaving home and the boys seemed like a faraway 
 loss, for the anticipation of going into a world 
 like Dr. Moulton's world was filling and absorb- 
 ing her uttermost thoughts. Roma, who was any- 
 thing but a selfish girl, now felt an almost guilty 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 89 
 
 twinge at her eagerness to start. She had been 
 upon the trails, bidding all her haunts a fond 
 good-by, stowing up pictures in her memory of tall 
 pines where the sun's rays seemed to linger, and 
 where the scent of the carpeted earth was frag- 
 rance to the senses. The lakes were like oases in 
 her mind's picture, with their mirrored depths re- 
 flecting the white turrets of the stately glaciers. 
 The royally glorious sunsets acted as a benediction 
 to the many scenes she would carry with her into 
 the unknown world. 
 
 And now as she stood waiting for Gypsy to be 
 brought to the door by Joe, who had asked that he 
 might, as it would be the last service he could per- 
 form for her for quite a spell, she felt that, as her 
 father used to say, there are many stages for 
 man; surely it was true also for all, and that she 
 was leaving one to ferret out another. 
 
 The sound of horses' hoofs beating the hard 
 ground sent the color to her cheeks and a light to 
 her eyes, and when she sprung into her saddle, 
 Joe, whose eyes had never left her face, exclaimed, 
 " Well, Roma, I shall still have Gypsy to take care 
 of, and I shall see you many times looking as you 
 did the day long back when you informed me she 
 was not a bit like a circus horse. But we have 
 been good friends since then, eh, lass," Joe added, 
 as he stepped to the side of the really unusual- 
 looking creature, upon whose sleek back Roma was 
 seated as she gazed down at him. 
 
 " Yes, indeed, Joey ; we sure have and shall be 
 
90 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 again. Remember those letters and take good 
 care of my beauty," here the little brown hand 
 found a resting place upon the broad shoulders of 
 the lad and a face leaned lower and closer to his 
 while a tender cadence came into the clear voice, as 
 she added, " and my Broth." 
 
 " Well, Sis, you are as spry as a cricket this 
 morning to be sure." Here Windy, looking the 
 veritable guide, appeared, while Joe clasped the 
 hand that had found a ready companion as the 
 words, " Never fear," answered her request. 
 
 It was only the work of a moment to lift the 
 small horsehair trunk upon Glossy's back and 
 fasten it to its strappings. Joe insisted upon 
 playing porter, keeping up a lively conflab the 
 while but quite a different face did his present 
 when the last gleams of scarlet failed to glint back 
 at him from the swaying figure upon the circus 
 horse. He turned alone and entered the 
 Snuggy, which nestled under its pines. 
 
CHAPTER XV 
 
 Down, down the trail the lad and his idolized 
 Sis took their way, and if Roma ever and anon 
 clasped her arms around the neck of her four- 
 footed friend and whispered words of endearment 
 into her listening ear, who could blame her? 
 they had been such loyal friends so long, these two. 
 
 One of our greatest artists always believed that 
 dumb creatures had an immortal soul, so to this 
 girl of nature similar thoughts often presented 
 themselves. To Windy, she was the bright, ani- 
 mated, little traveler, asking many questions, the 
 answers of which he was as much in ignorance as 
 herself. She was feeling a little troubled about 
 going to bed in the queer-looking bunk Broth said 
 she would have to do, but thought it would be fine 
 fun to eat at little tables for so many meals, " And 
 you see, Broth, I shall not have to do even one bit 
 of the cooking myself." 
 
 Many little veins of thought fulness crept into 
 both their minds, but by much tact were spanned 
 over until the lengthy ride had been completed and 
 the great iron monster actually hove in sight. 
 They had both alighted from the backs of the 
 ponies and had left them with a lad at some little 
 
 distance from the station, as hissing and puffing 
 
 91 
 
92 . GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 were not familiar sounds to their unaccustomed 
 ears. 
 
 Now it was the wrench came, how keen none 
 could say except those who have passed through 
 a similar ordeal. But brave must be the one word 
 used to cover the scene, for as Windy, after putting 
 his Sis into the care of the kind-hearted conductor, 
 bidding him take good care of the girl, turned to 
 say good-by, the face of each had a tenseness very 
 foreign to their usual expression. Still not a sob 
 from either, but the eyes of the lad seemed riveted 
 to the face of his companion until these words 
 almost unconsciously came from her lips, wrung 
 from her by the searching of his glance, " Why, 
 Broth, you will see me again, and it will not be so 
 long." 
 
 The answer, " Why, to be sure," was a plucky 
 trial for success. 
 
 Louder puffing and general commotion warned 
 Windy, and after a succession of smacks, which he 
 left upon forehead, cheek and lips of his Sis, he 
 left the train. The porter, who had been a partial 
 witness to the scene, here asked Roma if she would 
 not like to stand where she could see as they left 
 the station, and at her saying she should very 
 much, he took her through the train until the ob- 
 servation car was reached the girl beginning 
 already to be almost dazed as they passed through 
 room after room, as she felt them to be until at 
 the end of their walk she espied Gypsy, and in 
 another second her Broth was again in her vision, 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 93 
 
 he following outside at a word from the porter. 
 A grateful little laugh was quite payment enough 
 for the porter, while the shrill whistle and the 
 answering neigh from the unusual-looking horse 
 that stood at some distance diligently pawing the 
 earth as if questioning her right to be left in the 
 lurch, brought a semblance of mist to the eyes of 
 the lad who was soon to return to the hills with one 
 riderless pony. 
 
 Seating herself in one of the chairs while the 
 porter kept watch over her, Roma's waving, 
 waving was borne beyond sight, her last glimpse 
 being the snow-capped peaks above God's shrine, 
 while the scarlet of her ribbon mixed with the white- 
 ness of her little individual flag she sent as signal 
 back until it could be seen no more. 
 
 Then, with a long sigh, wholly unconscious of 
 its extreme pathos, Roma put the little white sig- 
 nal back in her pocket and glancing up into the 
 face of the porter exclaimed, " May I stay here 
 fora little?" 
 
 " You sure may, Miss, if you will promise not 
 to move until I come for you. You see, this 
 monster, the train I mean, Miss, goes mighty fast 
 and you know your brother gave me my instruc- 
 tions" (and he might also have added a neat little 
 sum as well) " to watch over you." 
 
 It was rather unusual that no one but the girl 
 occupied the observation end, but it was rather 
 late in the season and some who had passed through 
 before did not feel disposed to leave their com- 
 
94 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 fortable lounging chairs. To the girl sitting there 
 in the solitude nothing could have been more pleas- 
 ing. Her thoughts at times were earnest, almost 
 sad, then through her mentality would leap visions 
 of people life and a world the world of Dr. 
 Moulton, until the grandeur and beauties through 
 which she was passing became so pronounced that 
 she could only think of them and their Creator. 
 
 Roma, who had an artistic temperament far 
 beyond the average, was in great ecstasy at the 
 coloring of the foliage the visions of the cas- 
 cades and the wonderment of the Pass. How it 
 could have been possible for any one to cut a 
 pathway for humanity so that they might enjoy 
 such scenes of nature as those through which she 
 was being carried was to her a great wonderment. 
 
 The next days passed in a sort of trance in which 
 the customs of the trip were learned, some enjoyed, 
 but all rather tiring the girl as her sense of self- 
 consciousness caused her temporary uneasiness. 
 Day dreams occupied much of her time for she had 
 determined to study and improve so that she might 
 some day be of the world the world of the kind 
 woman who had drawn from her a longing to be 
 something she was not. And now in a very few 
 hours she would see that face that had left such 
 an impression, as it had filled her with a wish for 
 something she had never before known. In her 
 day dreams just a tinge of loneliness had crept in, 
 in spite of the novelty of her position, and the 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 95 
 
 glamour of the picture of herself she had almost 
 unconsciously painted. 
 
 The desolute waste of the wheat fields had been 
 like a different world to her. She missed the tower- 
 ing, subdued strength of the mountains; in fact, 
 felt in her own poor little frame the need and com- 
 panionship of them to guide her on her way. If 
 Roma had ever thought about the wheat plains it 
 was only in a vague sort of way. At first as the 
 train rolled into their midst, after the mountains 
 had seemed to leap from themselves, she experienced 
 only a sense of surprise that any condition could 
 be otherwise than grand, exalting; but as the hours 
 rolled on and the waste spread before her limitless, 
 she began to feel a sense of loss, until she acknowl- 
 edged to herself that she was beginning to feel 
 homesick for her boys and for the lofty peaks. 
 
 She had met a number of tourists, but none like 
 the dear one she was on her way to see. 
 
 " And now, my little lady, we have only an hour, 
 if all goes as it should, before we reach your des- 
 tination. I shall be very sorry to part from you, 
 for I have sort of seen the world over again with 
 your fresh appreciative eyes, although the wheat 
 plains were not your choice, eh well, you see all 
 are not lucky enough to live among mountains and 
 the pines." 
 
 " No, that is what I have been thinking ; but I 
 am very glad I was a lucky one." 
 
 " Perhaps now when you come back with me, as 
 
96 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 I hope it may be on my run, you will have grown to 
 like the gay city so well you will have forgotten 
 all about your tall sentinels back up the trail." 
 
 " Ah, no," exclaimed Roma ; " that could never 
 be, for they have always been friends to me and I 
 am true to my friends." 
 
 " I can well believe that," returned her com- 
 panion, " and now when I go back again into the 
 land of the pines, I will sometimes see that good 
 brother of yours and I shall tell him what a plucky 
 sister he has." 
 
 That night as a train pulled into a great East- 
 ern station more than one person looked with keen 
 interest at a young girl, unmistakably Western 
 from the soft felt hat placed so gracefully care- 
 lessly upon her head to the high shoes which 
 reached well up to the lithe limbs, there to be met 
 by a frock of dark brown, while the scarlet which 
 leant itself to the picture was like a flashing smile 
 as it scintillated here and anon as the wearer 
 hastened to the outstretched arms waiting to re- 
 ceive her. 
 
 If Elanore Moulton had felt a tenderness for the 
 mountain lass, she keenly yearned to aid in every 
 way this girl Roma, and as they stood heart to 
 heart they both realized the magnetism which so 
 often permeates from one to another, making ties 
 strong as life itself. Much questioning followed, 
 for Dr. Moulton could see that excitement was 
 being held with rigid hands by the lass, and she 
 felt it much wiser to find an outlet. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 97 
 
 Windy and Joe and even Ben received their due 
 amount of mention, and from one with eyes which 
 shone like the stars over her native wood. The 
 little horsehair trunk was duly found and Ben 
 well praised for his great thoughtf illness. Sud- 
 denly the words, " Roma, tell me, child, that you 
 are glad to see me, for to me it is good for you 
 to be here." 
 
 For answer, a cold fluttering hand pressed itself 
 to Dr. Moulton's cheek, as Roma said, " Oh, yes, 
 I too say it is good to be here." 
 
 The ride through the busy streets was like a 
 fairy tale to the mountaineer, and once as Dr. 
 Moulton put her arm about the slender figure sit- 
 ting beside her she felt the tremor that was swaying 
 her, and once she heard the words " her world " 
 as they came in dazed manner from the tense 
 lips. 
 
 Dr. Moulton explained many things as they 
 neared her home, for Roma was to spend a week 
 with her, as her assumed guardian knew full well 
 the many articles her protege would need to be 
 simply presentable. " But for my part," she 
 afterward told her mother, " I would like nothing 
 better than to see my little mountain girl garbed 
 in her usual dress and as I first beheld her at the 
 height of the trail." 
 
 " She certainly is most picturesque, and I do not 
 wonder she held your fancy for she is lovely. But, 
 of course, her native costume must be put away 
 for it would simply be impossible to have her so 
 
98 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 continue to dress even as it is part of her person- 
 ality." 
 
 To Roma she seemed to be walking, talking and 
 breathing in an atmosphere which breathed back at 
 her these words continually " her world," her 
 world, and the very companionship of the asser- 
 tion gave her courage so that she naturally as- 
 sumed an ease wonderful to behold. 
 
 At dinner she gave such a graphic description 
 of the loveliness of the route until the reaching of 
 the wheat prairies, then she exclaimed with much 
 warmth that " surely God made them just before 
 reaching the mountains so that one could not but 
 see the wonderment of it all." 
 
 " Yes, dear, I think you are right, and I only 
 wish Allyn could have heard you say that," ex- 
 claimed Elanore Moulton. 
 
 The next few days were busy ones for both Roma 
 and Dr. Moulton, for a seamstress had been en- 
 gaged and many new accessories were turned out 
 from cloth, muslin and lace to the gratification of 
 all. Roma had been viewed and interviewed by 
 Betsy, who pronounced her a nice little critter, but 
 she could not quite understand why her clothes 
 made her seem so like a boy, adding, " She sup- 
 posed it was those flannel blouses and low collars 
 she wore, not to say anything of a hat without even 
 a posy or feather stuck in it." 
 
 " My, but how Miss Roma do love fire color," 
 Betsy exclaimed to Mrs. Moulton one day as she 
 stood and feasted her eyes upon the girlish figure, 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 99 
 
 as she made her appearance at dinner in one of the 
 new creations. It was simply a dress of cream 
 serge, but made in such different fashion from her 
 usual habiliment, a bit of lace only being used at 
 neck and sleeves, as Dr. Moulton had planned to 
 keep it all in white. Pleased as Roma had been 
 with it, a look had crept into her face when it had 
 been tried on for the last time and pronounced 
 finished, that had brought the words, " What is it, 
 Roma ; you have some wish, for I see it in your 
 face? " 
 
 " Oh, did I show it? I did not mean to, but, 
 Dr. Moulton, it was that I missed my sunset color." 
 
 " You funny child, but you shall have it." So 
 instead of a lass in demure white, a girl with scar- 
 let-encircled waist, together with flowing tie of 
 the same hue at the finish of the low lace collar, 
 stood smiling under Betsy's scrutiny. 
 
 " Yes, Betsy, it is the color of our sunset-kissed 
 hills and was the one my dada liked so well, and I 
 too love it, oh so dearly, my gleam of scarlet." 
 
 " Well, Miss, it sure is highly becoming," and 
 Betsy's face looked the admiration she felt. So 
 that from that time on the little mountain girl was, 
 as heretofore, always accompanied by her touch 
 of scarlet. 
 
 The days passed so rapidly that Roma could 
 scarcely believe the truth, that her week had ended 
 and that on the morrow she would meet with girls 
 girls with whom she would live and know. She 
 would have so liked to remain with her dear, dear 
 
100 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 doctor but knew that was not to be, but she would 
 study and learn and some day she would really and 
 truly be of her world, for now even more than 
 ever did Roma feel a something that filled the life 
 of her dear benefactress, which she did not possess. 
 
 Broth had been written to, but the girl felt what 
 a poor, sorry-looking letter it was. Still, if love 
 deep and ardent could make it worth sending, it 
 was surely safe in the Snuggy ere this, for Roma 
 had not delayed in telling her brother the wonder- 
 ment of her trip as soon as she reached the charm- 
 ing home of her benefactress. 
 
 Many times during the past few days had she 
 been in spirit with her boys and once she had 
 dreamed that she was again in the saddle, and that 
 the fresh mountain air was filling her senses with 
 ecstasy. In the morning when she remembered her 
 dream she felt momentarily a sense of loneliness 
 but her new life was so bright it soon effaced the 
 shadow. She was, however, very glad when upon 
 seeking her room that had been made to look so 
 homelike, she could behold Broth's pictured face 
 looking at her and see the ponies and the Snuggy, 
 as Dr. Moulton had succeeded in getting many 
 good likenesses when upon her trip the previous 
 year. 
 
CHAPTER XVI 
 
 Once more the holiday season was reigning over 
 the land, while the spirit that no other time in the 
 whole year can bring prevailed. The girls, real 
 girls, of whom Roma was now one, showed it in all 
 their being, even their lessons for the time were 
 not pursued as diligently as at other periods. 
 
 Roma had been one with these girls some weeks 
 now and had become a general favorite. She was 
 so different, one of them had remarked, and she did 
 not seem to try and hide it why, when some one 
 asked her where she had been to school, she simply 
 said, " Nowhere," in such an honest way that even 
 the girls who were tempted to ridicule her simply 
 appeared not to notice her confession. These 
 same girls were afterwards her stanch friends, al- 
 ways ready to help her and always ready to> sit at 
 her feet while they saw with her eyes tall, snow- 
 capped mountains, and breathed in long draughts 
 of pine-scented air, for Roma even yet seemed to 
 live in spirit much of the time among her native 
 hills. Of her beloved boys and her dear Gypsy 
 she had as yet said very little, as she felt she could 
 not breathe her fondness for them in such a matter- 
 of-fact atmosphere. 
 
 At first Roma felt the strangeness, the hustle 
 101 
 
102 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 and bustle, that permeated her new life. It was 
 in such marked contrast to the quietness of her 
 past existence that she felt a sense of uncertainty 
 as to the right manner of acting, but time soon 
 altered that, until now no one was more the center 
 of the little circles which met to discuss this plan 
 or that than the girl upon whom a touch of scarlet 
 always rested. 
 
 To the question put her as to the wearing of her 
 beloved insignia, she simply had remarked that 
 somehow it brought her nearer to her home and 
 brother. She had applied herself most diligently 
 to her tasks, always with the one thought held be- 
 fore her, " her world." She had also started with 
 her pencil and brush while her instructor had com- 
 plimented her highly upon her ability. To Roma, 
 it was as if she had brought a friend with her 
 side by side to remain, to sympathize, to enjoy 
 and feel with her and even in her first attempt 
 at a sketch she had made the subject teem with 
 such a personality. 
 
 Letters from both Broth and Joe had been joy- 
 ously received, while the Yuletide was to bring her 
 something, the lads had informed her, of especial 
 value, as her birthday was the first day of the New 
 Year, and so the importance of the expected parcel 
 was to be of unusual value. The lads had written 
 that they were busy getting in ice for the chalet 
 and that they were having cold, snapping weather ; 
 that they missed their little housekeeper, but 
 wanted her to enjoy herself. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 103 
 
 The day before Christmas proved to be a very 
 busy one at the seminary. Dr. Moulton had in- 
 vited her to her home for the vacation period and 
 already Roma was anticipating her companionship 
 with her. The girls were hurrying about, many 
 of them preparing to take trains for distant homes, 
 their faces glowing and radiating their suppressed 
 anticipation. Dr. Moulton had promised to call 
 for Roma and when the maid announced her, a face 
 beaming and expectant greeted her. 
 
 It had been many years since a young life had 
 been in their midst at the season's happiest, holiest 
 day and the mother and daughter had been of one 
 mind to make it indeed a gladsome one for her. 
 Betsy, also, was full of schemes, and to a very 
 secret household Roma was driven. 
 
 The plan had been for a dainty Christmas even- 
 ing lunch with several of the girls as guests, while 
 a small tree with electric decorations was to be 
 enjoyed as the evening advanced. Christmas Day 
 dawned clear and cold, while during the night a 
 light fall of snow gave a tinge of purity to the 
 scene. Outside, the shrubs were filled with chat- 
 tering sparrows, looking and hoping for their share 
 of the Christmas delicacies, while in the glowing 
 flower-bedecked home was a spirit of good cheer, 
 every one looking from secret corners, in expecta- 
 tion of the evening. One parcel alone Dr. Moul- 
 ton had allowed Roma to open this one bearing 
 a distant postmark and which Roma knew must be 
 from her boys. 
 
104 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 " You see, dear," explained Elanore Moulton, 
 " I can see the ones left behind in the Snuggy 
 opening our box to them, so I would like kindred 
 spirits to meet; therefore, my child, examine your 
 little packet." 
 
 Windy and his Doc had been in communication 
 for some time regarding Roma's united Christmas 
 and birthday present, so that while Windy had 
 paid for the trinket, and really selected it, Elanore 
 Moulton had been the one who had sent the box 
 containing several of the baubles for Windy's 
 especial selection. And now as Roma stood there, 
 the light caught and scintillated from a band of 
 gold which encircled her finger her one orna- 
 ment though not bearing her own initials upon 
 its smooth surface, but the ones of A. E, P. 
 
 " Yes, I expect Santa has arrived at the top of 
 the trail with his busy reindeer delivery ere this, 
 but what can I have in this box ? " for the wrappings 
 had disclosed as much and in another second a 
 lovely little ring with a flash of color emitting from 
 it was before the pleased eyes of the girl. 
 
 " Oh, Dr. Moulton, is this my very own, and it 
 must be the stone of my birth month, for that was 
 red like a drop of blood, Broth used to tell me. 
 How do you suppose he ever could have thought of 
 it for me? " 
 
 A slight smile upon the doctor's face brought the 
 girl quickly to her side, keen with appreciation, 
 but simply to learn the truth that her benefactress 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 105 
 
 had only assisted the boys by sending them several 
 from their own description to choose from. 
 
 " Just the same, I thank you for your share, and 
 oh, I wish my boys were only here that I might 
 thank them. Is it not a beauty ? " and here 
 Roma slipped the sparkling jewel close over the 
 one she had guarded so tenderly since the day she 
 had beheld it gleaming out at her from the side of 
 the trail. 
 
CHAPTER XVII 
 
 Christmas Day in the mountains was spent in 
 quite different fashion from the one she, whom the 
 boys missed so keenly, had enjoyed. To be sure, 
 their pleasure at the arrival and contents of the 
 holiday box was great; still in a way it only ac- 
 centuated the temporary loss of Roma, for they 
 felt her missed presence but the more as they 
 brought to sight the articles for their comfort 
 which she and Dr. Moulton had so thoughtfully 
 planned. Even Ben had not been forgotten, al- 
 though he had not deigned to spend the holiday 
 at the Snuggy, but rather had been making quite 
 a time of it the last few days, and was to continue 
 it, as it seemed, indefinitely. 
 
 Not that either Joe or Windy missed his pres- 
 ence, for he did not improve upon lengthy acquaint- 
 ance; still as his prolonged absence always made 
 him more sarcastic if possible than ever, the lads 
 were not particular at his leave of absence. 
 
 How they had missed Roma, neither she could 
 nor would ever know, for as she had enjoyed her 
 scenes new friends and faces so that the days 
 had actually leaped they, with the exception of 
 a few lads whom they saw only now and then, were 
 dependent upon each other for society. They both 
 
 tried to keep the Snuggy as they knew Roma would 
 106 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 107 
 
 wish it, but Joe at times would almost solemnly 
 declare it was no use. Then they would begin 
 again, vowing that surely they would keep things 
 in better shape. And now it was Christmas, and 
 they were to have their dinner alone. 
 
 Joe had had a bit of good luck and laid low a 
 buck the week previous, so that they were to have 
 a regal repast of venison. The lads took turns 
 at being chef, but to-day it was to be a partner- 
 ship affair. The snow lay deep and silent over the 
 trails. The pines wore their white mantle of holi- 
 day attire, as if even in the wilds nature must give 
 homage to the Creator of all. The ponies were 
 having a holiday most of the time and Gypsy was 
 growing fat as a young cub, for both Windy and 
 Joe must bring her her portion of sugar as a testi- 
 monial of their loyalty to her mistress. 
 
 And now as the aroma steamed from the platter 
 of venison, Windy snatched his new house coat, 
 which had been his Doc's gift to him, and donning 
 it drew his chair to the table, shouting, " Now, 
 Joe, get a hustle on and come and sit down while 
 things are hot, but first we must give three cheers 
 for one little girl and the Doc," and in a twinkling 
 the Snuggy was resounding to the lusty call of two 
 husky voices. 
 
 " Jolly, but I wish they were both here. Would 
 they not do for dessert just to see their dear 
 faces would be as fine as one of Sis's best pies used 
 to be eh, Joe ? " And here Windy smacked his 
 lips as a bit of Joe's venison was tasted. 
 
108 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 " Yes, it would be like cream in coffee, sure 
 enough. I wonder if she has spied her trinket yet 
 what a trump Doctor Moulton is and Roma 
 loves her so well." Here Joe subsided into a quiet- 
 ness that not even Windy's smacks at the quality 
 of his tidbit could rouse him. 
 
 " I say, Joe, that scarlet tie is highly becoming 
 to your style of beauty at any rate, Sis has her 
 same fondness for the bright, else she would never 
 have sent you that." 
 
 At this Joe's face lighted as to almost rival his 
 gift, as he answered, " Yes, it is surely her color." 
 
 " Well, I say, Joe, I do not believe Ben is getting 
 anything better than your moose; what say you? " 
 
 " As to the feed part, I cannot answer ; but I'll 
 bet a gold guinea he is not spending all his time 
 at dining, much as he enjoys that he likes filling 
 his pockets too well with filthy lucre, and as he is 
 usually lucky at the game, he has a pretty good 
 chance of pleasing himself," returned Joe between 
 his bites. 
 
 " Yes, he can and does have things pretty much 
 his own way unless you are sitting in," returned 
 Windy. " Then, well I wonder why you do 
 not make him squeal more than you do How 
 about that?" 
 
 " Oh, what's the use? He is a queer chap, even 
 if he is your flesh and blood Do you know, old 
 pal, somehow it does not seem possible that he can 
 belong to Sis and yourself; surely the blood that 
 runs in his veins must have a mighty large amount 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 109 
 
 of different fluid than that which courses through 
 yours, and I for one am precious glad that cousins 
 are not bound to be alike." 
 
 " Well, Joe, that is quite a lengthy speech for 
 you. So you have a motive for your behavior of 
 Ben. I did not know you had taken such pains to 
 study him as all that," returned Windy, as he 
 watched Joe furtively to try and discern if there 
 was a thought or suspicion of Ben's hold over him. 
 
 " Well, at any rate, if he is sitting in a game 
 and winning perhaps this quiet neighborhood may 
 lose its charm for him and we will be deprived of 
 his choice society," continued Windy, and there 
 the matter dropped, Anderson believing that aside 
 from the feeling of aversion that Joe had for him, 
 there was no cause as yet for him to worry as to 
 any disclosure upon the part of Ben. 
 
 Over their cider and nuts the theme of Roma 
 again proved to be the one they enjoyed the most, 
 and as Dr. Moulton wished kindred spirits to meet 
 that day of all others, surely it was that love trav- 
 eled many miles and far, but reached its destiny 
 at last. 
 
 The rest of the winter afternoon was spent by 
 the lads with their cob-pipes and checkers and 
 many a hearty laugh rang through the Snuggy 
 at the victory of one or other as the games pro- 
 gressed. Finally Joe, with a slap upon Windy's 
 knee, exclaimed, " Well, old pal, I think the ponies 
 will wonder where their Christmas dinner is coming 
 from I will feed and bed them to-night, as you 
 
110 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 look so mighty comfortable. It is a sin to take 
 off your new gift, so let me be the one hostler to- 
 night," this as Windy started to rise and pre- 
 pared to accompany him. 
 
 " Shucks," Windy returned, but a contented 
 smile stole over him as, at Joe's further eagerness 
 to have him play the gentleman, he acquiesced. 
 
 As Joe opened the outer door a gust of snow 
 greeted him ; while Windy with a loud laugh called 
 out, " Better let me come, Joe," but the shutting 
 of the door was his only answer, as Joe was away 
 like a flash. Left to himself young Anderson drew 
 a chair to the open grate where a bright piece of 
 pine knot sputtered and hissed, and, stretching 
 himself at full length, he prepared to enjoy his 
 part of the gentleman. 
 
 His thoughts flew back to other Christmas even- 
 ings when his parents and little Sis had been with 
 him, but now as always since the day when Ben 
 had breathed that story of his father's dishonesty 
 did Windy feel the blood fly to his face and neck 
 at the very thought of Sis ever learning the dis- 
 grace which covered their father's name. 
 
 Suddenly he was roused by the neighing of a 
 horse, followed by a gruff voice, and with a start 
 he made for the door in time to see Ben tumble 
 from his stirrups. 
 
 To the "Well hello!" from Windy, he 
 grunted something inaudible, and taking the end 
 of the bridle, he tied it to a ring which hung from 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 111 
 
 one of the posts of the piazza, although it was not 
 as speedily executed as was his wont. 
 
 It was no unusual thing for the lads to tie their 
 ponies there in the days when the sun made glad 
 the heart of man, but just why Ben should be 
 doing such a thing to-night was beyond Windy's 
 comprehension. Still, it did not take more than 
 a glance to see that Ben was carrying quite an 
 amount of supernatural energy, and Windy felt it 
 far wiser not to question him too minutely just 
 then. 
 
 Ben had several times since Sis's departure come 
 home from his rovings in quite an hilarious mood, 
 so that Windy was not now given his initial intro- 
 duction of him in such a condition. 
 
 In the next instant Ben came stalking into the 
 66 Snuggy," making anything but an Indian track 
 as he did so, and not even shaking the mass of 
 snow from his great buckskin coat, until he stood 
 well within where radiated the warm glowing at- 
 mosphere. Then, stamping great streamers of 
 whiteness, he exclaimed, in a most patronizing 
 manner, "I say, Coz, got anything to eat? if so, 
 trot it forth, for I am damn hungry." 
 
 Windy felt his blood quicken at Ben's insolent 
 manner, but answered offhand : " Yes, we had a 
 good feed to-day, and will have another bite when 
 Joe comes in from looking after the ponies." 
 
 " Well, I want mine now, as I am going back 
 again to join the bunch. I have had the devil's 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 own luck, and only came for a little bag of money 
 to go on with. You may wait for Joe, but I 
 want my grub now; now do you hear?" and 
 here the black eyes looked with no very friendly 
 glance toward Windy. 
 
 For a moment he felt that perhaps under the 
 circumstances it was best to comply with his cous- 
 in's wishes, although it galled him to do so ; but at 
 that moment Ben, who evidently had just espied 
 his new coat, exclaimed, " Well, if it ain't playing 
 at being the gentleman like father like son 
 that's as the saying goes." 
 
 At this Windy, who had stood wondering which 
 was the better way of getting rid of his angelic 
 cousin, took a step toward him, while the words, 
 " Take care, Ben, what you say ; you may think 
 you can boss me and make me a target for all your 
 loose talk, but there is a limit to all things, and I 
 tell you right now that I " 
 
 "That you what?" and here Ben half 
 stepped, half staggered forward to meet Windy 
 upon his own grounds. " So ho ! my young cousin 
 is very cocky, isn't he? But I wonder at your 
 sending your pretty sister away, or did you think 
 it for the best as Joe is rather of a fascinating 
 cub and as the girl was a bit of a beau " But 
 the rest of the remark was never uttered, for 
 Windy, with a quick leap, had brought his fist with 
 all the strength of his passionate anger straight 
 between the mocking eyes of the astonished lad, 
 and before either was fully aware of the fierceness 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 113 
 
 of the blow, Ben was lying stretched out at full 
 length, a line of blood making a vivid showing, 
 while his breath, which had been partly sent from 
 his tottering body, was trying to reassert itself. 
 
 Windy, too much astonished for the moment as 
 to the outcome of the insult, felt that perhaps he 
 had been a bit too violent, particularly as his 
 bawling relative was not properly himself; but as 
 the insinuation of his remark returned with even 
 keener force, he gave a violent kick at the sprawled 
 figure on the floor, exclaiming, " Get up, you cur 
 if you can " 
 
 At this minute the door opened, letting in the 
 flakes of feathery snow, and also the good-natured, 
 honest face of Joe. " So ho ! I knew we had a 
 caller as the mare was busily stamping the white 
 ground as I came in, but I did not expect to be in 
 at the finish of just such " and here he bent his 
 wondering eyes from Windy to the figure which 
 with considerable difficulty was trying to regain 
 a standing posture. 
 
 Ben was now considerably more sobered than a 
 few moments before, but it still took a lift from 
 Joe before he could hoist himself, and then not 
 without a groan, while never a word of retaliation 
 did he hurl at Windy, who stood with face a fit 
 subject for a study as he witnessed the meekness 
 that had overspread the lout whom he had silenced. 
 
 As Ben started to walk, a sharp metallic " oh," 
 came from his b'ps, and voluntarily both boys felt 
 that he was really suffering keen pain while it 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 proved that in falling he had in some way sprained 
 his hand and arm, where already the buzz and sting 
 was beginning to assert itself. But still no word 
 of cursing as yet fell upon the expectant ears of 
 Windy. Suddenly, however, he spoke: 
 
 " You see, Joe, Windy and I were having a 
 friendly bout and I sort of got the worse part of 
 it. I shall have to do better in the future eh, 
 Cousin ? but now I must go and turn the beast 
 in for the night. I intended going back to the 
 bunch, but under the circumstances shall have to 
 disappoint them." Here he wiped the blood from 
 off his suave face, still with no apparent sense of 
 anger or resentment toward his assailant. 
 
 "Well, Ben, I think you did get a little the 
 slugging side of the fray, and I think you had bet- 
 ter let me house the mare for you," exclaimed Joe, 
 as a tinge of pain spread itself over Ben's face 
 as he tried to get himself into his great coat pre- 
 paratory to putting his pony up for the night. 
 
 " Oh, no I'll not trouble " but here a more 
 resolute twinge caused him to utter a low curse, 
 while he added, " Well, Joe, perhaps I shall have 
 to ask aid of you this time," to which Joe readily 
 complied. 
 
 Would he have done so had he known that he 
 had been imprecated in the bout? 
 
 As the door closed upon Joe's retreating figure, 
 he hastened to make more comfortable the intelli- 
 gent brute, who thanked him by low whinnies the 
 while he meantime carrying on quite a conversa- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 115 
 
 tion pro and con by himself, with the broncho as 
 an appreciative listener. 
 
 " Now what under the heavens could those two 
 have hit upon that caused such a fracas as that? 
 It was no light thing, I can vouch for, as Windy 
 is not a Johnny Bull, as a usual thing. But I 
 must hustle and get back as they may be in for a 
 second inning, although my friend Ben seems in a 
 very humble mood, and the lout is evidently suf- 
 fering keen pain. Much as I dislike him, like as 
 not I can be of some use to his abused members. 
 At any rate, I am mighty sorry it happened to- 
 night of all others, for Windy has had quite a bat- 
 tle with himself all day. I tell you, the feeling of 
 loneliness is not a feeling to crave I can answer 
 for that and I have not had to part with as 
 many dear ones as my old pal ; then to have to end 
 Christmas Day like this " 
 
 Thus meditating, Joe reached the door of the 
 Snuggy. On opening it, what was his complete 
 amazement to see the two lads, the one ministering 
 to the other as if a third party had been the per- 
 petrator of the deed that was causing the now fully 
 sobered Ben so much unalloyed suffering. 
 
 The truth was, Windy felt, despite the justice 
 he had meted out to his vindictive cousin, that as 
 Ben had referred in no way to his gross insult, it 
 was possible for him in his recent condition not 
 to realize its grave import ; therefore, he felt it his 
 right that to-night Christmas night he must 
 make amends for Peace on Earth had sounded 
 
116 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 like a clarion call through his perturbed thoughts 
 following his intense anger and he was now trying 
 to heed the command. As for Ben ah, who can 
 
 say? 
 
CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 One year had sped by on golden wings since 
 the Hon. Allyn Prentice had left his home city 
 among the flowers and passed through the region 
 of glacier and cataract. Some months after his 
 return he had again been brought face to face with 
 the subject Elanore Moulton had spoken of 
 the Snuggy. This was as he perused a letter 
 from his half-sister, Mrs. Raynor, in which among 
 many bits of news she had referred to a homestead 
 in the mountains which she together with a charm- 
 ing lady doctor from Philadelphia had visited while 
 upon one of her various trips. The epistle had 
 added that she also had met a lass a charming 
 child of nature while there, who was wearing as 
 a talisman his signet ring, and that it would have 
 taken all the callousness of a lawyer's heart to 
 demand the bauble from the eager, palpitating lit- 
 tle creature, who had found it as it beckoned her 
 to its secluded brightness. 
 
 Following, the details had been expatiated on 
 until Allyn Prentice felt that he could see the trail 
 with its tall, aromatic pines, the little brown 
 hands, and the initials his initials, A. E. P. 
 flashing back at him in the sheltered sunlight. 
 
 " Poor little thing ; I am glad that Amelia did 
 117 
 
118 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 not request it. It was generous of her to feign 
 ignorance of the whole affair. But here, I am 
 sentimentalizing how Elanore Moulton would 
 smile and by Jove it is yes, surely the same 
 anecdote she started to relate to me and to which 
 she referred as she bade me good luck at parting. 
 Odd that she and my sister should meet in this 
 out-of-the-way region ; the world is small after all. 
 But I shall now have to drop a line and inform her 
 that I have at least partially made the acquaint- 
 ance of her maid of the ' Snuggy.' But this is 
 not the place for me, for I gave Nina my word that 
 I would drop in early at the reception she is giv- 
 ing to-night, and at this rate it will be anything 
 but early before I don my togs, consequently my 
 lady will be deeply offended and that is a situa- 
 tion wholly undesirable. Well, at least she has 
 received my orchids ere this here's to hoping 
 that will appease her for my delinquency." 
 
 At a considerably later hour the fragrance of 
 flowers, the radiance from eyes as well as gems, 
 the murmuring of many voices, and lastly the scin- 
 tillating gleam from the blue orbs of the gloriously 
 beautiful woman at whose side Allyn Prentice 
 finally found himself, there waiting in expectancy 
 the reprimand which had flashed forth at him even 
 while she held her little court of admirers each 
 vying with the other for her favor. A few mo- 
 ments elapsed, then the soft, purring, undulating 
 voice of Nina Wentworth addressed the Hon. Mr. 
 Prentice. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 119 
 
 " You will really have to pardon me but I have 
 just promised to show Mr. Hendrick my Turkish 
 room ; so sorry but " 
 
 " Oh, do not delay upon my account ; the apart- 
 ment is well worth seeing, particulary when its 
 beauties are disclosed by such a charming guide," 
 returned the late comer. " I quite envy Mr. Hen- 
 drick." 
 
 Here a rather tantalizing smile crept to the blue 
 orbs where still the steely glint remained. Nina 
 Wentworth no longer posed as a girl. She had 
 passed the boundary line, but she did not regret 
 it, for the fuller, more seductive beauty had germi- 
 nated until she felt that she had but to wish 
 then conquer. This had really been the ultimatum 
 of ah 1 her efforts until the Hon. Allyn Prentice 
 had come before her vision. At first she had paid 
 little or no attention to him beyond the certainty 
 of gratifying herself that her beauty had been rec- 
 ognized by him, but as time advanced and no ado- 
 ration was forthcoming she was not only piqued 
 but determined when she learned that the honored 
 criminal lawyer really had no great love for women 
 and that he rather made his boast that no woman 
 could bid him go and come at her beck, that she 
 would make him retract his words. But as yet 
 she had to admit to herself she had made very 
 slight progress, although they had been acquainted 
 now many months and thrown into each other's 
 society a good bit. That he admired her soft 
 beauty, her clinging dependency, her exquisiteness, 
 
120 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 she intuitively felt, but what she had expected, 
 what her beauty demanded, had been withheld; 
 namely, his adoration, for it was a new experience 
 for her to find in her gentleman admirers one who 
 did not readily succumb to her charms. To Allyn 
 Prentice this was plainly apparent; still he never 
 for a moment allowed her to guess that he was con- 
 scious of the chagrin he caused her. To-night it 
 had flashed, more than its wont, from the forget- 
 me-not blue of her eyes ; still he would not see. 
 
 The facts were just these: The Hon. Allyn 
 Prentice had made his vocation his chum, his friend, 
 and his sweetheart. He had let nothing come be- 
 tween, since the one had been the all sufficient. 
 And now, even as his career was assured, the long- 
 pent activity of his keen mind was stimulated with 
 the same spirit of ambition, leaving no room for 
 the frivolity of sentimentality. Marriage to him 
 was a sort of existence that seemed like far-off 
 music soothing, charming, all that it should be 
 but there he meant to leave it. 
 
 And now before the last gleam of the violet crepe 
 which gracefully enveloped the subtle figure of his 
 hostess had fully passed from his vision, Allyn 
 Prentice had sauntered toward the smoking-room, 
 utterly oblivious of the looks of secret amazement 
 upon the faces of more than one in the little group 
 that had witnessed the offhand manner of the fas- 
 cinating Nina Wentworth and her tardy guest. 
 
 Once inside the room where the soft haze envel- 
 oped the figures clad in their habitual attire, Pren- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 tice soon found his real self in arguing the affirma- 
 tive and negative sides of a case then pending ; and 
 not until the period for retirement did he again 
 seek his hostess. 
 
 " You see, Nina, you can scarcely depend on me 
 as a social success, but as you are so nicely sup- 
 plied with the beaux of the year I am sure you will 
 not reprimand me; beside, if you could believe the 
 interest in which I learned of a mountain lass in a 
 letter I received to-night from my half-sister, when 
 about to join you, I am sure you would not have 
 had the heart to deprive me. And now I will say 
 bon nmt but will make amends, if you say, by a 
 canter to-morrow." 
 
 " Very good, my right Honorable ; we surely are 
 kindred spirits when a gallop is the theme, so will 
 be ready at four, and will keep my appointment 
 whether I receive any epistle teeming with inter- 
 esting personality or not." 
 
 A gay smile accompanied her words, but a 
 deeper flush than usual on her cheeks might have 
 foretold that more than a promise for the morrow 
 had caused the carmine. Nina Wentworth had 
 controlled a sense of irritableness the whole even- 
 ing, and only when Allyn Prentice had come to bid 
 her good night had she allowed a sense of real 
 pleasure to conquer her ; but even this brief period 
 was denied her, for the relating of an unseen, un- 
 known mountain girl had come between them. 
 Then real anger took possession of her senses and 
 it was with difficulty she withheld a retort lay- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 ing bare her heart to him. She had never felt quite 
 the same sensation regarding him before. It was 
 true she had been piqued, disappointed, chagrined, 
 but never really jealous, for the Hon. Allyn Pren- 
 tice was no society Romeo. And now, foolish as 
 she felt her thoughts to be, she could not account 
 for them, and with a deep flush she strove to sub- 
 due her piqued mentality, bidding him bon nmt. 
 
 Leaving the sumptuousness of the Wentworth 
 residence, Allyn Prentice stepped out in the full 
 beauty of an October night in the flower-bedecked 
 land of his California home. The perfume from 
 great bushes of purple heliotrope was wafted to his 
 senses as he turned to retrace his way to his own 
 apartments. Walking and riding were favorite 
 pastimes with the Honorable, and now lighting a 
 cigar he bade fair to enjoy to the utmost the soft- 
 bewitching beauty of the night. As he gazed into 
 the dome of heaven and felt the companionship of 
 the jeweled lights, one most brilliant seemed to hold 
 his gaze, while a light laugh half-sarcastic, 
 half-mirthful fell from his lips, for it seemed 
 like a signet of gold from which streamed forth 
 radiant points ending with the initials A. E. P. 
 Now again, in fancy, he saw a slim, girlish hand, 
 with a band of burnished gold gleaming thereon. 
 Perhaps she, too, was gazing at the " meadows of 
 heaven " if so, they would gleam forth even 
 more brightness upon her, for in the icy breath 
 which fell from the stately glaciers the jewels in 
 God's firmament looked down and approved. 
 
CHAPTER XIX 
 
 The snowy mantle of winter had again lent itself 
 to Mother Earth, covering the beds of sleeping 
 tulips and crocuses which ere long would assert 
 themselves and woo the robin redbreast to his old- 
 time haunt again. A second Yuletide had come 
 and gone, and Roma had again sent a festive box 
 to the mountain lads. She had spent the respite 
 from study with a school friend, some little jour- 
 ney from Dr. Moulton's endeared shelter, but had 
 first seen to sending loving tributes to her boys as 
 well as the inmates of her benefactress' home. She 
 was now studying with much diligence and was be- 
 ginning to feel a sense of real pleasure at the re- 
 turns, particularly with her pencil and brush. 
 Then, again, she was much more like the world of 
 Dr. Moulton's she had heard music, music that 
 had brought the sobs from her heart to her lips, 
 there to battle with, else they had escaped her 
 music which made her long for the boyish cheek of 
 Broth to press to her own. She had seen pictures 
 that caught the sunbeams as they danced upon the 
 waves until it seemed that little crafts had been 
 loosened to carry cheer the whole world over. She 
 had read of the land of the jessamine, the gardenia, 
 
 and the camille, until the richness of the perfume 
 
 123 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 seemed a possession of her own. Friendship true 
 and fasting also had she found in her dear one, 
 Elanore Moulton. Then what wonder that her 
 pencil formed ideals and that her brush completed 
 the problem, working out creations of love, grati- 
 tude and beauty on the canvas ! 
 
 And now the crowning bit of joy was to be con- 
 summated, for she had received a letter some few 
 days back from Broth, telling of his intention of 
 paying his respects to Doc and herself in a few 
 weeks. Joe had agreed to look after the ponies 
 and as the ice crop had already been nearly gath- 
 ered, Windy wrote he felt like a holiday for himself. 
 
 " You see, Sis," he had added, " a glimpse of 
 you is particularly needed for my constitution. 
 Then a fellow needs a bit of life now and again ; so 
 you will see me, sombrero and all, in an agreeably 
 short time." 
 
 To be candid, it was hard to decide which was 
 the more anxious that Broth's visit should be a 
 success, Roma or Dr. Moulton, but between the two 
 a gala time was assured. 
 
 " And so this is my Sis," exclaimed Windy's 
 sonorous voice, as he picked up the graceful lithe 
 figure of the girl as they entered the presence of 
 the one both adored. " Why, Doc, you are a fairy 
 godmother. I always felt that you were, and now 
 facts prove it," here he lovingly lowered the fig- 
 ure of his Sis, to grasp the hands of Elanore Moul- 
 ton, while a kiss almost with reverence saluted her 
 cheek. " Mrs. Moulton, I am highly pleased," he 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 125 
 
 rolled forth to that lady's secret amusement. 
 " Now, I say, you both look good to me but only 
 for Sis's scarlet badge " here with an admiring 
 look at her throat and waist " could I really 
 believe it was Sis. But I am more than glad you 
 still love it, girlie, for Joe and I somehow always 
 see you that way, and many times as the leaves 
 sped past our faces, blown by the north wind of 
 the past autumn, the scarlet ones would almost 
 make us pause as if a caress a greeting had 
 come from our Sis Roma." 
 
 A little suppressed chuckle at this moment 
 caused all to turn, to find Betsy with eyes wide, 
 showing marked approval at the words and ap- 
 pearance of the new-comer. 
 
 " Ah Betsy, this is my Broth you have 
 heard me speak of so often." 
 
 " Well, I am blessed, Miss Betsy, if I am not 
 glad to shake you by the hand, for I also have 
 heard of you and what a good soul you were," 
 and here Windy crossed to where the now broadly 
 smiling Betsy stood, while a mutual handshaking 
 ensued. 
 
 " As to Miss Roma's bit of firelight," exclaimed 
 the now thoroughly acquainted Betsy, " well may 
 you believe we should all miss it, for it is a part 
 of her and if it just should fade " 
 
 " But it never will, rest assured of that," here 
 laughingly supplied Roma. 
 
 How they enjoyed Windy every one. He 
 was one of the lads every one could enjoy; frank, 
 
126 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 cheery and thoughtful, apparently most tactful; 
 although, in reality, far from it, for his geniality 
 sprang from an honest, boyish heart. One of the 
 most enjoyable days, at least to Sis, was the out- 
 come of a suggestion from Dr. Moulton that the 
 brother and sister have a gallop. Roma had not 
 ridden for some little time now, although she had 
 kept it up at intervals at her benefactress' wish. 
 Elanore Moulton had even expressed a wish that 
 Roma should wear her sombrero and leather jacket, 
 which were most readily donned, for Roma's will 
 was but her dear friend's wish. Such a ride as 
 they had sort of civilized-like for a time but 
 when the outskirts were reached then sometimes 
 side by side, their horses neck to neck, then a 
 plunge, a sprint and a ringing laugh would float 
 back upon the frosty air to the one taken unaware. 
 Then again, as the steaming flanks of their crea- 
 tures rose and fell less rapidly, they spoke of the 
 Snuggy, of Joe, and the ponies Roma listening 
 very quietly as Broth spoke of her own Gypsy. 
 Of Ben very little was said, Windy never in any 
 way baring his heart of the unrest, the dread, the 
 almost hatred, which had been creeping over him 
 by the daily intercourse with the irritable cousin. 
 Then Roma, with face glowing and eyes beaming, 
 would sing praises of their doctor, and of her love 
 for her art, adding, " And when I come back home 
 to my mountains I shall paint something that 
 shall," here a moment's hesitancy as she 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 127 
 
 thoughtfully added " shall express my grati- 
 tude. 
 
 " You know, Proth, I shall go up the trail next 
 summer. Oh, it will be good to see the purple 
 lights play hide-and-seek up, down, and over my 
 mountains, and then to feel and hear the wind 
 through the pines. I am a little disappointed, 
 for I hoped our dear doctor would come home with 
 me, but she and Mrs. Moulton are planning on a 
 European trip for the summer, so our having her 
 with us must come some time later." 
 
 " I, too, am very sorry Doc cannot come, for I 
 would promise to have an equestrian figure second 
 to none in her home city could I have her under 
 my training for a few weeks. How she laughed 
 when I coaxed her to accompany us to-day for a 
 gallop. 
 
 " ' Ah, Windy, you are incorrigible/ she said ; 
 ' but I shall do so sometime and do you credit as 
 well.' " 
 
 As the days passed, each one filled with sur- 
 prises and entertainment for the lad, his very ex- 
 pression changed, not so much from the excitement 
 of the whole affair but from the freedom of exist- 
 ence from the same habitation with a nature so an- 
 tagonistic to his own, until one day Dr. Moulton 
 remarked to him, as they were walking home from 
 a social call they had made together : " Do you 
 know, Windy, the first few days of your coming 
 to us I almost fancied you were in some sort of 
 
128 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 trouble. You had a kind of haunted expression 
 to your eyes, as if you were in terror of something 
 or some one ; but of late it has disappeared. Tell 
 me, Windy, did I read it aright? You may trust 
 me, you know that." 
 
 " Yes, my kind friend, I do know that I can, and 
 if you saw my troubled look it will make it but the 
 easier for me to speak. But, Doc, you do not 
 think Sis read me as you did? I could not bear 
 that she should dream of my extreme aversion to 
 our cousin; but, Doc, it seems sometimes as if I 
 could not stay where he is another day no, or 
 hour." And then followed some little detail of the 
 life Ben had led, of his intemperance, his gambling, 
 but never a word of the " sword " he held over 
 and about the Snuggy. 
 
 " If it were not for Joe and the sake of keeping 
 up our homestead, I would leave my kin there mas- 
 ter of all he surveyed." Here Windy paused, 
 while again there crept into the boyish face a look 
 which added years to it. 
 
 " Yes, but why should you allow such a person 
 to remain. I, for one, would not suffer at his ex- 
 pense." 
 
 "Ah! but, Doc, that is just it. You do not 
 know as I have learned to then again, he is our 
 kindred and you know blood is stronger than 
 well, we will say animosity. But I wish to 
 heaven he was anything but a kin of mine. He 
 goes at a pretty lively pace sometimes and my one 
 hope is that it may need a livelier place for him to 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 129 
 
 circle in before long that will indeed bring joy- 
 ful respite. At any rate, now Sis is so happy, it 
 almost makes me so too, and I pray she may always 
 remain so." 
 
 "Yes, Windy, we do indeed ask just that; and 
 now, my lad, keep your courage and good will ever 
 before you, and for you it must avail; but if at 
 any time I can assist you in any way, do not forget 
 I am ready." 
 
 " Doc, you are one in a million, yes trillion," 
 gratefully returned young Anderson, but deep in 
 his heart he felt guilty, for he well knew that fear 
 and the awful dread of disgrace to his dear Sis 
 as well as himself kept the apparently Christian- 
 like fortitude ever before him instead of pure, sim- 
 ple good will. 
 
 The last few days of his stay were indeed busy 
 ones; the theater, the stores, and, in fact, many 
 points of interest were shown the lad, who enjoyed 
 it hugely, almost wishing he were never to leave 
 the fascinating city where two whom he cared so 
 much for resided. But the last day came, and 
 after profuse thanks to Mrs. Moulton and a goodly 
 amount of banter with Betsy, Windy, accom- 
 panied by Dr. Moulton and Roma, who had sent 
 many kind messages to Joe, together with tributes, 
 made their way to the same station where nearly 
 two years before the little mountain girl had looked 
 with such longing eyes for a glimpse of the one 
 who had now given the Broth such a delightful so- 
 journ, and who now waved him a farewell as long 
 
ISO GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 as she could see the boyish figure; Roma had 
 turned weeping away, although not until Windy 
 was too far distant to feel a united grief at the 
 knowledge. 
 
CHAPTER XX 
 
 Windy's visit had indeed marked an era in more 
 than one way ; for his beloved Sis her warm lov- 
 ing heart had been nourished by the fellowship of 
 him. To be sure, Roma loved Elanore Moulton 
 with a deep affection, but her brother was so near, 
 so dear, and she had so longed many times for his 
 dear comradeship; and now as she strove day 
 by day to master an art, it seemed as if some hand 
 so freighted with love guided hers that the task 
 was unconsciously accomplished. Mrs. Moulton 
 had a very dear friend who had been a celebrated 
 portrait artist in his prime, and now as an old 
 gentleman he still loved to take to his brush, but 
 only as a pastime. Roma had found him such a 
 help, for at a glance he would suggest to her a 
 point here and there that would change the whole 
 tenor of her canvas and bring out more what she 
 wished to convey than many an hour spent by 
 herself could have accomplished. Then, together 
 they talked of many a face, taking the beautiful in 
 feature, the soulful, or gay in expression, until 
 Roma had begun to feel the force of the masterful 
 through his talk and friendly instruction. 
 
 One day as she sat before her easel, half dream- 
 131 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 ing, half wondering what she would attempt, as it 
 was to be a voluntary lesson, she found her outline 
 emerge into the contour of her frank-faced, boyish 
 brother. With a half sob, half laugh, she paused, 
 then progressed, until with the finishing of the por- 
 trait a few weeks later her brother, alive, was re- 
 vealed before her. 
 
 Roma had kept it a profound secret from one 
 and all, not even her teacher being made cognizant 
 from whom the portrait was taken. It was a part 
 of the school program that each pupil should ex- 
 hibit at the close of the year some of her work, 
 whether of art, music, or the drama, and Roma had 
 decided to surprise both Dr. Moulton and her aged 
 friend and artist, who had been the incentive of 
 her success. As the very brother a living, 
 breathing brother stood revealed, she felt that 
 she might be allowed to pronounce it a success 
 still she was waiting in a fervor for the criticism 
 of her friends ; and it came. 
 
 Windy had met the fine old man, so that now 
 when the artist again gazed into the boyish eyes 
 which caught and held his own in such a frank 
 challenge, he felt that indeed he had again met in 
 the flesh a friend; while the flush that settled and 
 remained upon her benefactress' face, together with 
 the low spoken, " Oh, Roma," and the words, 
 " Yes, little lady, you and I will yet have more 
 of our heart-to-heart talks, if from their outcome 
 such life as this can be produced," was tribute 
 enough to the anxiously waiting artist. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 133 
 
 And now the month of roses was sending pun- 
 gent odors over the land, while the bee vied with 
 the humming-bird in secreting the sweetest of the 
 sweets. Roma, however, as bright and as early 
 as her busy friends, was in the garden where the 
 dew glittered and flashed upon the petals of crim- 
 son, amber, and pink, like precious gems upon my 
 lady's corsage, for it was the day that would take 
 Mrs. Moulton and her dear doctor to the ship 
 that would bear them across the sea for a summer's 
 sojourn. Roma had arisen early that the most 
 fragrant of the roses should breathe their aroma 
 for the dear ones who loved their perfume so well. 
 And now, with basket filled to overflowing with the 
 luscious blooms, she made her way back, meeting 
 Betsy as she neared the house. Betsy held up 
 her hands, while her eyes devoured both girl and 
 roses as one, while the words, " Oh, Miss Roma, 
 I'd like your picture; I think it would please the 
 doctor 'long her excursion of the summer more 
 even than her joy at the sight of the morning 
 roses. Lor', but we will miss them sure enough ; 
 but I am mighty glad you are going to stay here 
 leastwise most of the summer." 
 
 " Yes, Betsy, I shall remain here, as I wish to 
 finish my last year, and Dr. Moulton has promised, 
 when she returns, to accompany me to my moun- 
 tain home for a short holiday before beginning 
 school again, if I will remain here while she is 
 away. So, Betsy, you will have to toe the mark 
 if I am to superintend." 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 " That I will, Miss Roma ; but I'll manage 
 that." 
 
 At breakfast the dewy roses breathed a benedic- 
 tion, and later, when the great ship left her moor- 
 ings, the fragrance of them brought a loved face 
 before the vision of the two ladies, who stood 
 with blossoms of crimson and white clasped in their 
 hands as they looked at the throng of beings who 
 watched loved ones depart from their native land. 
 They had bade Roma a tender good-by many 
 miles from the scene of the present bustle, and 
 when the moment really came for the separation, 
 both Roma and Elanore Moulton realized that the 
 parting from real friends was keen indeed. 
 
 Dr. Moulton was very desirous of studying in 
 some of the hospitals of the older world, and had 
 finally prevailed upon her mother to accompany 
 her. Some few weeks before she had received a 
 letter from Allyn Prentice in which he had dwelt 
 in quite a lengthy paragraph of "A Snuggy." 
 
 ..." The same one I now realize that you 
 tried to interest me in and which, if you can believe 
 it, I have found my mind wandering to now and 
 again since I learned from my sister and your 
 traveling companion of the mountain trip and of 
 the charming child of nature you found there. 
 It may mean that I shall some day take the trail 
 up, up to the Snuggy, just to see with my own 
 eyes the inmates of such a remarkable home." 
 
 He had made no mention of the shining band 
 possibly Mrs. Raynor had not related the inci- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 135 
 
 dent to him, and, if she had, he evidently consid- 
 ered it too trivial or childish an episode to men- 
 tion. How surprised he would be to learn that 
 the child of nature, as he had called Roma, had 
 developed into a quite conventional city girl. 
 
 Mrs. Raynor had only lately learned of Roma's 
 present abode as she and Mr. Raynor had been 
 traveling extensively and had not kept in touch 
 of late with Dr. Moulton, and only within a few 
 days before sailing had Elanore Moulton carried 
 out her idea of sending a photograph of Roma to 
 the famous lawyer. She had asked the girl if she 
 were willing it should be forwarded to a friend 
 of hers who lived in the land of flowers, and upon 
 Roma's acquiescence she had asked her to choose 
 the one she liked best from several positions that 
 had been taken of her. Strangely enough, she had 
 selected the one that showed herself garbed in the 
 costume of the mountain lass : in homespun dress, 
 the half-fitting blouse with throat bared, the 
 strong but well molded hands and arms showing 
 to best advantage, the soft hat, half disclosing, 
 half revealing, the wealth of silky hair, which, with 
 all the figure so lithe, the expression so trustful, 
 completed a photograph of unusual detail. 
 
 Dr. Moulton had half hoped, half expected, 
 Roma would choose this very one, as she had heard 
 her remark, several times when speaking of the 
 photographs that " the other styles taken in the 
 more conventional dress were not as yet real, for 
 she had not arrived at the state of just what they 
 
136 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 would lead one to imagine of her; while, as to the 
 other, she knew she had been true to herself as she 
 had then been as," Dr. Moulton had added 
 " a child of nature." 
 
 66 And now, Roma, will you sign that nom de 
 plume under your pictured self for me? " 
 
 Thus it was that Roma, the mountain lass, was 
 sent to the land of perfume and flowers, there to 
 hold sway in a semi-conscious state over a clever 
 man's heart. 
 
 Allyn Prentice was a very busy man ; it seemed 
 many nights as he let himself into his luxurious 
 apartment that he should simply have to take a 
 short holiday, for he admitted to himself that in 
 truth he was feeling fagged. He had been work- 
 ing upon several very bothersome cases and they 
 had in a way gotten on his nerves. One night he 
 had returned, feeling more ill at ease than usual, 
 to find a packet marked " Open with Care," placed 
 upon his desk. 
 
 " Hello, what friend from the East has lost a 
 thought upon me? I believe it is my old chum's 
 sister's chirography and, yes well, it was 
 marked open with care, for to mar " and here 
 the stern criminal lawyer's face positively beamed 
 as he simply devoured the pictured girl before him. 
 
 " So ho ! this is my little friend of the mountain, 
 the trail, and the Snuggy ! Jolly, and if she has 
 not on the talisman our talisman veritably 
 she is well named, a child of nature, and still," 
 here he looked long at the well-molded features, the 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 137 
 
 clear gaze of the girlish face, " you are like what 
 I pictured, and yet even as you are a child, still 
 close following is the woman, with your thoughtful 
 brow. But how did Dr. Moulton come by such a 
 well-taken photograph way up in the wilds? She 
 must have taken the child to a near-by but no, 
 that could not be. It was likely developed and 
 enlarged from some kodak picture. At any rate, 
 it is to be a little mascot for me, and it shall have 
 the finest frame I can find for it to-morrow. To 
 think that we should both have worn that signet 
 A. E. P. ! " 
 
 Thus saying, the celebrated Honorable, who had 
 entered his library earlier in the evening a tired, 
 bored man, now actually exhibited marked spright- 
 liness in his step as he crossed to the mantel where 
 stood a bouquet of cape jessamine, and there stood 
 his new trophy by the side of the beautiful white 
 blossoms, again promising that only for to-night 
 should it remain without a sheltered place to re- 
 sort to, while, as he turned to his desk to resume 
 studying, the eyes of the girl seem to follow him, 
 as if to say, " Yes, I have come all the way from 
 my mountains to your land of flowers." 
 
CHAPTER XXI 
 
 Busy days followed upon Windy's return. The 
 chalet was rapidly filling with tourists, and both 
 Joe and himself had plenty of employment guiding 
 parties up the trails. The ponies were free, and 
 seemed to enjoy the excitement of coming as near 
 as it seemed expedient to the side of the mountain- 
 ous pass, sometimes to the worriment of the eques- 
 trians until reassured by the guide, nor could any 
 question the mind of the Supreme One who guided 
 the feet of the little creatures and gave them the 
 keenest instinct and intuition. Windy returned 
 with a great deal of enthusiasm relative to city 
 life, and many a picture he drew for the delecta- 
 tion of Joe. Ben also seemed unusually interested 
 in drawing him out, adding, now and again, that 
 " city life was the only life, for it was ever present- 
 ing opportunities for wealth and position," until 
 one day, when he was expatiating more than usual 
 as to the city's possibilties, Joe surprised them all 
 by suddenly exclaiming: "Well, Ben, I am 
 blessed if I can see why you stay here, then. I 
 would not if I felt that away about it, for it seems 
 to me you might like your share of the city's spoils, 
 if they are to be had as surely as you say." 
 
 " Well, that may come all in good time ; at pres- 
 138 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 139 
 
 ent I enjoy the life here in the mountains, to say 
 nothing of my dear cousin's and your own com- 
 panionship," returned Ben. But there was an in- 
 flection in his tone as he spoke of Windy that was 
 more like the tone he had used the night many 
 weeks back wher he had hied to his bed instead of 
 joining his cronies. 
 
 Windy felt it, but upon glancing at his burly 
 kinsman, found his face perfectly nonchalant as 
 well as his manner. A little later, while still speak- 
 ing of the city life, Ben added, " Like as not Windy 
 here will be the one to vamoose, as he is so taken 
 with the gay life." 
 
 Some few days later Ben remarked at the supper 
 table that a friend of a member of the bunch that 
 he chummed with had dropped in from California 
 and he would like to have him over for an evening 
 if the boys were agreeable, as he was a deuced fine 
 fellow. He did prove to be a most interesting and 
 entertaining youth and both the lads really en- 
 joyed him. He seemed to take quite a fancy to 
 Windy from the first, and as the weeks sped by 
 he found his way many times to the Snuggy under 
 one pretense or other. He was about the age of 
 the lads, although he seemed much older, and it was 
 evident from the first that he had come in contact 
 with many phases of the world's life, for he had 
 anecdotes for one and all occasions and was really 
 a comedian of no common sort. He had at one 
 visit suggested to the lads that they all set in for 
 a game, but as Ben was one of the company Joe 
 
140 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 had refused under the pretense of headache, and 
 from that time Ned Brigham never referred to it 
 again. But many times and long did he sit in 
 when with the gang, of whom Ben was the strong 
 point, while it was at Ben's suggestion (on the 
 side) that determined him never again to ask the 
 lads to take a hand. 
 
 Ben had confided in Ned to the extent that the 
 lad never doubted but that Windy was the one that 
 he was trying to shield by not rousing his passion 
 for the game. Of Joe's unusual keenness of the 
 manner of the players his intuition as to their 
 bluffing and his consequent big luck Ben never 
 spoke, nor did Ned dream that Joe refused to make 
 one while Ben was of the number simply because 
 he did not care to make any scenes when the oily, 
 suave, sly city cousin was of the bunch. 
 
 Ned had been employed in several hotels since 
 he had started out to earn his own livelihood, and 
 had come to the mountains with the intention of 
 seeking work in one of the scattered hotels which 
 nested like oases amid the mountainous region. 
 His home was in California, where he was to re- 
 turn, seeking the sunny clime when the mountains 
 ceased to entice the traveler to their grandeur be- 
 cause of their too icy breath. A sort of rolling 
 stone he had always been, wishing to know what his 
 country was like ; he had consequently become a 
 roamer, going hither and thither, acquiring the 
 good and bad as they were brought to bear upon 
 him, until he had become a creature of impulse, 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 141 
 
 swayed by thoughts, himself his most dread enemy. 
 Pitilessly it bound him as with iron bands. Bound 
 him because he could be swayed by the will of 
 others to whom he felt a sense of fear, remorse or 
 other of the dread elements which were fighting to 
 control his character. 
 
 And now the summer days lingered up in the 
 mountainous land, where the brilliant regal sun- 
 sets mellowed into the afterglow, then seemed to 
 steal far into the perfumed night to meet the tinted 
 morn. But the beauty seemed to be overlooked, 
 at least by the gang of which Ben and Ned called 
 themselves a part for as with the warmth they 
 seemed to spend even more time than before over 
 their game until Ned found that he was a loser 
 of no small amount and that to Ben he was a 
 debtor. Ned had almost from the first been no 
 match for Ben, but at each gathering Ben had 
 strongly urged him to continue to sit in, adding 
 always in an undertone that " none of the bunch 
 know of your loss and your luck is bound to 
 change." 
 
 So night after night Ned braced up and played, 
 sometimes having a spell of better success, but 
 even so, making him indebted to Ben for a sum 
 that made his pulses beat at a rapid pace. At 
 first Ben had only laughed at the lad as he had 
 bemoaned his fate, telling him that it would all end 
 in his being the winner, but of late he had not been 
 quite as affable and had even asked for a consider- 
 able amount of the indebtedness of which Ned did 
 
142 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 not possess. It was now Ned's turn to at least 
 feign the optimistical spirit and tell Ben he would 
 yet win and pay him. But the pessimist was be- 
 coming very apparent in Ben's manner, for he did 
 not urge Ned any more, but exclaimed to him one 
 night when he was about to join the gang that if 
 he did the proper thing it would be to " pay up " 
 before he got in any deeper. From that evening 
 he had been anything but cordial to Ned, nor did 
 he make it possible for him to join the game again. 
 
 Windy and Joe were very busy these days and 
 saw but little of Ben, for they were away the en- 
 tire day and Ben the night. One day, as Windy 
 was leaving the chalet after guiding a party of 
 tourists up the trail, one of the Jap bellboys 
 handed him a letter addressed to Ned and in broken 
 English asked him to give it him. That he did, 
 riding over where the little settlement was located 
 and calling upon Ned, who on opening his letter 
 seemed much gratified that he was to have work at 
 the chalet, at which he had applied, when shortly 
 on his arrival at the mountains some weeks pre- 
 vious. He told Windy of his good luck, adding, 
 " Thank fortune, for now I can begin to square 
 myself." More he did not say, nor did Windy 
 seek to learn. 
 
 From this time on Ned and Windy saw a great 
 deal of each other and rarely a day passed without 
 their having a short chat, for Ned began his duties 
 at once at the chalet and grew to be quite a 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 favorite, while Windy continued to act as guide, 
 meeting many kind tourists as he piloted them to 
 view wonders and beauties which lay concealed be- 
 neath the snow-capped mountains and stately 
 glaciers. 
 
 Back in the East the perfumed days of June 
 gave place to the sultry heat of the advanced sum- 
 mer months, and Roma spent the time partly in 
 study, partly as a holiday. Long letters she wrote 
 her boys and the dear travelers. Grateful and 
 entertained was she by the breezy, newsy ones 
 she received from the land of sunny skies, and then 
 again of snow-clad peaks, which sent her thoughts 
 back to her own mountains. Roma's letters were 
 quite different from the poor little attempts she 
 formerly sent to her boys now they breathed of 
 thoughts gleaned from her intimacy with beautiful 
 pictures, many of which teemed with lives which 
 expressed nobility of mind, and which instinctively 
 appealed to the girl; music with its stories the 
 nature and period of which she wrote her lads, 
 until they grew to see the beauties with her eyes, 
 and to almost hear as did she the strains of the 
 inspiring melody. She still sketched and painted 
 with her aged instructor, and many a morning 
 found them in the dewy garden both hard at work, 
 while sometimes it would need Betsy's sonorous 
 voice to resound almost at their ears to bring them 
 to a sense of the realization that even the inner 
 man demands some attention. Betsy had been 
 very happy at having the girl with her and many 
 
144 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 a little surprized delicacy she placed before Roma 
 as a token of her good will. 
 
 While visiting one of her school girl friends 
 she had attended a play taken from one of Dickens' 
 works, and since her return she had enjoyed bring- 
 ing out upon her canvas the likeness of some of 
 the characters, as she felt them to be, to the amaze- 
 ment and wonderment of her kind instructor and 
 friend. In such manner the summer glided away 
 and the time grew near for the reopening of the 
 seminary. Roma was looking forward with the 
 utmost zeal to the visit she intended making to the 
 beloved Snuggy, accompanied by her dear doc- 
 tor, before her return to finish another year of 
 knowledge, which would plant her a little firmer 
 in the world of her benefactress. 
 
 Man but proposes, still God is always true to 
 the helm. A letter came one day bearing a foreign 
 postmark, which brought for the time a bitter dis- 
 appointment to the girl, whose heart yearned for 
 her dear ones. Dr. Moult on had deemed it best 
 and wise to remain the entire winter. She was 
 deeply interested in her studies and was gaining 
 in her pursuit rapidly her mother was happy 
 very well and contented, so that she felt it was 
 a golden period for her to remain. 
 
 " Roma child," the letter continued, " I know, 
 dearie, you will sorely grieve at what I am going 
 to say to you, but I am sure you will be glad to 
 obey me. I would rather you would not go to 
 your home in the mountains until my return be- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 145 
 
 lieve me, it will be the better way. I am sorry to 
 ask this of you, but I feel it is right; and as you 
 are so brave I know that you will overcome your 
 disappointment without prolonged grief partic- 
 ularly as I feel it is for your good." 
 
 And brave she was her letter to her boys was 
 honest and cheerful, telling them that Doctor 
 Moulton wished her to remain East until the 
 spring, as she felt it would be better in the end, 
 and that while she was hungry to come she wished 
 to please her dear lady and she felt that she knew ; 
 " and I shall have to sketch my Gypsy," she wrote, 
 " just for her company." 
 
 A brave reply came from Windy some few days 
 later, telling her that much as they should miss her 
 expected visit, they felt that if the Doc had wished 
 it otherwise it was surely for the best " For, Sis, 
 she, we know, is all right." 
 
 And one morning, almost before the busy world 
 was astir, when Betsy first put her head out of the 
 window for a breath of the soft summer air, she 
 caught a glimpse which caused her nearly to lose 
 her balance and land upon the clump of lilac bushes 
 which grew beneath her window, with the words, 
 " Well of all things, if there does not go firelight 
 to meet the daylight." For Roma had given her- 
 self a treat, to offset her disappointment, in the 
 form of an early morning canter, donning her 
 mountain togs, while the scarlet kerchief floated 
 back a silent salute to Betsy. To the woods the 
 dewy summer-scented woods she went, her eyes 
 
146 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 lighting, her lips thanking the Creator of all for 
 the beauty of the scene. In a luxuriant library in 
 California the same girlish face and figure nestled 
 in a heavy silver frame, where often a bouquet of 
 rarest blossoms was placed beside her. 
 
CHAPTER XXII 
 
 The gay season was beginning to assert itself 
 along the turquoise Pacific the hotels at the 
 different sojourns were rapidly filling with guests 
 who came, many of them ladened with trunks and 
 hat-boxes, for fashion ran riot at this season of 
 the year. At some of the hostelries the approach 
 was made by passing avenues of calla lilies, while 
 at others the Bougainvillaea clambered with its 
 purple blooms, making a most delicate scene as it 
 fell in graceful streamers from its tinted height to 
 the velvety green sward beneath. The graceful 
 pepper trees scattered here and there together with 
 the flowered mission tree with its pure white, bell- 
 shaped flowers only added a tithe to the beauty of 
 the wealth of nature's bounty. 
 
 Nina Wentworth, who had just returned from 
 her morning's ride of miles beside the flashing, surg- 
 ing ocean, felt that it was indeed a happy stroke 
 of fortune which allowed her to spend glorious 
 weeks again and again at the luxuriant resorts of 
 this beautiful region. Her home had always been 
 in the sunny State of California where she had 
 lived and developed like a tropical plant loving 
 the warmth, the fragrance, and the beautiful in 
 nature. It had seemed to her that her every wish 
 
 147 
 
148 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 had been gratified until the Hon. Allyn Prentice 
 had come into her life, and from then on to the 
 present time there had been a sense of unrest. 
 
 Nina Wentworth had always been a fickle, 
 thoughtless sort of girl, and now as a woman the 
 deeper things of life wearied her, until she found 
 that the only thing she really cared for was the 
 one she had not as yet succeeded in gaining 
 the adoration of Allyn Prentice. 
 
 She had tried many arts upon him, but they 
 seem to rebound to herself again with nothing but 
 failure to recompense her. But now he had prom- 
 ised to run down and give himself a bit of a holi- 
 day, while she had already planned many a delight 
 and surprise for his timely sojourn. She felt that, 
 thrown together as much as they were sure to be 
 from their very nearness, her hope and ambition 
 might and would be achieved, namely, to become 
 his affianced wife. Pride, the ruling element in her 
 life, would then be throned, for to be the wife of 
 the Hon. Allyn Prentice was to climb the topmost 
 round of the social ladder. That she might be the 
 woman who could and would supply the love, ten- 
 derness, disinterestedness in all that pertained to 
 his happiness and welfare, she did not give thought 
 nor special wish, only in the way of gratifying her 
 own pleasure as the outcome of her desire and 
 vanity. She felt that much had been gained, for 
 never before had he consented to join her, and she 
 felt that possession would be hers. Well, at least, 
 she would simply have to wait and see. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 149 
 
 " I will confess that I never enjoyed a ride 
 more," exclaimed the right Honorable, as he sprang 
 from his saddle and hastened to assist his com- 
 panion to alight. " It was like nectar from the 
 gods. Why, even the seals seemed to bark joy- 
 ously for us this glorious morning, and, as for the 
 roses, the Goddess Flora must indeed have been in 
 rapture." 
 
 " Ho, ho, that was a very pretty speech. Sup- 
 pose you use some such metaphor in the court- 
 room at some later date. I am sure you would be 
 rechristened the poetic, criminal lawyer, instead of 
 the indomitable," laughingly returned his com- 
 panion, as she buried her face in a huge bouquet 
 of roses still with great pearly drops of dew nes- 
 tling in their depths. " But now we must hasten 
 or breakfast will be but a sigh of the morning. I 
 will join you speedily." 
 
 At this moment a lad hastened forward to lead 
 the horses away. His eyes were meanwhile very 
 busy while doing so, while the words, " Yes, she is 
 
 a better looker than the Doc, but, jingo me for 
 
 the Doc. Gad! but I would like to see her and 
 Sis, but then I am seeing the country and that is 
 worth something," were scarcely audible. 
 
 During this little communion with himself a 
 hand was slapped on his shoulder and who but 
 Ned Brigham should greet him. 
 
 " I say, Windy, how goes it ? What were you 
 mumbling just now? Are you in raptures over 
 the Right Honorable and his fiancee? Ha, ha! 
 
150 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 Well, I don't wonder they are a pretty swell 
 pair. So they have given you a new job, hey? I 
 thought you were bellboy for the south wing." 
 
 " Yes, that is my real vocation and location," 
 returned Windy, sot to voce, " but one of the lads 
 here at the stable is ill and I am helping out for a 
 bit. You see, it seems like old times the ponies, 
 I mean." 
 
 " Of course, but I wonder how they all are up 
 in the frigid zone to-day at the same old game, 
 I suppose Cousin Ben and all. By the way, old 
 man, tell me, you have never been sorry you came 
 back with me, have you? A little later I have 
 something I want to tell you, but I haven't the 
 time just now," and here Ned looked a bit embar- 
 rassed. 
 
 But the ring in Windy's voice as he exclaimed, 
 " Never lose any thoughts at my expense, Ned, 
 for, to speak the truth, I was in a state wishing 
 for transportation. You see sometimes two is a 
 company and three are well, just one too many. 
 Then again I was bound to see some of my world 
 and how better than by accompanying you to 
 this sunny, flowered land? " 
 
 " Good, my friend ; I am mighty glad you feel 
 that way about it. For, well, that is part of my 
 story. But so long for now, you will be back at 
 the bellhop job again soon I suppose, then I shall 
 see you more often," and so saying Ned took 
 himself away to attend to his duties as head bell- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 151 
 
 boy, while Windy went whistling along, leading 
 the proud, sleek beauties back to their stalls. 
 
 " Just how many shall you require after such a 
 glorious constitutional," smilingly inquired Nina 
 Wentworth, as with silver tongs she daintily poised 
 a lump of sugar preparatory to the aromatic cup 
 of coffee which she had deemed it a privilege to 
 help her companion to, seated tete-a-tete at break- 
 fast. 
 
 " Clever." Did the word form itself in his 
 thoughts, to be transmitted to hers? It is need- 
 less to ponder, for the fact remained that the 
 charming woman of the world employed a manner 
 of graceful tactfulness in creating an atmosphere 
 of homeliness and interest which enveloped him in 
 its embrace. That she felt every move necessary 
 for her cause he could not quite realize, for, man 
 that he was, the many little arts studied and seem- 
 ingly unconsciously assumed were to him genuine, 
 even if at times manifestations confronted him, 
 causing him again to admit her innate cleverness. 
 
 And now as Allyn Prentice gazed with admira- 
 tion at the queenly woman noting the delicate 
 hands and rounded arms which seemed so well fitted 
 to preside over the dainty accessories the 
 thought as of telepathy passed through his con- 
 sciousness, suggesting, " Why not? " 
 
 She was indeed a most charming companion, and 
 would grace any home and Here a bellboy 
 laden with mail sauntered into the breakfast room 
 
152 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 and handed letters to the late diners. With words 
 of apology, both were soon engrossed in their own 
 interests. Invitations to receptions, musicals and 
 bridge for the most part formed the topic in the 
 daintily scented missives which Nina Wentworth 
 opened in such approved fashion and to which she 
 smilingly acquiesced, until interrupted by an audi- 
 ble, " Good for you, my friend ; you are the right 
 sort, I should say." Suddenly remembering him- 
 self, he paused and, glancing into the smiling face 
 opposite him, Allyn Prentice hastened to divulge 
 'the contents of the letter which had drawn forth 
 his eager, audible approval. 
 
 " You see, my dear Nina, this letter has trav- 
 eled many miles and really has a partial commis- 
 sion for me providing I may be turning my way 
 East again as I was obliged to do a year ago, 
 when I had business at the national capital. It is 
 from the sister of my boyhood and college chum, 
 whose home, as you remember my telling you, is 
 in the East. At present, however, she and her 
 mother are in Vienna where the doctor is studying." 
 
 " Yes, indeed, I remember your anecdotes relative 
 to your friend and his near ones and should so 
 much enjoy meeting this clever doctor and her 
 mother," returned his companion, evincing much 
 enthusiasm. " But what as to the commission ; 
 can you execute it? " 
 
 " That is just the point. Can I? I am of half 
 a mind to try." Here a half smile, fraught with 
 much tenderness, for an instant passed over his 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 153 
 
 rather stern lips, then he continued, " You re- 
 member the picture which stands upon the mantel 
 in my library the one of the mountain girl in 
 her native togs ? " 
 
 " Oh, yes the lass who has the brother and 
 who lives in a * nuggy ' ? " While here there fol- 
 lowed a light laugh into which had crept a tinge of 
 bitterness, though hardly decernible. 
 
 " The same ; and if Elanore Moulton is a good 
 judge, love strong as life itself breathes from the 
 soul of this sister and brother, so that a visit to 
 this same Snuggy is a visit of inspiration." 
 
 Nina Wentworth vouchsafed no further com- 
 ment, and her companion continued, " But this 
 Snuggy has lost its maiden, for Oh, do not be 
 concerned," this as the woman with her soft, 
 tropical beauty leaned forward, while a half ex- 
 pression of awe flitted across her mobile face, 
 " she is living and most happily situated as a par- 
 tial inmate of Dr. Moulton's home. The object 
 in her going East, the doctor writes, is to secure 
 an education, and that she is attending a school 
 for girls." 
 
 " How very entertaining ; and how old is she, 
 may I ask? " 
 
 " Well, really, you have me. I cannot answer 
 that. The doctor is very interested in her, and as 
 she is to remain abroad much longer than she at 
 first intended, she thought, if I were to pass 
 through her city, that she would commission me 
 to visit her which I should most certainly do, 
 
154 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 but I am doubtful as to being obliged or even able 
 to get away, particularly after the few days I 
 stole to come here." 
 
 A slight smile crept into the eyes, whose hue was 
 like the turquoise, taking away a trifle of the steely 
 glint that came as of yore to their azure depths 
 as she tactfully smiled with her lips in apprecia- 
 tion of Allyn Prentice's slight compliment to her- 
 self. 
 
 A little later the beauty of nature lured them 
 again to itself while, much as Nina Wentworth 
 enjoyed the remainder of the glorious day, and the 
 companionship of her distinguished escort, some- 
 how a pair of frank, wondering, girlish eyes would 
 come into her mental picture seemingly with no 
 volition of her own until she felt that a pair of 
 truthful orbs were reading her and wondering at 
 the plotting, scheming and yearning of her shallow 
 heart. As for the Hon. Allyn Prentice, gazing 
 that night into the dome of heaven as the stars one 
 by one flashed forth, he again searched almost un- 
 consciously for the brightness which had once 
 seemed to radiate from them to him, bearing a 
 united significance as from a gleaming initialed 
 talisman. 
 
CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 Nina Wentworth was astir the next morning al- 
 most before the birds sleep so blest and which 
 usually came to her so kindly, had the past night 
 stubbornly evaded her. The few fitful lapses she 
 had in dreamland had been haunted by a pair of 
 truthful, searching orbs which brought even in 
 sleep an unpleasant sense of unexplainable rela- 
 tionship. 
 
 As a canter of many miles was a common oc- 
 currence to her, she had upon arising determined 
 to steal one long before the Right Honorable could 
 even dream she had left her couch. Full well she 
 knew the glow of cheek and sparkle to eyes she 
 would present by so doing, rather than the slight 
 pallor which she now noticed so overcame her. 
 
 That they had planned, as upon the preceding 
 morning, a ride together made no difference rela- 
 tive to her new mode of action; she would still be 
 in better trim for her morning's conquest. 
 
 Thinking not to ring having donned her 
 habit she prepared to walk toward the stables, 
 feeling most certain she would meet a lackey who 
 could saddle a horse for her. She was right in 
 her conjecture, and having bade him make ready 
 
 for her canter she walked on a bit farther and 
 155 
 
156 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 stepping into a little summer house which stood 
 almost concealed by vines and clambering roses, 
 there planned to await her pony. 
 
 Seating herself, she had scarcely finished ex- 
 patiating upon the beauty and fragrance of the 
 dewy roses when the voices of lads seeming at the 
 back of the summer house roused her. Fearing 
 it might be guests of the hotel, and not wishing to 
 be seen, she stepped quickly behind a screen of 
 flowered chintz which stood at one side of the 
 arbor, which being partially secluded was used at 
 times as a tearoom. 
 
 " How I wish Sis could just breathe this scented 
 air ! As for a canter, she would not believe any- 
 thing could be as glorious as one alongside the 
 ocean this morning must be." 
 
 " You're right, Windy. But let's see ; you will 
 see that Sis what's her name? Mona? Roma? 
 now which? I forget. You see I never saw her. 
 That dearly beloved Cousin Ben represented the 
 family to me." 
 
 Here a humorous laugh tinged with sarcasam 
 rang out from the lad, to be followed by one of 
 equal sarcasm as his companion returned, "I guess 
 we all feel pretty much the same as to Ben even 
 Roma cannot quite understand him." 
 
 To Nina Wentworth, the names Sis, Roma, and 
 then Windy brought a vision a vision of a 
 mountain home, where love loyal and true 
 prevailed; but what could this mean? What 
 could this lad be doing so far from his own region ? 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 157 
 
 With strong curiosity she peered around from her 
 post of shelter to recognize the very lad that had 
 led the horses away after the glorious ride Allyn 
 Prentice and she had enjoyed the preceding morn- 
 ing. Strangely enough the lads continued to 
 stand beside the arbor. Suddenly Windy's com- 
 panion exclaimed: 
 
 " Well, say, Windy. You know, it has helped 
 me a whole lot what you told me yesterday that 
 you were glad you had come out here to California. 
 For, to tell you the truth, it was part of my pay- 
 ing up your beastly cousin (sorry to so have to 
 call your relation) that made me coax you so 
 strongly to come along. You see, he agreed to 
 cancel half my poker bill due him if you accom- 
 panied me." 
 
 " So that was his game," here, a slight pallor 
 spread over the boyish features, as Windy slap- 
 ping his companion on the shoulder added, 
 " Well, Ned, it has turned out thus far all right, 
 so what's the dif ? And if by my coming I helped 
 you pay up, I have managed to be of some good, 
 so don't let that worry you any longer for I am 
 content." At this, on they strode, leaving Nina 
 Wentworth still wondering. 
 
 Briskly as she sped through the scented morn- 
 ing air, the late conversation she had heard accom- 
 panied her thoughts, queries, imaginations, all 
 passed fleetly through her mentality until as 
 she approached the broad gravel path after her 
 canter of many miles she realized the restful frame 
 
158 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 of mind she had expected had not been acquired. 
 However, the glow and brightness were apparent, 
 and that must suffice, and when a little later she 
 joined the Right Honorable for their united ride 
 no one could have dreamed of a restless night, nor 
 the secret she held of the proximity of a brother 
 whose love for his Sis was enduring, loyal and 
 true. 
 
 The next morning as Nina Wentworth passed 
 through the long corridor on her way to the break- 
 fast room she gave an almost perceptible start, 
 for there in bellboy regalia stood Windy Sis's 
 brother. How like they were this brother and 
 the pictured face of his Sis, the girl Roma. " It 
 would seem as if this girl's face was to be kept 
 forcibly in my mental picture even to the thrust- 
 ing of this lad, unknown save by myself, to con- 
 tinue to annoy me," half muttered, half groaned 
 the fashionably gowned woman whom to see was 
 but to admire. 
 
 She alone was conscious of the many annoying 
 thoughts which intruded as she strove to charm 
 her distinguished companion, until he, basking in 
 her brightness, acknowledged to her his enjoyment, 
 and declared it one of their pleasantest tete-a- 
 tetes. 
 
 Of one thing Nina Wentworth was most grati- 
 fied to learn; that, as Sis's brother had been put 
 back into the hotel, he was not in the wing where 
 Allyn Prentice's room was located. " It is just as 
 well they do not meet, for although I should not 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 159 
 
 deem it probable for the judge even to notice the 
 likeness, still it is as well he should not be given 
 the test. As to that Cousin Ben, it is more than 
 likely he is desperately in love with the girl. At 
 least I hope so." 
 
 Several days had now passed since Nina Went- 
 worth had first learned that the bellboy who so 
 quickly and gentlemanly executed the many com- 
 missions assigned him was none other than the lad 
 from the mountainous Snuggy. That he was not 
 using his own name she also had learned, for she 
 had several times heard other of the help call him 
 Andrews. That he was always most civil to her, 
 she could well understand, for innate refinement 
 was his. The evening came all too quickly when 
 on the morrow Allyn Prentice should return to his 
 vocation again. There was to be an especially 
 attractive program arranged for the pleasure of 
 the guests that night in the form of amateur tal- 
 ent in charades Nina Wentworth being partic- 
 ularly active as one of the partakers. 
 
 In enacting the character assigned her it was 
 deemed necessary she should wear many jewels, 
 while she, nothing loath, felt that perhaps the 
 very radiance which they would shed on her 
 would bring into such clearness her beauty that 
 the man whom she sought to charm would be under 
 her spell. 
 
 Returning to her room the latter part of the 
 afternoon on the day when she must appear in her 
 most ravishing toilette, she rang, and Windy, the 
 
160 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 spruce new bellboy, answered. Bidding him go to 
 the clerk, she commissioned him to bring her a 
 package from the safe which he should say she 
 wished. He returned shortly and, after giving the 
 usual tip, Nina Wentworth withdrew with her 
 package into her boudoir. Seating herself before 
 her dressing table, she soon was busily arranging, 
 then rearranging, gems most beautiful and bril- 
 liant. Having at last decided which would pro- 
 duce the best effect as well as the one she was most 
 desirous of creating, she returned the remaining 
 glittering baubles to their cases. Then putting 
 them into a handbag she locked it, putting the lit- 
 tle silver key back upon the slender chain she wore 
 about her neck. Thinking then to rest for a spell, 
 she selected a book she was interested in, and soon 
 was enjoying to the utmost a quiet respite. As 
 the hour for dining drew nearer, she decided she 
 would be served in her own apartment, thinking 
 not to dress until she should for her character 
 part. 
 
 That night a gloriously beautiful woman with 
 soft clinging robe of palest yellow, displaying neck 
 and arms of almost marble whiteness upon which 
 gems of rare beauty flashed and scintillated, could 
 have been seen preparing to leave the apartment 
 which upon the register was reserved by Miss Nina 
 Wentworth, Los Angeles, California. Glancing at 
 the clock of Dresden standing on the dresser and 
 which pointed to a quarter to ten, the vision of 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 161 
 
 beauty, wrapping herself in a long black satin 
 cloak, turned and left the apartment. 
 
 The charades proved most pleasing, while Nina 
 Wentworth as Cleopatra easily won the distinction 
 which merited her the evening's praises. Later 
 and when the early hours of the morrow had been 
 ushered in that would bring to an end the holiday 
 sojourn of the keen criminal lawyer, and he had 
 asked the fascinating and still radiantly jeweled 
 and gowned Cleopatra to seek the beauty and fra- 
 grance which outside was so apparent, there beside 
 great blossoms which hung their heads so 
 freighted with sweetness, he Allyn Prentice 
 at last manifested tenderness most welcome to the 
 modern Cleopatra. 
 
CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 The days and weeks passed rapidly and happily 
 for the most part with the girl Roma ; still, the 
 past year had wrought many changes in the or- 
 phaned girl. Not that she was unhappy, for that 
 was not true, as he loved her studies and was most 
 anxious to be one of Dr. Moulton's world when she 
 should have returned from her prolonged sojourn. 
 
 Still, much as she was beloved by her girl 
 friends, there was a something she longed for. 
 Could it be the old life in the mountain home? 
 Yes and no. There were days when it seemed she 
 must fly there, for she needed the love and kin- 
 ship of that dear Broth, her only tie of blood ; but 
 she had promised her beloved benefactress and so 
 must abide. The very fact of the repression at 
 times made it all the harder to obey. 
 
 Then, again, she had been working very hard at 
 her adored work, and was bringing out most flat- 
 tering results with her pencil and brush. The 
 talent she had shown when sketching nature about 
 her mountainous home had taken even deeper 
 thought, until her studies of the natural, both in 
 face and figure, were bordering upon the marvelous 
 such depths of feeling as she depicted not only 
 
 in feature and expression but even in the poise of 
 162 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 163 
 
 her subjects. The dear old friend was in raptures, 
 often stopping to look at her with almost rever- 
 ence, after some touch from her brush would send 
 a look of love, sorrow or even repugnance into the 
 face upon her canvas. Then putting his hands 
 upon her shoulder, he would turn her face to his 
 and say, " My dear child, God has indeed given 
 you a rare gift." 
 
 Dr. Moulton's letters began to have in them a 
 cadence of home, and before long it would be the 
 springtide again, and she would be perfectly happy 
 for it would mean her friend, her dear Broth, and 
 her visit to the Snuggy. 
 
 One day a letter postmarked California came 
 as a great surprise to her, seeming in her brother's 
 handwriting. Not thinking it possible, she opened 
 it, to learn that he was seeing some of the world 
 and that he was working his way by doing odd 
 jobs; that he was only on a short sojourn, for as 
 soon as he was needed in the mountains back he 
 should go. " For you see, Sis, this summer is to 
 be the summer for us all, as our little civilized girl 
 is to be with us again." 
 
 Of the beauty of the flowers and trees he spoke 
 in glowing fashion, and ended by stating that some 
 of the ladies and gentlemen were not to be sneezed 
 at. 
 
 The news was a great surprise to Roma; while 
 at first a sense of worriment seized her, but after 
 a little she began to feel pleased that her brother 
 should have taken such a start, for she knew full 
 
164. GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 well the loneliness of the winter in the mountains. 
 As for Joe and Ben, she knew one or the other 
 would be obliged to remain to care for the ponies; 
 aye, even her own Gypsy. " Joe, dear good Joe ; 
 he will remain at his post, of that I am sure. Yes, 
 faithful Joe, you are one of God's gentlemen, al- 
 though education and polish were denied you. 
 
 " Oh, how I wish I knew just where the kind 
 friend of Dr. Moulton lives who sent me my pre- 
 cious gift," and here almost unconsciously she 
 caressed the slender, gold cross which hung by a 
 dainty chain about her soft full throat " and 
 to think of my beloved, glowing, gleaming color 
 flashing from its one precious ruby; surely our 
 love for the bright is identical." 
 
 In removing her hand from her unique bauble 
 her glance rested upon the signet ring that had 
 long adorned her finger, and instantly in an almost 
 apologetical tone, she added, " No, little ring, I 
 do not love it more, nor as much; for you were 
 my first, and then again you breathe of a presence 
 of a living creation of God's, you, with your ini- 
 tials A. E. P. ; and wherever you are, whoever 
 you are, my prayers are ever for your success." 
 
 As for its former owner, the Hon. Allyn Pren- 
 tice, he was being carried rapidly back to Los 
 Angeles to his life of counseling for and against 
 crime, often in its grossest form. He had bid- 
 den the charming woman of the world a rather 
 hasty good-by, for in some way the glamour of 
 the evening had in a measure deserted him; per- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 165 
 
 haps because, upon answering his early morning 
 ring, a new bellboy had confronted him with eyes 
 so like eyes that had looked into his from the frame 
 which adorned his library mantel, and which al- 
 most unconsciously he had missed while on his 
 holiday sojourn. 
 
 " Yes, Nina is charming, most charming, but," 
 here an acquaintance sauntered into the smoker 
 and all thoughts of the fair Nina were turned into 
 more matter-of-fact channels. 
 
 As for the lady in question, the word failure 
 seemed ringing in her shell-like ears and standing 
 out in bold relief before her eyes of tortoise hue; 
 while with a feeling of baffled hope and pride, she 
 sought her room. 
 
 It had been very late, or rather quite early, 
 when she had retired to her rest of the morning, 
 and as she had arisen very early to bid Godspeed 
 to her departing guest, she felt that she needed a 
 speedy rest. Preparing to refresh herself, she 
 gave a perceptible start as she remembered her 
 jewels, and that she had not as yet returned them 
 to the hotel safe. 
 
 She had left the bag in her room the previous 
 evening, having hidden it while at the charades, 
 intending to send them all back when she should 
 disrobe them from her figure before retiring; but 
 as it had been a rather unseasonable hour, she had 
 simply unlocked her hiding-place for them and 
 dropped the glittering, scintillating jewels to join 
 the brilliant gems. 
 
166 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 Now, as she again unlocked her case, thinking to 
 put them into better shape than her hurried de- 
 posit in the early morning hours, she let the won- 
 drous things nestle in her gowned lap. Several 
 flashing ornaments had been restored to their spe- 
 cial nook in the protecting cases of chamois, when 
 a sudden startled exclamation broke from her red 
 lips. "The string of rubies, where are they? 
 Surely I have not dropped them ! " Rising in 
 great haste, she searched, then continued to search, 
 each moment the color fading faster from her 
 startled face. The little clock of Dresden ticked, 
 then ticked with mocking calmness, as the minutes 
 passed by, all unheeded by the now thoroughly, 
 wrought up woman. 
 
 She rang for the floor maid, although she knew 
 she had not been in the room since the appearing 
 of the jewels, for as she had wished to attire her- 
 self, she had laughingly remarked that she would 
 be her own maid, at least for one night. As the 
 maid entered, Nina Wentworth, who was adroitly, 
 busily occupied, casually remarked, " Oh, Nellie, 
 you may make up my bed, as I may have some early 
 callers, and would like to get the tidying through." 
 
 " Yes, very well, Miss," and the room soon be- 
 gan to take on a tidy look. 
 
 Meantime, Nina Wentworth watched the girl, 
 though in tactful manner, casually remarking, " I 
 had a real gala time last evening, as well as in 
 the wee hours of the morning, acting as my own 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 167 
 
 maid. You, of course, did not come in, Nellie, as 
 I asked you not to." 
 
 " Oh, no, Miss, and as you did not need me and 
 the rest of my ladies were sort of helping each 
 other dress for the tableaux, I asked out and stayed 
 at my sister's ov^r night." 
 
 " That was a nice change for you, but now, 
 hurry a bit, for I have some important business 
 I must attend to." 
 
 The eyes of the lad Windy, Sis's brother, were 
 ever before her, and to think they were the eyes 
 of a thief! Yes, it must be so, else why should 
 he have used other than his own name, and have 
 left his own mountainous haunts, if not to gain 
 in some way, perhaps, who knows, so that he could 
 give that Sis, he truly loved so deeply, trifles ever 
 dear to a feminine heart? But to think of its be- 
 ing at her expense ! It surely was enough that his 
 Sis had stolen a place where she could not find en- 
 trance ! 
 
 With the thought, her impatience grew, and 
 when at last the maid informed her that she was 
 finished, it was with an almost audible sigh she 
 dismissed her, feeling that now indeed she must 
 grapple with the situation. 
 
CHAPTER XXV 
 
 " Well, puss, I will lay a red rose at thy 
 shrine," thereupon the Hon. Allyn Prentice 
 drew from his lapel a crimson velvety rose and 
 added it to the small cluster of Cape jasmine 
 which partially filled the slender silver vase, " for 
 I fear your nosegays have been sadly neglected 
 of late." 
 
 Somehow the previous evening when entering 
 his luxuriant library a sense of loss or incomplete- 
 ness filled him; why or how, he could not tell. 
 But after a sort of renewed acquaintance with 
 his possessions, including a deep glance into the 
 truthful eyes of his girl of the Snuggy, he hastily 
 exclaimed, " By Jove, I have it. Not a flower, 
 not even a bud, by my little mountain lass's pic- 
 ture." 
 
 The next morning delicate sprays again found 
 an abiding place in the slender vase to which 
 now the crimson rose had been added, while, could 
 the original have known, she would have declared, 
 " Just this lovely carmine completes it." 
 
 A busy day had Allyn Prentice put in and 
 now as he sank into his great leather chair, draw- 
 ing his drop-light to the right position, he prom- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 169 
 
 ised himself a bit of respite. His evening paper 
 had been partially consumed while he subcon- 
 sciously was enjoying the luxury of his finely ap- 
 pointed room. 
 
 With a sense of annoyance he heard the tele- 
 phone ring out hi; number and with reluctance he 
 left the depths of his cozy chair and turned to 
 comply with the unknown communicant. In cross- 
 ing to the telephone, he passed the cluster of jas- 
 mine and its sweet fragrance was wafted to him 
 like a caress. Seating himself, he hastily, almost 
 irritably, picked up the receiver, while a most an- 
 noyed " Yes " resounded throughout the room. 
 
 " Allyn, is it possible that is your voice," came 
 in sweetest tones. " I'll wager a box of bonbons 
 you do not know who is speaking, but at least 
 my tones are placid." Here, a silvery tinkle 
 floated to the ear of the Right Honorable, whose 
 face by this time showed plainly traces of sur- 
 prise. 
 
 " Nina, where on earth are you at this mo- 
 ment? Your voice is very near me, as I believe 
 you are." 
 
 " Right you are. I am in Los Angeles, arrived 
 from the sea late this P. M., and am in desperate 
 need of your skill. Can you not run over? " 
 
 If the fair Nina could have seen the expression 
 of ennui which overspread her listener's face, she 
 would have felt anything but flattered. Howbeit 
 the tone in which he answered her was much im- 
 proved over his hasty " yes," and really by this 
 
170 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 time he was thoroughly roused, as he knew it must 
 be something far out of the ordinary to take the 
 fascinating Nina Wentworth from the fashionable 
 hotel where she was reigning queen. 
 
 " Yes, I will have Asa brought around and will 
 soon be with you, if you will pardon the uncon- 
 ventionality of my riding togs in so doing." 
 
 " That I surely will," and here a soft, modu- 
 lated " good-by for the present " closed the 
 spirited conversation. 
 
 Charming as ever was the woman into whose 
 presence Allyn Prentice was ushered some little 
 time later, and very friendly was her bearing to- 
 ward him. Secretly she felt that even now the 
 very occasion had occurred that might bring him 
 more into her presence, and she felt that possibly 
 success for her might yet arise, even though it 
 brought dire suffering to a far-away one. That 
 Windy was guilty, she felt certain; still the 
 haunted look in his wide-open eyes as he realized 
 that he was accused of the loss of her rubies had 
 never left her thoughts, try as she had to obliterate 
 it. 
 
 Rising from her dainty chair, she invited her 
 caller to one of ease beside her, and immediately 
 began relating the loss of her jewels. Finishing, 
 she added: 
 
 " Now, Allyn, I have a great favor to ask of 
 you. You see my rubies are an heirloom and are 
 worth a small fortune for their beauty as well. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 171 
 
 I must have them, and I want you to fight the 
 case for me. Say you will." Here with unusual 
 excitement, she rose and coming to him looked the 
 entreaty she had voiced. 
 
 " My dear Nina, I am very sorry to learn of 
 your loss and full well I remember the beautiful 
 flashing gems which so well became you. Only this 
 afternoon did I receive word from an out-of-town 
 party asking my services in a case of a minor, a 
 lad, who would be at the court-house in the morn- 
 ing, and whose case I agreed to conduct. Of 
 course, if he should be one and the same, that 
 you have accused, I shall have to defend him, as I 
 am pledged, but where is the lad and what is his 
 name? " intently inquired her visitor, now thor- 
 oughly interested. 
 
 " I suppose the culprit is also here in Los An- 
 geles, by this time, as he was to come with Mr. 
 Warner, the night clerk. As to his name, he gives 
 it as Andrews." Here a faint flush passed the 
 oval of Nina Wentworth's cheeks as she realized 
 the knowledge she had gleaned relative to his real 
 identity. 
 
 A few more questions the lawyer asked, bidding 
 his still rather querulous hostess have no fear as 
 it was most probable her gems would again soon 
 encircle her white throat, bringing with them an 
 added value by their brief loss. 
 
 Wishing her good night, he sought his coal- 
 black horse, where under the bright starlight he 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 again returned to his dimly lighted apartment, 
 his curiosity appeased, his mentality aroused to 
 conquest for the continuance of his noted name. 
 
 Meantime, Windy, the frank, honest, loyal 
 mountain lad, had been questioned, cross-ques- 
 tioned, stared at, as if he were an offspring of 
 the Evil One, and finally held as one who knew 
 the whereabouts of a string of rubies he vowed he 
 had never even seen. He had been summoned to 
 the beautiful room of Miss Wentworth, together 
 with Mr. Warner and Mr. Ranlett, both gentle- 
 men of importance at the hotel ; Mr. Warner being 
 the gentleman in charge of the office at night, 
 while Mr. Ranlett was the real manager. 
 
 The instant he entered, the door closed behind 
 him, while a perfect volley of questions was hurled 
 at him. At first it seemed to the lad almost in 
 the manner of a joke, a semi-serious joke, and 
 one which he did not seem to follow; but as the 
 moments passed, as the query, together with the 
 scrutinizing looks, were bent upon him, he realized 
 he was the subject of a very trying proposition. 
 As he turned from time to time from the faces of 
 the two gentlemen to the violet eyes of the beau- 
 tiful woman, he felt that in hers lay the least 
 sympathy for or with him. The last words she 
 had uttered before he had left her presence had 
 puzzled him full well, for they had given him to 
 understand, though in a veiled manner, that she 
 knew he had been disguising under a false name 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 173 
 
 and that she believed it had been for an evil pur- 
 pose. 
 
 A still more serious talk, if possible, had fol- 
 lowed after leaving Miss Wentworth's apartment, 
 the two gentlemen assuring him if he would own 
 up and produce the gems that they would stand 
 by him and that he should never feel the hand 
 of the law. Again and again he assured them 
 that he was innocent, that never had he taken as 
 much as a sou from any living creature. Still 
 they were obdurate, although at the last, when 
 Mr. Ranlett bade the lad good-by as he was about 
 to start for Los Angeles, where he was to appear 
 the following day in court, he laid his hand al- 
 most, caressingly on the boy's shoulder and looking 
 straight into the deep eyes, had exclaimed, " Gad, 
 boy, if I don't believe in you." 
 
 All the way as the train flashed along in the fast 
 gathering darkness, Windy Anderson's brain 
 seemed afire, while the looks which seemed to ema- 
 nate from two pairs of eyes nearly drove him to 
 frenzy ; one sending forth such distrust and almost 
 hatred to him, which he seemed better able to 
 bear than the sorrowful but still trusting look 
 which welled up from the eyes so like his own, and 
 which, thank Heaven, were far distant. 
 
 Again it seemed as if he must have Joe big, 
 loyal Joe at his side; but how? 
 
 On, on, now into the deep darkness the train 
 still bore them, until the many lights, twinkling 
 nearer and nearer, like ever restless fireflies, as- 
 
174 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 sured them their destiny was near. A sorry en- 
 trance into the beautiful city it proved to Windy, 
 his heart nigh to bursting. 
 
 Little sleep came to soothe the pent-up boy. 
 Humiliated as never before in his young life, not 
 until the light began to peep through the windows 
 did rest so blessed come to the weary lad. The 
 next morning he was awakened by a voice seem- 
 ingly far away for a time, and with a deep groan 
 he aroused himself to meet the eyes of his guard 
 whose apartment he had shared, a deeper sense of 
 humiliation being borne on him as he realized what 
 the advancing day held for him. 
 
CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 Somehow the morning which found Windy An- 
 derson, alias Andrews, so filled with chagrin and 
 despair, that it seemed more than he could bear, 
 found the Hon. Allyn Prentice, keen-eyed, keen- 
 witted, criminal lawyer, with a positive curiosity 
 to view the lad who had been accused of stealing 
 Nina Wentworth's jewels. 
 
 That he was guilty he never for an instant 
 doubted, but that he would divulge his guilt, as 
 well as the hiding-place of the gems, he again never 
 doubted. 
 
 Just why he took such special interest in the 
 case he could not tell, except for the restoration 
 of the heirloom and to bring pleasure to the vio- 
 let eyes of a beautiful woman. Still, somehow, 
 he did not seem to dwell as much upon Nina's 
 peace of mind as upon the unrest of the culprit. 
 
 " Poor little devil, it will go hard with him, 
 whether he confesses or otherwise, I am afraid. 
 Still if he is my client I will help fight for him, as 
 I am expected to do, and God knows the lad may 
 be innocent, and sorely need my help. I am afraid 
 Nina will not relish a seance in the police court 
 this glorious morning; but my colleague, Lauren 
 Stocton, will help in a way io appease her repug- 
 175 
 
176 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 nance, as he is a very fascinating man, as well as 
 an able counsel." 
 
 A good half hour before he would be obliged 
 to present himself in the court-boom, Allyn Pren- 
 tice turned the knob leading into the anteroom of 
 the police station to find it occupied by the clerk 
 at the fashionable hotel at and a lad of de- 
 pressed appearance. 
 
 Advancing, he greeted the clerk, remarking that 
 when leaving his hotel he had not expected to 
 meet him again so soon and was sorry that it had 
 to come about through such unpleasant conditions. 
 Then turning to the lad, who had risen together 
 with Mr. Warner, he continued, " So you are the 
 one I have to do my best for, eh? Well, let me 
 look at you." 
 
 At this a firm white hand was placed under the 
 astonished lad's rounded chin, while his eyes, as 
 by some power apart from his own will, sent their 
 frank, open gaze into the man's, standing before 
 him. 
 
 A long, scrutinizing look was sent into Windy's 
 eyes, seeming to draw his soul's pent-up anguish 
 to the surface ; while to Allyn Prentice's conscious- 
 ness dawned a positive truth of the boy's innocence, 
 and instead of the implied insinuation that though 
 guilty he meant to aid him, he almost uncon- 
 sciously exclaimed, as with reluctance he drew his 
 gaze from the depths of the other's eyes, " My 
 lad, it will take some powerful fighting from the 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 177 
 
 other side to convict you, as I am assured as to 
 your honesty." 
 
 To the boy with his few friends and his moun- 
 tainous home so far distant, the earnest words of 
 this keen-eyed lawyer revealed more than mere in- 
 terest in a case of law. It revealed a belief in 
 him, a belief in his honesty. 
 
 When the criminal lawyer had entered the ante- 
 room where waited Mr. Warner and Windy, the 
 latter had been surprised into almost uttering an 
 exclamation as he recognized at once the gentle- 
 man who had so recently been a guest at the hotel 
 from which he had been discharged under such 
 trying conditions. 
 
 Now again in fancy he could see this same erect 
 figure seated upon the back of a prancing horse 
 and by his side the very woman whose jewels he 
 was now accused of possessing. How little he had 
 dreamed, when after their canter had been finished, 
 and he had led their horses away, that he would 
 be within a few days accused of theft by one and 
 defended by the other. And now for the first time 
 since he had glanced into the blue eyes of the 
 woman who had thus accused him, seeing the steely 
 glint which seemed to envelop him, had he felt 
 there was any real aid or friendship for him, al- 
 though he realized that the two men at the hotel 
 were most anxious to assist him. Many questions 
 were put the lad by the man whose face inspired 
 confidence and when a little later the woman with 
 
178 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 the eyes of changing hues, accompanied by a gen- 
 tleman of scholarly bearing, entered, Windy felt 
 a sense of protection he had not felt when last in 
 her presence. 
 
 It did not take Windy long to note the look of 
 undisguised friendship, while to the observing eyes 
 of the lad there seemed a deeper ardor to creep 
 into the eyes of the beautiful woman as she turned 
 her gaze to Allyn Prentice ; while, as for the keen- 
 eyed lawyer, only a sense of preoccupation seemed 
 apparent, as he most deferentially assisted her. 
 
 Many more questions, then cross-questions, 
 followed, and when at last the query was finished 
 and his brother attorney vouchsafed to escort the 
 fair Nina to her waiting carriage, it was very 
 apparent that she desired the added escort, as 
 well, of the lawyer for the defense, upon her brief 
 walk. This he complied with, half hesitatingly, 
 which was noted equally by his brother lawyer 
 as well as by the fashionably gowned, beautiful 
 woman, much to her secret annoyance. The 
 thought that the lad might divulge his name, which 
 she had withheld even from her attorney, fearing 
 the influence, by her presence, of the girl Roma, 
 should she learn of the bitter ordeal through 
 which her beloved brother must pass and come 
 to him at any cost, brought a faintness unex- 
 plainable to the woman, who had accused Windy, 
 alias Andrews, of the theft. The feeling of intui- 
 tion that she experienced, that the Hon. Allyn 
 Prentice really believed in the lad's honesty, lent 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 179 
 
 a zest to her purpose to win her case, thus secur- 
 ing her precious jewels, even if it were the means 
 of breaking the heart of a sister whose only tie 
 was a brother, and whose home in the mountains 
 would be no home without the love and protector- 
 ship of such a tie. 
 
 As for the brother, waiting for the reappearing 
 of his friend, for this he felt the Hon. Allyn 
 Prentice to be: the one thought surged through 
 and through his half-dazed senses, how to prove 
 his innocence, to pay back in the only way he was 
 capable his deep gratitude to the man who trusted 
 him. After some little longer conversation pro 
 and con for the facts he needed, Allyn Prentice 
 suddenly exclaimed, " And now, my lad, I am going 
 to become responsible for you, for I believe in you. 
 As you have no place to go for the present and 
 Mr. Warner has to return, I want you to come 
 home with me. What do you say? " 
 
 Poor Windy! If Nina Wentworth had vowed 
 that his real name should be kept a secret, how 
 much more had he? For had not his Sis, his 
 Roma, a life before her, and what would it be 
 if it were known that her brother was believed 
 to be a thief? And now as Allyn Prentice's words 
 fell on his ear his first thought had been of the 
 homage both he and Roma owed this man, while 
 the words which came trembling to his lips in 
 answer were only by a superhuman effect stayed, 
 as he returned, " Oh, Mr. Prentice, how can Ro 
 How can I ever repay you for your faith in me." 
 
180 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 While to the man of the world a feeling of de- 
 termination permeated him that he would indeed 
 prove his faith in the lad to be intrinsic. 
 
CHAPTER XXVII 
 
 How fared the two who had made the Snuggy 
 their home through the cold bleak winter days? 
 To Joe, they had proved long, indeed, for without 
 the companionship of his friend there had been 
 moments, aye, even hours, when it had seemed 
 to him that he also must leave; leave the only 
 home he had now known for many a year, and 
 follow Windy out into a world of action. 
 
 As the weeks passed he realized clearer the rea- 
 son of his great unrest; realized that in losing the 
 almost constant companionship of Roma's brother, 
 he had, as it were, parted again from her whom 
 he now knew he so dearly loved. Ever and anon 
 they had brought her presence to them by their 
 keen interest in all that concerned her, and that 
 of itself had brought infinite pleasure and peace 
 to them both. Now with no one to quote many 
 of her bright, interesting remarks, no one to talk 
 to of her beauty, her thoughtfulness, her every 
 personal attribute, the test of Joe's love was cru- 
 cial. 
 
 As for Ben, he still claimed the same abode 
 as his home, but there were weeks which elapsed 
 and not a glimpse of him. While, when he deigned 
 
 to favor the Snuggy with his presence, it was al- 
 181 
 
182 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 ways an added test of loyalty to both Windy and 
 his Sis, for to Joe's ears many a slurring remark 
 would have been borne had it not been vigorously 
 and emphatically shown from the first that such 
 could have no entree. 
 
 Then many times, as if reading his very thought, 
 Ben had half-sneeringly remarked : " I say, Joe, 
 why is it you do not take a respite like Windy. 
 I'll wager he is having the time of his life. Now, 
 as you have never been East and as Miss Roma is 
 there " (here an apparently innocent glance would 
 accompany the words, a deep tinge the while creep- 
 ing to Joe's dark skin) " she would be sure to 
 welcome you, and like as not introduce you to some 
 of her new-found friends ; while, if they did not 
 possess too much book learning, they might be in- 
 duced for novelty to become Mrs. Joe, and then 
 when Miss Roma returns in the spring she would 
 have a neighbor; and, who knows, between us all 
 finding wives a real colony might be started." 
 
 To this and like remarks, Joe was constantly 
 treated when in Ben's presence; remarks which he 
 knew were intended to wound and humiliate, still 
 so veiled that any outward comment would only 
 have proved him the smaller and weaker-minded 
 of the two. So that, while he allowed no insulting 
 remarks to in any way menace the absent ones, 
 the veiled insults he bore in silence; only loving 
 the more, as he kept his loneliness and yearning to 
 himself. 
 
 Ben still found congenial company over to the 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 183 
 
 colony, where many a new lad had been by him 
 initiated in the game, to his deep regret. 
 
 Ben had now been staying for some little time 
 at the Snuggy, occupying himself by mending his 
 saddle and polishing and cleaning his several guns, 
 as he devoted his leisure, when out of the game, 
 to hunting. Many new skins now graced the floor 
 and covered the walls of the mountainous home 
 since Roma had left the unique abode; being the 
 result of Joe's and his prowess. 
 
 It had been several weeks now since Joe had 
 received any news from either Windy or the lass, 
 whose letters to him were kept so carefully and 
 read so often and tenderly. He had just returned 
 from feeding and bedding the ponies, and still felt 
 the contact from Gypsy's warm tongue as she ca- 
 ressed his hand, hoping by so doing to win still 
 another treat of the sugar he so often allowed 
 her. 
 
 Unconsciously his face had assumed a sadness 
 which of late had often rested there, but of which 
 he had no thought as to its transparent depth. 
 
 " Well, Joe, I have decided to take a trip my- 
 self, seeing you are bound to remain a fixture," 
 exclaimed Ben, some little time later of the same 
 evening, as he came into the den where Joe sat 
 reading and puffing at his cob pipe. 
 
 " Well, Ben, where on earth are you headed 
 for? " exclaimed his companion, a tone of puzzled 
 query in his tone. 
 
 " As to just the point of the compass, I have 
 
184 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 not as yet decided; but of one thing, it will be to 
 a warmer clime, for upon my soul I have been shriv- 
 eled up all this winter." Then, here another of 
 his side glances rested on Joe's now interested 
 visage, as he continued, " and I may make a 
 lengthy spell of it; in such case, do not forget to 
 extend my kindest regards to Miss Roma, when 
 she visits you and her brother here in the spring. 
 Of course, it is just possible I may see her in 
 the East ere she leaves for her sojourn at the 
 mountains. In such case I will extend yours to 
 her. Eh, what say you? " 
 
 Ever the same probing from him, while to Joe 
 it ever brought the same pang, as it revealed to 
 him a love deep, but guarded, as he believed. 
 Great honest creature, as he was, he was incapable 
 of thoughts to which the crafty Ben was so accus- 
 tomed, nor could he know that the ardor of his 
 great love was so keenly apparent. 
 
 " Well, Ben, I do not see but I shall in truth 
 keep old bachelor's hall; still something tells me 
 it will not be for long; one or other of the flock 
 will be with me." 
 
 The next morning, before Joe had roused from 
 his deep sleep in which he had seemed to feel that 
 Windy was with him and that a conversation of 
 deep import was being discussed, he was startled 
 by an unusual commotion, and hastily rising he 
 looked out to see in the early gray dawn several 
 of Ben's cronies who had evidently come to bid 
 him good luck. Dressing hastily, he descended, to 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 185 
 
 find that although early Ben had preceded him 
 and had about started to prepare a bit for break- 
 fast just as his cronies had put in their appear- 
 ance, he evidently not intending to rouse Joe. 
 
 Deftly Joe enlarged the bite Ben was about to 
 serve up for his delectation, adding a rasher of 
 bacon and a tidbit of venison, to which the now 
 prospective traveler did ample justice. 
 
 Just as the pale rays of Old Sol came over the 
 white-tipped pines, Joe again helped, as with Roma, 
 then Windy, and now lastly Ben, to tie his needed 
 belongings, this time encased in a spruce, yellow 
 valise, to the back of the pony, who would be led 
 back again riderless, to join Gypsy and the other 
 creatures in their usual shelter. 
 
 Joe had also learned that one of his pals would 
 accompany Ben, and as he watched them as they 
 passed out of vision down the white, silent trail, 
 thoughts as of premonition came to him, almost 
 voicing the words, " They are not bent on any 
 good," while following almost instantly into his 
 consciousness seemed to float the faces of the other 
 absent ones of the united Snuggy, ending with a 
 sudden remembrance of his interrupted conversa- 
 tion with Windy from which he had been so rudely 
 awakened in the early mistiness of the morning 
 hours. 
 
 If the faithful lad, standing under the tall, 
 snow besprinkled pines, could have known of the 
 two, recently received letters, postmarked Los An- 
 geles, California, of their cruel contents and of 
 
186 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 the spirit of exultation which beat under the coat 
 of fur which covered the wicked, treacherous heart 
 of the oily Ben, he, too, would have descended the 
 trail to speed to his old pal, there to befriend, en- 
 courage and liberate, were it in his power, one 
 whom Ben had doubly hated and sworn to banish, 
 since the night back in the Snuggy, when he had 
 suffered so keenly from him, even as he knew it to 
 be well merited chastisement. Still his sense of 
 wounded vanity had never, as yet, been appeased. 
 Well might Joe wonder why no message reached 
 him, especially from Windy. Ben might have ex- 
 plained the reason, had he so desired, for he had 
 never lost track of the absent lad, and even now 
 in the depths of his pockets were several letters 
 addressed to Joe. Not until his diabolical scheme 
 had been consummated, as now he well knew it had, 
 did he breathe of his planned departure, feeling 
 that now his nearness to the Snuggy would be 
 most distasteful. 
 
CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 " Dainty Spring, blest season of the year." 
 
 " You are right, my dear Roma. Ah, well I 
 remember when at your age the gladness and am- 
 bition which filled my being as the soft air wooed 
 the world to creep forth from its period of seclu- 
 sion; while even now a buoyancy seems to per- 
 meate my senses not felt at any other season of 
 the year." 
 
 Roma, with her stanch friend and artist teacher, 
 had just returned from a walk filled with intense 
 charm to both. Many a glance of interest was 
 vouchsafed them as they passed; their souls so 
 filled with the beautiful in nature as to radiate 
 charm on all about them. 
 
 " Yes, and you see, my friend, this spring is 
 to be an especial one, for I am to see again all 
 so dear to me, also my home in the mountains. I 
 almost wish the days were swallows and I could 
 wave them to fleetest flight." 
 
 Here a wistful far-away look crept into the full 
 orbs, a pair of duller ones watching her, fascinated 
 by her youth and anticipation, long since an al- 
 most forgotten element with him. 
 
 " Then, my dear doctor has positively promised 
 to accompany me to the Snuggy shortly after her 
 187 
 
188 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 return, which will be in a few little weeks. Oh, 
 I am so glad, so glad. And I will tell you a dear 
 secret, but you must not breathe it. Just this: 
 I am truly lonely for my hills." 
 
 Such good fellowship as had been enjoyed be- 
 tween these two! Roma often felt that God was 
 indeed caring for her through this earth comrade- 
 ship and guide. 
 
 The soft, velvety pussy-willows, which the chil- 
 dren carried so lovingly and guarded so tenderly 
 so that their dear ones might be pleased to receive 
 the first trophy of spring, had been followed by 
 the sweetly perfumed arbutus, while the bluebird 
 had come to remain. 
 
 It had been several weeks now since Roma had 
 heard from her brother, but she reasoned to her- 
 self that he was likely on his way back to the 
 Snuggy and that soon she must receive word. A 
 few days after her charmed walk with her artist 
 friend, word was given her that a gentleman was 
 waiting in the reception room and wished to speak 
 to her. Quickly she responded, expecting the gen- 
 tleman, the one and only one her benefactress' 
 friend as well as her own. To her great astonish- 
 ment who should rise from the chair as she entered 
 but Ben, her Cousin Ben, looking larger and 
 grosser than ever; while his manner, as he ap- 
 proached her, was more suave than she had ever 
 before noted. 
 
 "My dear Cousin Roma, how charming you have 
 grown! Why, really, you would almost be con- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 189 
 
 sidered a beauty; and to think you are going to 
 waste it all back up the trail. Gad ! but I say, it 
 is too deuced bad." 
 
 Roma, who had disengaged her hand from the 
 apparent, desired, lengthy clasp of her cousin, 
 flushed a deep tinge as she hastened to enquire 
 for Joe, and if any news had been received of her 
 brother. 
 
 Ben's answer was sort of evasive, spending as 
 little time as possible upon the subject. His one 
 theme seemed to be herself. Again and again he 
 returned to her personal charm, each time in a 
 manner which caused Roma to feel momentarily a 
 sense of keen depression for which she failed to ac- 
 count. 
 
 He informed her he was East on a little holiday, 
 should be about her city for a few days, and 
 should be pleased if she would dine with him the 
 following evening and they would then take in some 
 musical. 
 
 Roma felt that she would rather not go, but 
 remembering the words her brother had once said, 
 when speaking of Ben, " Remember he is our coz," 
 she accepted, though in a manner that caused a 
 angry look to slumber in the shifting look Ben 
 bent upon her, as, bidding her good-by, he left, 
 promising to call early for her the following night. 
 
 Many times during the hours which elapsed be- 
 tween his departure and reappearance, Roma had 
 for the first time in her life considered feigning. 
 First she felt that she must decline, telling him 
 
190 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 the rules of the school demanded it, but she knew 
 a relative was allowed. Then she believed she 
 would have a bad headache anything, only not 
 to be obliged to go. It was not so much her feel- 
 ing of mortification, although she admitted she was 
 not over proud of Ben for his grossness was very 
 apparent, as it was the something she could not 
 fathom, a something in him she had never recog- 
 nized before; but again Windy's words of his kin- 
 ship rang in her ears, to which she obeyed, a rad- 
 iant girl meeting the cousin instead of a properly 
 excused one, she would have wished. 
 
 The evening passed in partially pleasant manner 
 to the girl, who, hearing in gushing remarks of her 
 beauty at meeting her cousin, was given a respite 
 the remaining evening relative to it, as from her 
 manner the oily fellow felt that discretion was nec- 
 essary. 
 
 A carriage was called at the close of the musical 
 and into the night they were carried. A few mo- 
 ments before the lights of the large, rambling 
 school buildings were visible, Ben, with a sudden 
 move, drew the girl into his arms, while in a hoarse, 
 low voice he breathed, " And now, my cousin, my 
 enchantress, give me my kiss, for you are a fas- 
 cinating little creature, my cousin." 
 
 For the instant Roma felt the same chill which 
 had permeated her senses the day before, but which 
 she had striven to annihilate. Now she allowed 
 her inclination to have full sway, ending in a tone 
 which showed the now too-familiar Ben the depths 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 191 
 
 of her nature, as that of a slumbering tigress and 
 one safer to let alone. 
 
 Reaching the porte-cochere, she rose and passed 
 into the house, inwardly quivering at his rudeness ; 
 outwardly carrying a poise filled with contempt 
 and disdain, while the words she had hurled at him 
 still rung in her ears : " Whether kith or kin, of 
 one thing I am convinced: you are a cowardly 
 knave!" 
 
 While the lout, the usurper, as he leaned far 
 back after his last glance had been thrown upon 
 the girlish figure, exclaimed : " So ho, my 
 haughty beauty, you have won this time but my 
 turn will come later." 
 
CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 Let us now return to Windy as he accompanied 
 his newly found friend, for as such he claimed 
 the Right Honorable although now in his 
 thoughts he always styled him " The Prince," in- 
 stead of his dignified title, for had he not indeed 
 been one to him! And was he not to go to his 
 home ; the Prince, himself, vouching for his ap- 
 pearance at the trial ? What more royal act could 
 one do ? Oh, if he could only keep the whole thing 
 from Sis ! Poor Sis, it would break her heart ; 
 while cruelly unjust as it is, it would bring its 
 disgrace just the same, unless he could prove his 
 innocence. Why had he ever left his mountain 
 home! Oh, for some ray of truth and right to 
 come to him ! 
 
 " Well, Andrews, here we are ; my stamping 
 ground for at least a portion of the day. Come, 
 we will go in." 
 
 Allyn Prentice had deemed it wise to take the 
 lad into his own custody, a divided reason influ- 
 encing him ; keen curiosity in regard to the lad as 
 well as interest in the reappearing of Nina Went- 
 worth's gem, while an unusual tinge of sympathy 
 for the attractive youth lent itself in hospitality 
 
 to him. 
 
 192 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 193 
 
 As Windy arose from the taxi which had 
 whirled them so rapidly from the police station, 
 and followed his companion into the luxuriantly 
 furnished apartment, his feelings were divided; 
 great waves of gratitude surged over him, to be 
 followed by twinges of remorse for, at the mention 
 of his assumed name, a feeling of repugnance over- 
 came him. And he was feeling that it would be 
 best to tell the Prince the truth about himself, 
 when they entered the well-appointed library. At 
 that moment the soft, cathedral chimes rang 
 forth, and Windy's boyish eyes turned instinctively 
 toward the sound when, dear Heaven! What 
 could it mean ! 
 
 Fortunately for the dazed lad the Honorable 
 Allyn Prentice had preceded him into his library, 
 where bidding Windy make himself comfortable, 
 he had already become engrossed in his day's 
 mail. To Windy, his heart seemed to stop, then 
 leap in his bosom, while with the greatest effort 
 he sought to calm himself. Was it a trap the 
 Prince had set for him? But no, for how could 
 he possibly know aught of him? No one did, ex- 
 cept Ned, and he was sure he had not divulged 
 aught. It might be some girl whose face was iden- 
 tical with his Sis's ; but, even then, those togs, her 
 mountain togs? Oh, what could it mean? With 
 almost fear Windy glanced at the man still busily 
 engaged with his own interests, half expecting to 
 find his eyes scrutinizingly bent on him. But, no. 
 Then with a boldness he hardly felt, Windy walked 
 
194 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 straight to the mantel and gave a long look into 
 the pictured eyes of his Sis the girl Roma 
 whose clear chirography, " A Child of Nature," 
 was inscribed beneath. 
 
 How long he remained looking into that beloved 
 face Windy could not have told. He was recalled 
 to himself, however, by the voice of his benefactor, 
 saying, " Well, how do you like the lass, whom I 
 begin to style my mascot? Is she not a typical 
 Western type in her buckskins P " 
 
 " Well, yes, that was what I was thinking," re- 
 turned the lad, not daring to remove his eyes from 
 the pictured face. " It is a fancy photo, I ex- 
 pect." 
 
 " Ry no means. The little lady is a frank, 
 stanch bit of humanity, whose home is in the moun- 
 tains. Rut come, now, we will have a little more 
 talk relative to yourself." 
 
 Somehow the words implying that the frank, 
 gladsome girl should be but a trick of the imagina- 
 tion, instead of a living, breathing, loving being, 
 struck on the lawyer's heart with a feeling akin 
 to sadness. A sense of gladness suddenly followed 
 as he realized her true and real identity. 
 
 As for the brother, a feeling of loyalty had 
 possessed him, bidding him shield his Sis, even to 
 the deceptiveness of his assumed name. As for 
 the Prince, he seemed even nearer to him than be- 
 fore, while a feeling of surety seemed to pass be- 
 fore him that his Sis would indeed prove a mascot 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 195 
 
 for him, as well as the man who should defend 
 him. 
 
 It was a pity that Roma, far away in the East, 
 could not have known of the importance of the 
 letters which lay concealed in the pockets of the 
 obnoxious Cousin Ben, as he sat and extolled upon 
 her beauty, the while her beloved Broth was suf- 
 fering the keenest humiliation. Had she even so 
 much as known of the deep trouble her dear one 
 was in, her woman's intuitiveness might have aided 
 her. As for Ben, often since the night when she 
 had repulsed him had he been on the verge of send- 
 ing her an anonymous letter, acquainting her of 
 Windy's plight, but each time something had ar- 
 gued that the time was not yet. He was still in 
 the vicinity of the city where Roma lived and there 
 he intended to remain for an indefinite time. 
 Something might come of it, who could tell? 
 With Roma, a restlessness she could not account 
 for seemed to possess her. It must be it was be- 
 cause the time was drawing so much nearer for 
 her to go to that mountain home, while she began 
 to think that perhaps Broth had returned, and 
 maybe was so busy fixing up the Snuggy and the 
 stables that he neglected to write; else why was 
 he so long delayed? 
 
 The March days seemed wrestling indeed; one, 
 almost balmy, would be followed by another when 
 the elements seemed to wish to atone for leaving 
 
196 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 the grim, stern old winter. Roma and her school 
 friends, however, took nature in all her moods, 
 loving the freedom she afforded them. To-day 
 had been the sunniest of all since the blithe In- 
 dian Summer days had passed from off the land. 
 
 The girls had planned a tramp, to gather, as 
 they said, the aftermath of the pink and white 
 arbutus. They had enjoyed a long walk and with 
 a goodly amount of the perfumed flowers were re- 
 turning to their dormitory, when a young man, 
 red faced and with unkempt appearance, prepared 
 to pass them, at the same time exclaiming, " Ah, 
 Cousin Roma, is it indeed you ! " 
 
 The suddenness of Ben's appearance was a 
 shock to Roma, while not only did she not deign 
 to return his salutation, but shrank away from 
 the contact, as if he had been some evil thing. 
 As for her companions, their questions and 
 glances were many, to the great mortification of 
 the girl. The gladness and cheer seemed to die 
 from the day for her, and even with her arms 
 linked to< her dear school friends a something 
 seemed to envelop her, a nameless dread, of some 
 one could it be of her Cousin Ben? 
 
CHAPTER XXX 
 
 Several days had passed since Roma had been 
 so suddenly and rudely accosted by her kinsman. 
 That such a relationship existed brought to her 
 the first humiliation she had ever known. To be 
 sure, her Broth was not a city-bred lad, nor had 
 she herself, when she had first joined the girls 
 in her now-beloved school, been familiar with their 
 ways, but neither her Broth nor herself had ever 
 been the cause for a trace of aloofness from any 
 as she had been subjected to the past few days. 
 
 To be sure, some of the girls seemed like their 
 dear old selves, but even they were huddled to- 
 gether at times, seeming to give attention to the 
 others who assumed an atmosphere of superiority 
 whenever Roma joined them. At first she could 
 not understand it. Hardly crediting the fact 
 that a difference was creeping in, which would en- 
 circle her with its odiousness. By degrees she be- 
 came conscious that a change had come in the 
 relationship she had always borne with all her 
 schoolmates. With the knowledge, also, came the 
 leering face and familiar tones of Ben, as he had 
 saluted her as Cousin Roma. Just why she 
 should be obliged to be censured because he was 
 her kith, she did not see; although, try as she 
 would, the mere remembrance of his bold, suave 
 197 
 
198 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 face brought a shameful tinge of color to her face. 
 
 A new experience befell the girl, a wondering 
 just what she should do. Oh, if Dr. Moulton were 
 only where she could tell her of her need! Per- 
 haps she had best not notice it; perhaps they 
 would soon forget the shameful fellow, as she was 
 striving to do. Surely she would not be disre- 
 garded for others' doings. 
 
 Several days more passed, while the manner of 
 the girls remained the same ; all friendly, but bear- 
 ing an aloofness which was keenly apparent. 
 Roma felt that her heart was indeed being slowly 
 crushed, and determined to seek the room where 
 several of her especial little set congregated for 
 their evening respite, and there put the matter be- 
 fore them in her frank, sweet manner, asking 
 them for their loyalty to her again. She had 
 about reached the door, through a long, partially 
 lighted corridor, when she heard her name spoken, 
 and by one who usually associated with her set of 
 girls. She was about to proceed and announce 
 herself, when the words 
 
 " Yes, she pretended not to see him, least of all, 
 know him ; but I notice she came home with him at 
 not an early hour the other evening ; very queer." 
 
 " Well, you see, she never was nor has been quite 
 our sort," returned another voice Roma had long 
 loved as her own. 
 
 Feeling that just to get back to her room was 
 all she desired, she was about to return, when 
 another beloved voice fell on her listening ear. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 199 
 
 " To think of you girls speaking of Roma like 
 this ! The girl we have all been so proud of, 
 and so glad to have with us always. I do not 
 know whether he is her cousin or not, but one 
 thing I do know. Roma Anderson is a good, 
 sweet girl, and I refuse to hear another word. 
 Good night." 
 
 With fleetest feet Roma sped down the long 
 passageway and sought her room, while the keen- 
 est pain she had ever known came like a great 
 heavy weight to her. Closing her door, she went 
 to the open window and kneeling there tried to. 
 quiet her beating heart and throbbing temples. 
 
 What could they mean, those girls, whom she 
 had always loved and trusted? Could it be pos- 
 sible they did not believe he Ben was her 
 cousin, because she had refused to notice him and 
 speak to him, when, as they said, she had gone 
 out with him? Ah, the worse; if they only knew 
 him as she felt now that she did, what would they 
 say? 
 
 How long she knelt there she did not know. 
 The cool air seemed like a sympathizing friend as 
 it gently caressed her. 
 
 Once she had been conscious of a soft rap at her 
 door, while the voice which had so lately befriended 
 her called softly, " Roma, Roma," but to Roma 
 it seemed like a far-away summons, one to which 
 she could not reply. Finally chilled and heartsick, 
 Roma undressed and crept into her bed, where 
 after a long wakefulness she fell into a troubled 
 
200 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 sleep, in which the leering face of her Cousin Ben 
 held prominent place. 
 
 The next morning the girl was really ill, too ill 
 to leave her bed. An unusual event in her health- 
 ful life; a slight fever and a deep depression were 
 upon her. Toward evening feeling a little more 
 like the real Roma, she determined to take her 
 place at tea with the girls. With much care she 
 dressed, even adding her beloved scarlet touch at 
 throat and waist. With heart beating fast and 
 faster she was about to leave her room, when a 
 violent and unrestrainable burst of weeping mas- 
 tered her, and again she crept back to bed, where 
 her kind teacher found her some little time later. 
 With pleasant words and assurances that she would 
 surely be all right the following day, she left 
 her, sending in a daintily arrayed tray of tea 
 viands. 
 
 A friendly call before their bedtime, from sev- 
 eral of the girls, did much for the lonely girl. But 
 bright as she appeared to be, a sadness she had 
 never felt, even when in her mountain home, 
 seemed to envelop her, and even when they had 
 bidden her a gay good night, somehow the gloom 
 did not lift from over her. 
 
 The next day she joined her classes, noting still 
 a goodly amount of estrangement. Toward the 
 latter part of the afternoon she felt she must have 
 companionship ; such companionship as she felt 
 was true, which, when tested, she still knew would 
 be loyal. After a brisk walk, not wholly enjoyed, 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 201 
 
 as she almost feared a recurrence of the greet- 
 ing of the other day, she reached her dear old 
 friend's home and was ushered into his studio. 
 Rising with almost deference, he greeted his girl 
 friend, immediately commenting upon her looking 
 a bit wan, continuing, " But never mind, Roma, 
 the weeks will soon speed by and you will be back 
 to your beloved mountains and pines ; then the 
 tints will visit those cheeks again." 
 
 " Yes, my dear kind friend, it will be like a 
 pilgrim's return to his shrine. How I wish you 
 could see our gem-like lakes and breathe our pine- 
 scented air! I shall miss our dear talks, but I 
 shall take something back with me that no money 
 could ever buy; the love for my art, made doubly 
 so by the kind interest and instruction I have 
 gleaned from you. It was wise for me to come, 
 I feel that now; I can, if needs be, earn a liveli- 
 hood, and you see, while I have my dear Broth, 
 still it will be pleasant to know I can some time 
 help him, as he has done so much for me. But, 
 dear friend, I am not so sure but it is wise for 
 me to go back to my stanch mountains, now " 
 
 " Roma, child, what are you saying? What is 
 the trouble with my little artist, to-day? Never 
 have you seemed like this before. Tell me, your 
 old friend, my child; for it grieves me keenly to 
 see you so dispirited," and here the grand old 
 gentleman's face grew questioning, the mood was 
 so unlike Roma. 
 
 " Yes, I will be frank with you. I came here, 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 for I felt that there would always be a welcome 
 here for me and I I need it sorely." 
 
 No tears came to the girlish eyes, but a sad- 
 ness, keenly apparent, settled over the young face 
 as she continued, " But I will not speak of the 
 cause of my grief to-night ; it may be brighter for 
 me by the morrow. But I did feel that I must 
 see you and feel your kindly interest in me. It has 
 done me a world of good. Ah, my friend, stanch- 
 ness is indeed a great balm, when it encircles and 
 enfolds those dear to one. When I hear the breeze 
 singing through my beloved pines, I shall liken 
 the brave stanch things to you, my dear kind 
 friend." 
 
 " Roma, dear child that you are, if I have been 
 any comfort, any help to you, I thank my heavenly 
 Father for it. Thank Him also that I have been 
 permitted the companionship of one like yourself 
 good, true and unselfish. You have brought 
 much happiness into an old man's life more than 
 you can ever know. But it grieves me more than 
 I can say to see you in this disturbed condition. 
 Perhaps, as you say, with to-morrow's light and 
 cheer you may find your sorrow has vanished like 
 an unpleasant dream. At least I trust so, and 
 now I am going to walk a way with you, if you 
 will kindly permit me." Here a smile, the first 
 that had appeared on her white features, beamed 
 forth ; a gladsome sight to her aged friend. 
 
 The conversation grew brighter as their walk 
 progressed, until when more than half-way to her 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 203 
 
 dormitory she stopped, assuring him he had given 
 her a new lease of life, also forbidding him to 
 walk any farther as he had already taken quite a 
 tramp. 
 
 Reluctantly he left her, but not until he had 
 won her promise to confide in him if the sorrow 
 and the cause was not removed, for he declared it 
 his right, as her old friend, to share it. Roma 
 promised that it should be as he wished, did it 
 continue ; a sad, troubled expression <again steal- 
 ing for a moment into her face. 
 
 The kind old eyes of her companion noted the 
 wounded look, and as he would have caressed his 
 own child, had he had one, he stooped and pressed 
 his lips to the brow of the troubled girl, saying, 
 " God care for you, my dear child, and send you 
 peace." Long after her retreating steps had 
 passed beyond his hearing he stood, gazing, think- 
 ing thoughtfully about her his little artist 
 friend. 
 
CHAPTER XXXI 
 
 As for Roma, as she sped through the freshness 
 of the early spring gloaming, a sense of rest and 
 quietness possessed her, to which she had been a 
 stranger since the meeting with the obnoxious Ben. 
 A spirit almost of forgiveness even toward her kin 
 stole over her, while ever and anon the kindly eyes 
 of her aged friend came before her. 
 
 It was indeed a beautiful world, for it was God's 
 world. As to communion with such natures as her 
 kind friend, who radiated his love so clearly that 
 it brought all who came within its radiance into 
 harmony with the created; how she thanked her 
 heavenly Father for such a friend, she alone knew. 
 
 As she approached the large house, which she 
 had called home now for so many months, even 
 the lights twinkling forth from many a window 
 seemed silently to bid her a kindly welcome back 
 to its safe shelter. She entered with a renewed 
 spirit to bear and forbear, even though she felt a 
 most unjust criticism had been passed upon her. 
 
 The next few days seemed to bring a partial 
 reconciliation from the girls. It was evident 
 some stanch ones were doing their utmost to oblit- 
 erate the new comments regarding her, as beneath 
 
 their notice and as untrue. As for Roma, it was 
 204 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 205 
 
 still very trying, but she had determined not to 
 return to her first keen agony of mind at any cost, 
 while the love and sympathy from a pair of faded 
 eyes helped much in her dire need. 
 
 Eagerly she watched each mail, wishing so 
 deeply for some word from the Broth, her dear 
 one. The third morning after her visit to the aged 
 artist a letter was passed to her at the same time 
 many of her classmates received theirs. With a 
 pleased flush of happiness she received hers, think- 
 ing of none but the Broth, and feeling his near- 
 ness. To her amazement and disappointment the 
 writing was unknown to her, and still as she ex- 
 amined it more closely, it seemed a bit familiar. 
 It was written in a large scrawly hand and was 
 simply addressed to Roma Anderson, evidently 
 the prefix being not known or admitted. 
 
 For a few moments Roma seemed confused, then 
 curiosity getting the best of her, she started to 
 open the soiled missive, but stopped, for like a 
 warning something seemed to hold her, while a 
 vision of Ben, her oily cousin, sprang before her. 
 Could it be from him? If so, what could he pos- 
 sibly have to say to her? Wishing, still almost 
 dreading, to learn its contents, she decided to wait 
 until she should go to her room ; for under the eyes 
 of the many girls surrounding her, even though 
 they were for the most part busily engaged in 
 their correspondence, she did not think it the place 
 for her to learn of her new and strange one. 
 
 With a feeling almost like a culprit, she hid the 
 
206 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 untidy looking letter in the bodice of her dress. 
 Not for some time did she have the leisure scarcely 
 to think of it, as a lesson period was in session. 
 Her task completed, she determined to learn its 
 contents. 
 
 Alone in her little room, she hastily tore open 
 the message. Yes, her intuition was correct. It 
 began, " Dear Cousin Roma." It was from Ben, 
 for to none other was she cousin. With a feeling 
 of greatest repugnance, the girl for an instant de- 
 clared she would not even read his odious letter; 
 then the memory of what she had suffered during 
 the past week from her girl mates came as a dark 
 cloud lowering about her, and she thought that 
 she must be prepared to cope with him for her 
 own peace of mind. It was only a short missive, 
 containing a few little lines, but to Roma they 
 held the keenest agony she had ever known. 
 
 One absorbing thought passed through her men- 
 tality, " and I believed the other, the slurs from 
 the girls, trouble ; while here the Broth was " 
 merciful heaven! could it be possible that she had 
 even so much as allowed the meaning of the word 
 to enter her consciousness. If so, God forgive 
 her ! For no breath of it was true ; nor was her 
 Broth the vile thing Ben's letter said, for even the 
 accusation was untrue and it was only one of Ben's 
 trickeries to gain an added interview with her, but 
 he never should, of that she was determined. 
 
 Examining the written words more minutely, she 
 ended in a half -mirthless laugh, " Why, to think of 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 207 
 
 even crediting those words. It was most likely he, 
 himself, did not even know the import of the mes- 
 sage." For by the chirography, Roma felt as- 
 sured, he had been under the influence of strong 
 drink, as his words were run together, making sev- 
 eral almost unintelligible ones. 
 
 " He had written," he said, " to inform his high 
 and mighty cousin, that her brother was a thief; 
 that she could learn all particulars by writing 
 Miss Nina Wentworth, Los Angeles, California, 
 she being the lady whose jewels he had stolen." 
 
 Oh, why had he ever come to them in their 
 mountain home? She had never liked him, nor had 
 Joe; as for her Broth, he had been the only one 
 who had made him welcome, and now, for some 
 unheard of reason, he had dealt him this blow, or 
 tried to ; for that was all his bravado and untruth 
 would succeed in doing. If the girls should ever 
 hear of this new disgrace but they never, never 
 should. Still what could she do? If he had 
 started such a terrible story from his own cruel, 
 wicked heart, was he not capable of any act? 
 
 A rap on her door came like a far-distant mes- 
 sage, to be followed by the voice of one of her 
 mates, saying her artist friend was in the reception 
 room and wished to see her. Thrusting the ven- 
 omously worded letter back into its hiding-place, 
 she sought her aged friend. Eagerly he scanned 
 her features, as she placed her hand in his, while 
 for an instant she thought then and there to con- 
 sult him regarding her obnoxious correspondent, 
 
208 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 but a feeling of disloyalty to that brother in even 
 repeating such an accusation seemed to pass so 
 strongly over her that she could not and did not 
 as much as mention it ; but instead, sunned her- 
 self in the dear companionship offered so unspar- 
 ingly to her, almost forgetting for the time any- 
 thing but the happiness she always enjoyed while 
 in his presence. 
 
 After a little he declared he must not tarry 
 longer; that he would like some sketches he had 
 loaned her. The scrutinizing looks he had man- 
 aged to give Roma seemed not to satisfy him, for 
 he felt that the glow of perfect harmony did not 
 fully envelop her with its warmth, and as he 
 watched her slight, girlish figure as she hastened 
 to bring him the articles, he found himself saying, 
 half aloud, " Poor little lamb, she is being tested ; 
 of that I feel assured. Whatever it may be, 
 would I might be able to bear it instead ! " 
 
 Little did he dream that another portion had 
 been added to try the womanly girl he loved so 
 tenderly. On reaching his home, he immediately 
 went to the studio to lay down his package, which 
 had been but an excuse to learn of his protege's 
 state of being. The remainder of the evening he 
 busied himself with his reading, though ever and 
 anon a troubled face would appear before him. 
 
 Meanwhile, the subject of his troubled thoughts 
 left more or less by herself began to ponder, then 
 dwell upon the contents of her cruel letter, while 
 the name Nina Wentworth seemed ever present be- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 209 
 
 fore her half-dazed senses. By the time she had 
 sought her own room she had even had such a par- 
 tially disloyal thought to her Broth enter her men- 
 tality, as to the possibility of there being any 
 truth in such a person existing as Miss Wentworth 
 in Los Angeles. 
 
 " Why, that is where my precious bauble came 
 from," and here Roma tendered a caress to the 
 gift she wore so constantly, still mentally com- 
 menting upon the fact that it should have come 
 from the same locality as this Nina, if such a per- 
 son resided there. 
 
 With thoughts running riot in her poor dazed 
 brain, the girl felt an irresistible impulse again 
 to read the unscrupulous and untrue letter and 
 prepared to draw it from its hiding-place. It 
 was not there, no, nor in any fold of her apparel 
 could it be found. " What could have become of 
 it? " She was positive she had placed it in the 
 bodice of her dress ; but that did not matter, the 
 thing to do was to find it find it before some one 
 of the girls should learn more, for which she must 
 innocently suffer. 
 
 Without a thought of her excited appearance, 
 she hastened from one room to another of the girls' 
 sanctums, eagerly inquiring relative to the finding 
 of her letter, but no clew to it did she obtain, an 
 added dart only being added to her troubled sense 
 as one of the girls sneeringly remarked, " Sorry, 
 Roma; hope it was not from your charming rela- 
 tive." 
 
10 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 Thankful beyond words that no one had as yet 
 found it, yet dreading what the morrow would 
 bring, the troubled girl sought in sleep balm for 
 a time from the trials she had of late been over- 
 whelmed with. 
 
 The next morning the sense of weight, at first 
 hardly explainable but which of late had greeted 
 her as she opened her eyes on a new-born day, was 
 again on her, almost instantly to be followed by 
 an instinct for her own preservation from mali- 
 cious tongues. Hurriedly she dressed, her one 
 thought being to find her lost letter at any cost. 
 A loud rap on her door sent the color like a flame 
 into her ivory-tinted cheeks, to recede as quickly 
 as she opened to find a maid at her door with a 
 letter. 
 
 " For me," was all she could command herself 
 to say, as she almost snatched the silent thing, to 
 the wonderment of the servant, to whom she had 
 heretofore been most courteous. 
 
 Once again within the privacy of her room she 
 hastily locked her door, thinking again to hide the 
 vicious, newly returned letter, when she saw that 
 not only was it an entirely different looking affair, 
 as to its neatness, but that it held the clear bold 
 chirography of her artist teacher. A twinge of 
 pain mingled with pleasure for the moment strug- 
 gled for mastery, as she opened her letter, a look 
 almost radiant overspreading her features as she 
 read. 
 
 " It must be fate," she soliloquized, " that it 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 should have gone to him, but how? It must be 
 that it slipped from my bodice and in some way 
 fell in with the sketches I returned. Now with 
 deep gratitude, I feel it is right for me to confide 
 in my dear trusted friend, else why should it have 
 come under his notice in such an unusual manner. 
 He will reassure me; that is worth all. And as 
 he knows Broth so well, he will see the absurdity 
 of the wicked letter as I do. At least, I know 
 where it is, and that none of the girls have seen 
 it." 
 
 Again at the close of the day Roma sought her 
 friend; this time confiding to him all of Ben's in- 
 solence to her, of their meeting, when she had 
 simply ignored him, and lastly of the letter which 
 she placed in his hands, adding, " Only think of 
 daring to accuse my dear Broth of such a terrible 
 thing!" 
 
 With a tender look into the earnest face of the 
 stanch girl, the sympathetic man read of the im- 
 plied guilt of one so dear to her. Then putting 
 the letter back in its soiled envelope, he crossed to 
 where Roma stood and, lifting her face to his, as- 
 sured her that he knew of one thing, that whether 
 the accusation were true or false, they knew that 
 as to the truth of the act, there was none; con- 
 tinuing : 
 
 " But, Roma, you have just said, that you have 
 not heard from your brother for a long time and 
 that he has been in California, even in Los Angeles. 
 Now, dear child, I do not want to wound you, and 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 if your Cousin Ben has proved himself such a 
 knave as he has in your presence been, it is no 
 doubt a trumped-up story of his ; but on the other 
 hand if by any unforeseen event, your brother 
 should be in trouble, would you not, and even I, 
 wish to know of it, so that we could render him all 
 aid within our power? You see it in the light 
 that I do, do you not, Roma child? " 
 
 For a few moments as her companion began to 
 speak seemingly in a half-questioning manner, 
 Roma felt the first sensation of aught but deepest 
 love for her kind helper and friend she had ever ex- 
 perienced, but as she looked into his almost saint- 
 like face she realized that all he was uttering was 
 fraught with deep thought and was only for her 
 brother's and her own good, he was thus so ex- 
 pressing himself: 
 
 " Now, dear, I think the best plan would be for 
 me to write this Miss Wentworth, simply stating 
 that a rumor had reached me that a lad whom I 
 knew had been accused of stealing jewels of hers; 
 that I did not believe the accusation, to say noth- 
 ing of mentioning the crime; but would she kindly 
 answer, should she ever receive the letter, not being 
 sure as to the authenticity even of her name. Do 
 you not think it the wisest plan ? " 
 
 To Roma the mere thought of the possibility 
 of her Broth needing help had subdued the feeling 
 of the momentary pain she had felt when her com- 
 panion had suggested their acquainting themselves 
 of the truth, in order to be helpful to him. Now 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 with his welfare vividly conscious before her, she 
 felt she could not learn soon enough of the actual 
 untruth of it all, bidding her companion hasten 
 so their minds should be at rest. 
 
 That night, as she turned her steps again to- 
 ward the home she was beginning to feel a sort of 
 aversion to entering, the bright shining stars 
 seemed to vie with each other in bringing the face 
 of her beloved Broth before her, while the name of 
 Nina, the woman who Cousin Ben said had ac- 
 cused that Broth of a felonous crime, seemed ever 
 before her; but to which accusation there was, she 
 knew, no, not even a tithe of truth. 
 
CHAPTER XXXII 
 
 Many devices the fair Nina had employed to 
 call the Hon. Allyn Prentice to her side during the 
 days which followed the one which had installed 
 Windy Anderson as a temporary inmate in his 
 new home. A feeling of unrest, together with one 
 of almost hatred toward the lad, possessed her, for 
 she felt by many a remark from the Honorable 
 that unconsciously the young accused boy was find- 
 ing a permanent and welcomed niche in the heart, 
 an access to which she could not seem to gain. 
 Then, again, the eyes of young Andrews were so 
 like the ones of the girl whose picture occupied 
 so prominent a place in Allyn Prentice's library 
 that it seemed almost an incident that the lawyer 
 did not himself observe it; perhaps he had. How 
 could she be sure? In fact, it might be the main 
 reason of his friendship toward the lad. Still she 
 did not think so, for he had laughingly remarked 
 to her one day when she was speaking of her 
 jewels, in connection with the lad: 
 
 " Do you know, young Andrews gave me quite a 
 start the night be first became an inmate of my 
 home. He actually dared to believe that the pic- 
 ture of my lassie, my mascot, was a make believe; 
 
 that she really did not exist, only in a picture." 
 214 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 215 
 
 " Oh, indeed," sounded from the lips of the 
 beautiful woman ; " and did you inform him other- 
 wise?" 
 
 " To be sure I did, the while thinking how sorry 
 I should be were it as he had believed it." 
 
 A half sneer sprang to the lovely mouth of his 
 companion, to be converted into an amused laugh, 
 while mentally she vowed he should never learn 
 from her of the nearness of the two. Also declar- 
 ing to herself that one who could so cleverly con- 
 duct himself on such an occasion was sly enough 
 for almost anything, even to the stealing of her 
 rubies. 
 
 Meanwhile her counsel was doing all in his 
 power to gain the good graces of his client, hoping 
 and believing that when the day of the trial came 
 he could wring from the lad the whereabouts of 
 the precious gems that she seemed to deplore so 
 deeply. That she had drawn him to her by the 
 subtleness of her loveliness, he knew full well, and 
 if it were in his power he would see that the much- 
 beloved gems were again placed upon her soft, 
 white flesh. 
 
 The trial, which had been postponed once, was 
 now soon to be held. Meantime, he had found 
 many an excuse for calling at the Wentworth resi- 
 dence, there to bask in the presence of its fasci- 
 nating mistress. 
 
 " Well, Andrews, I think I shall have to keep 
 you here in California after I clear you of your 
 not prettily named guilt," remarked Allyn Pren- 
 
216 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 tice, as he entered his library early one morning to 
 find his temporary protege poring over a law 
 book, so completely engrossed that he did not even 
 hear the Prince until he stood beside him. 
 
 " I believe I could even make a lawyer out of 
 you ; suppose you begin now and fight your own 
 case," and here a hand was laid most kindly 
 on the shoulder of the now standing Windy. 
 
 " Would that I could help make it a winner for 
 you, as well as myself," returned the lad, a flash 
 of intense gratitude springing to his eyes. 
 
 " If it were not," he had almost added, " for 
 Sis," then quickly locking his heart, he had con- 
 tinued " for the accusation, I should never have 
 known you, never have known what one would do 
 for another, that which you have done for me. As 
 for remaining in California, I should like nothing 
 better; the lawyer part well, that seems pretty 
 far away." 
 
 The knowledge the lad was trying to glean from 
 the book which he had hastily closed at the en- 
 trance of his host, was none other than of forgery. 
 Ever since the keenness of the sting to his wounded 
 pride had lightened a bit, the thought of his 
 father had come again and again to haunt and 
 trouble him, until a ray of much brightness had 
 passed into his soul as he realized that, like him- 
 self, he too might have been wrongly accused, 
 and he determined that at his first opportunity he 
 would himself ferret out the truth or otherwise as 
 to his dead father's honesty. From that day a 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 217 
 
 lightness had sprung into his heart, which even his 
 own disgrace could not entirely obliterate. A 
 letter from Ned had been given him a few days 
 after his leaving the hotel, telling him that it was 
 a wicked shame that such an untruth should have 
 been told of him, adding that he should keep an 
 eye open, and who knew but what he would find a 
 clew ; also that he wished he had never coaxed him, 
 and but for that damn cousin of his he never 
 should. 
 
 To Windy, sympathy was comforting, giving 
 him a temporary uplifting ; nevertheless, he passed 
 many an hour of keenest pain during the lenient 
 imprisonment, for the thought that any one should 
 think he would stoop to appropriate aught that 
 did not belong to him, was humiliation enough. 
 He had not even acquainted Joe, big-hearted, loyal 
 Joe, of his plight. First, because he felt such a 
 sense of wounded pride in letting his friend know 
 of his disgrace, and secondly, because he well 
 knew the pain it would inflict on the mentality of 
 the mountain lad. 
 
 But, somehow, as the days passed away, he 
 thought more often of Joe, until it seemed to him 
 that it might be for their mutual good that he 
 should confide in him, even though it caused added 
 suffering to them both, though full well he knew 
 that Joe's loyalty to him would but become 
 stronger, for he was indeed a friend. So it was 
 that from a land of fragrance and warmth, a let- 
 ter filled with distress was sent to the pine-guarded 
 
218 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 Snuggy to fill a lonely boy with righteous anger 
 that any one should have dared so to stigmatize 
 his dearest friend. 
 
 As the intuition came to Roma that Ben was 
 not a true Ben, so to Joe came a premonition that 
 somehow, some way the oily suave Cousin Ben was 
 at the bottom of the whole affair. Just how it 
 could have been consummated, Joe could not even 
 imagine, much less know, but the feeling of the 
 truth of his presentiment he fully believed; his 
 one great comfort being that the little Sis did not 
 dream of the plight of her unhappy brother. 
 
 Could he have known of the crafty letters that 
 descended the trail with the departure of the last 
 member of the Snuggy, the trip would not have 
 been made in the calm, assured manner that it was. 
 It would have been a fight to the finish. From the 
 moment of his receiving Windy's letter it had 
 seemed to Joe that he must go at once to his aid. 
 The only thing that restrained him had been 
 Windy's own wish that he should remain the guard- 
 ian of the beloved Snuggy, for the lad had written : 
 
 " The ponies need your care, especially Gypsy. 
 She must be kept at her best; for, you know, this is 
 the spring that Sis will go home. Then it will soon 
 be time to guide our tourists to our beloved lakes; so, 
 Joe, you must represent the family; not but that I 
 expect to guide, as well/' he had added, " but first my 
 honor must be upheld." 
 
 For Windy to wish was for Joe to obey, and 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 219 
 
 while he remained in the flesh he would care for 
 the needs of the ponies, giving almost as much at- 
 tention to Glossy as to Roma's loved Gypsy. His 
 spirit seemed ever to be with the boy, whom he so 
 longed to comfort and aid. His great love for 
 Roma seemed to grow bigger and brighter as the 
 days brought the faintest trace of the gladsome 
 spring. He did not ask himself what this love 
 would bring to him; it seemed so gloriously to fill 
 his heart that he did not even question the end. 
 He only knew that, when the assured spring days 
 had come to remain, then to deepen into wondrous 
 summer, she, his mountain queen, would be with 
 them, perhaps never to leave her loved hills again. 
 More than that he felt he had no right as yet to 
 know. 
 
 To Windy, his answer was as a prop, bidding 
 him keep up his grit, as was his wont. That when 
 he returned to the land of the pines, he would soon 
 forget all except its freedom. Could he have 
 known that a letter postmarked Los Angeles and 
 carrying the dire news to Roma had passed his 
 own to Windy, he would have been filled with un- 
 speakable sorrow, but thus it was. Nina Went- 
 worth had received the inquiry relative to the theft 
 of her jewels and had sent as requested her an- 
 swer, sending anguish into a trusting heart as 
 poignant as ever was sent by poisoned arrow. 
 
CHAPTER XXXIII 
 
 Roma had at last consented to a silent call, a 
 call to her mountains, her Snuggy. For days she 
 had battled with herself, trying to know what was 
 best and right for her to do. For days she had 
 half avoided meeting the eyes of her schoolmates, 
 fearing she might find in them a new aversion to 
 her. At times it seemed almost as if she must cry 
 out to all that it was a wicked, cruel lie that this 
 woman, this Nina Wentworth, had spoken of her 
 Broth. Not that any, save her aged friend, knew 
 of the disgrace that hung over and about her dear 
 one; he, it had been, who had told her, oh, so 
 gently, that the accusation Ben had made was in- 
 deed true as far as the charge was concerned, add- 
 ing, " But we know, Roma child, that no matter 
 how many such may be spoken against him, he is 
 innocent of all wrongdoing." 
 
 To the sorely tried and perplexed girl it seemed 
 almost as if God had forsaken her; that she were 
 standing alone in the great universe, there to battle 
 it out with no earthly or divine will. Again and 
 again she seemed to hear the wind sighing through- 
 out the pines which nestled about her home, telling 
 of the peace and quiet that awaited her, until she 
 
 became possessed with such a longing to be there, 
 220 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 free from all questioning eyes, free from all ef- 
 forts to keep from bursting into a paroxysm of 
 tears, that little by little she yielded to the sooth- 
 ing voice. Having once surrendered, she seemed 
 to feel less keenly the suffering she had endured 
 the past few weeks; still her brother's presence 
 seemed ever before her. 
 
 She, unlike Joe, never even so much as thought 
 of going in person to the one in dire need, but in- 
 stead wished to go home to the spot so dear to 
 them both, there by her prayers and added faith 
 in her Creator, to be ready to welcome him, that 
 dear one, when he should come. When she had 
 first declared her intention of so doing, to her art- 
 ist friend, he had appeared very sober, very silent, 
 but as he read in her wan face of a determination 
 he till then little realized she possessed, he knew 
 the time had come when she would have her way. 
 Of one thing he was determined, that was, she 
 should not take her homeward journey alone; but 
 of this he did not at first speak ; the right moment 
 had not arrived. 
 
 Once Roma had listened to the call, she was all 
 haste to answer its summons. She felt that had 
 Dr. Moulton been there she would have given her 
 full consent; in her absence she must act alone. 
 With a sense of sadness mingled with relief she 
 packed her pretty frocks, that her dear, kind bene- 
 factress had taken so much interest in ; a half smile 
 stealing into the girlish face as she folded the out- 
 fit she had worn from her mountain home when 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 she had come to be one of Dr. Moulton's world. 
 With a loving pat she had assured both the regalia 
 and herself that she would not long remain out 
 of it, when once she could with propriety adorn it. 
 
 With much pride, which she could not but feel, 
 she gathered together her work, her art work 
 that had rightly merited much praise from teacher 
 and classmates. Of the inspiration, hope and am- 
 bition she had woven in with the lights and shad- 
 ows, none knew but herself. At least they were 
 hers and none could take away the joy she had 
 possessed when at her beloved task. Nor should 
 she ever be the same girl as when before she had 
 learned to put her fancies before her, to become as 
 a living joy. 
 
 She had informed her teachers that it was im- 
 perative that she should return to her home, at 
 least, until another fall, at which time she could 
 better decide what she would do. Her parting 
 from her little room at Dr. Moulton's home, and 
 with Betsy, was filled with sadness, made doubly 
 so by the absence of the one who had indeed ever 
 made it a home for her. Real tears stood in Bet- 
 sy's round eyes, as she grasped Roma's soft hands, 
 while the words : 
 
 " I hope I am doing as the Misses would do in 
 letting you go but if her old friend, the pro- 
 fessor, thinks it is all for the best, I spects it must 
 be. At any rate I shall bake you up a basket of 
 eatables, so to keep your body and soul together. 
 Ah, honey, you is certain you is doing wise to go 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 before the doctor returns? She will miss you, for 
 sure." 
 
 Roma reassured her by telling her that it was 
 not for herself alone she was returning but to be of 
 help and to do her duty for another, and that if 
 she knew all she would bid her do the same, she 
 was sure. 
 
 " Well, Miss Roma, likewise you are right ; and 
 if you must go, I have a favor to ask of you." 
 
 " Yes, Betsy, I will grant it, if it is in my 
 power," returned the girl, wondering what wish 
 she desired. 
 
 " It is just your flame; for to me it seems like 
 a flash sent from you." 
 
 Here the hard, wrinkled hand reached and 
 touched with a half caress the scarlet tie which fell 
 from beneath the firm white throat. With a laugh 
 where mirth and pathos mingled, Roma untied the 
 silky ornament and hung it about the amazed 
 creature's neck, bidding her think of her often, 
 then adding: 
 
 " And, Betsy, when you pray, think of me then, 
 for I shall need all good thoughts to help me." 
 
 " Yes, Miss, that I will ; and, believe me, this 
 flame will seem as if it talked to me and always of 
 you." 
 
 True to her word Betsy brought to the dormi- 
 tory the evening before Roma's day for departure 
 a goodly size basket, filled with her best culinary 
 successes. Several small broilers done to a turn, 
 with a tumbler of apple and grape jelly, rolls like 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 little birds, so dainty they seemed, her renowned 
 hermits tucked in here and there, while even sev- 
 eral sugared crullers were given a resting place 
 in the attractively arranged basket. Such was 
 her offering of love ; while to Roma it helped to 
 soften the gnawing at her heart, for love does 
 gladden all, even if it is from what the world terms 
 the illiterate. 
 
 The morning for her departure dawned indeed, 
 a spring morning. The air was filled with subtle 
 fragrance, while the bright blue sky smiled and 
 frowned between the April showers like a girlish 
 coquette. It had been arranged that her artist 
 friend should call for her with a carriage, thence 
 to accompany her to the station, there to bid her 
 Godspeed. And now he had arrived, her good-bys 
 had all been said a little diffidently upon her 
 part to a number of the girls whom she had weeks 
 heretofore believed her stanch friends for aye. A 
 few she left with kisses warm upon her lips, mutual 
 sorrow at the parting. 
 
 Seated beside her aged friend, a great wave of 
 loneliness welled up within her, giving utterance 
 to the words he had so longed to have her speak. 
 Words which showed her need of a true heart to 
 lean upon and which his was yearning to be. 
 
 " How differently, oh, my kind friend, am I to 
 return to my pine clad hills ! Think. No Broth, 
 no Dr. Moulton, no one. Oh, how I wish you were 
 to go with me ! It would seem then as if one real 
 friend was with me, and with such everything 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 seems better, brighter, even if there are dark clouds 
 passing near." 
 
 " Roma, my child, what would you say if you 
 knew that at the station is a grip packed with my 
 simple belongings, ready to go with you to your 
 mountain home, should you wish it, to remain as 
 long as I can in any way be a comfort to you ? " 
 
 A deep happy sob was her sole answer, but the 
 hand that she lifted and carried to her lips re- 
 turned to its owner wet with the large tears which 
 fell from her eyes. 
 
 Meantime, with a deep faith her aged friend was 
 committing her to a love above all earthly friends. 
 With almost interest Roma accompanied the por- 
 ter, as he showed her companion his home-to-be 
 for the next two days, she laughingly claiming 
 Betsy's basket as it was placed with his belong- 
 ings. Her own berth being near, she had it placed 
 with her luggage, promising her aged friend that 
 he should share equally with her all of Betsy's best 
 efforts. 
 
 After the first excitement of adjusting them- 
 selves and their effects was over, Roma experienced 
 mingled sensations sorrow, anticipation, grati- 
 tude, all entered her mentality, each to sway her 
 for the time. Could it be true that she was really 
 headed for her home among the pines true that 
 the Broth she so longed to meet was held pris- 
 oner in the flower-scented land of California? 
 What would Joe think of her coming? He would 
 learn it by telegram before they reached the chalet. 
 
26 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 She would be glad to see Joe, for it had been a 
 long time; she supposed they had both grown 
 older. Would he know her the girl with her 
 lady-like dresses and her hair fastened at her 
 neck? But she would soon change all that. Then 
 Gypsy. Oh, how she longed to feel herself flying 
 through the spicy air upon the back of her know- 
 ing beast ! 
 
 At times, as she glanced at her companion and 
 noted his calm grand face, gratitude so deep would 
 spring into her heart that a moisture would start 
 to her eyes, often to end in a half caressing smile 
 as she caught his eye bent upon her. Together 
 they enjoyed the various scenes as they rapidly 
 sped through the changing landscape. The ten- 
 der green of the new spring carpet, the dainty 
 blush upon the peach trees, the almost Italian blue 
 of the sky, all appealed most keenly to their artis- 
 tic souls. Then, as all these were left behind and 
 the barren waste appeared, Betsy's basket of good 
 things was duly appreciated. 
 
 Roma had never forgotten the kind conductor 
 who had taken her under his wing when she, a 
 half frightened creature, had been put into his 
 charge, and had hoped she might return home with 
 the same genial one, but she learned that he had 
 been transferred to another route, one which took 
 him into a milder clime. 
 
 " Yes, you must keep one eye open, Professor, 
 for Galgary station at night is well worth seeing. 
 You would think you were going to a bazaar; 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 then it is a sort of forerunner of my mountains. 
 Oh, my dear kind friend, I am sure you will not 
 think I have praised their beauty too much when 
 you see them, for you will love them simply be- 
 cause you cannot help it." 
 
 Roma's enthusiasm transmitted itself to her com- 
 panion, who began to feel a positive anticipation 
 to behold the foothills, then the trails and lastly 
 the sublime snow-clad peaks of her native moun- 
 tains. In the early morning light, after the 
 brightly illumined Calgary had been passed, he 
 began to realize more than he had deemed it possi- 
 ble of the beauty, grandeur and majesty of the 
 Rockies. As for the girl, her face was enrapt. 
 It was as one re-meeting a life-long friend, one 
 cherished and dearly beloved. 
 
 The spring days were still partially slumbering 
 in this land of snow and ice, but here and there the 
 verdure was making a brave fight for life and free- 
 dom from its icy bed. The legion of pines, firs 
 and hemlock seemed to straighten in recognition 
 of the gladsome spring days, for they had freed 
 themselves of their mantle of snow and in so doing 
 felt that they were helping to hasten the time of 
 the appearing of the welcomed bud and blossom. 
 
 Not until Roma stood on the platform with the 
 stately glaciers visible, all about her, did she give 
 entire vent to her ecstasy; then with her arm 
 tucked into her aged friend's, she turned him 
 about, first to view this peak, then that. The air 
 was keen and frosty, but the sun poured down 
 
228 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 its great glowing warmth on them and before they 
 were hardly aware the closed wagon had drawn 
 them away, and was carrying them up up to 
 the region of the great chalet, and its priceless 
 gem, the iridescent lake. 
 
 With great joy Roma espied the beautiful 
 Scotch collie which she had petted many a time as 
 with her brother she had descended the trail to 
 pay a brief visit to the attractive chalet. She had 
 written Joe that she should be at the keeper's home 
 (a portion of the chalet) at a certain day, and 
 should expect him to meet her ; of her friend's com- 
 panionship, at the time she knew nothing, and now 
 as she silently watched the admiration that had 
 leaped, then to remain in those thoughtful eyes, 
 she felt that he was being rewarded by his appre- 
 ciation of nature's wondrous beauty for his great 
 kindness to her. 
 
 Again under the porte-cochere, she viewed the 
 Victoria glacier, towering, like the celestial guard- 
 ian it was, over and above its now cameo-like lake. 
 Once more she beheld the shrine, one that seemed 
 to her the purest, holiest, she could ever know, and 
 for moments her soul seemed to meet its Maker. 
 When she once more felt the earthly, it was to hear 
 the voice of Joe, speaking, oh, so quietly, 
 
 " Roma, is this really you ? " 
 
 Lifting her eyes, she gazed into those of the 
 loyal-hearted Joe, her almost brother, then with a 
 quick impulse she reached up for a kiss in greet- 
 ing, which she received; but one so quiet, so hum- 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 ble, as it was pressed upon her fair brow, as to 
 almost chill the startled girl. Only for the mo- 
 ment, however, did Roma regard it. The next, 
 Joe was being presented to her companion. 
 
 Meanwhile, the collie was most ferociously greet- 
 ing the girl, barking and capering wildly about 
 her, as if to make up for Joe's almost cold greet- 
 ing. As for him, it seemed as if he could never 
 again move from the place on which he was stand- 
 ing, such a feeling of muteness seemed to overpower 
 him, such coldness did he manifest. Could one have 
 felt his great pulsing heart as it sent its throbs on, 
 then on, they would have deemed it almost a mira- 
 cle that he did not cry aloud in his eagerness, in- 
 stead of emerging into the silent being he seemed. 
 
 After a little the spell seemed broken, but not 
 until the professor, who like Dr. Moulton had 
 learned the young man's secret, had sought to put 
 him at his ease did he seem like the Joe of former 
 days. No word was spoken either of Windy or 
 Ben, Roma thinking it best to wait until they 
 were safely up the trail and home in their own 
 Snuggy. 
 
 At last Joe's tongue was loosed, and he was in- 
 deed Joe. Gypsy and Scotty, he informed her, 
 were at the rear of the* chalet, adding that they 
 were full of life, and he thought it best to leave 
 them there. 
 
 It did not take Roma long to speed to her own 
 Gypsy, and who shall say dumb creatures have no 
 minds, for, as the collie, so the pony knew it was 
 
230 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 indeed she, the girl Roma. Caress after caress she 
 vouchsafed the knowing creature, then untying 
 her, she leaped on her back, sitting side-saddle 
 until she should have donned her togs, then giving 
 her the rein, she appeared down the drive before 
 the eyes of the waiting ones. 
 
 Meantime, Joe had proposed a plan of ascend- 
 ing the trail, one which would make the ascent 
 most easy for the new-comer, and one which he had 
 employed before. The sparkle in Roma's eyes and 
 the color in her heretofore pale cheeks seemed even 
 to cause the professor to appear years younger 
 than upon the day of their starting for their 
 lengthy trip; while Joe's eyes seemed riveted to 
 her flashing face. 
 
 Some little time later a curious procession began 
 the ascent ; Roma having gotten into her buckskins, 
 though still wearing her jaunty little Eastern tur- 
 ban, for want of a place to seclude it ; the pro- 
 fessor, seated in a sort of box affair fastened upon 
 a low dray; Joe leading Scotty, to whose harness 
 the crude sedan chair had been fastened. Again 
 up the trail the mountain girl passed, the cool air 
 filling her veins like new wine, her heart longing 
 yet dreading to reach the Snuggy, for her Broth 
 would not be there. Then, as if to repay her kind 
 companion for his great sacrifice in coming with 
 her, as well as to bring a happy smile to Joe's 
 frank face, Roma would hallo, her voice sounding 
 like a clarion call. Joe's attention was thus di- 
 vided between his solicitation for the comfort of 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 Roma's guest and his desire not to miss a gesture 
 of the girl he so deeply loved. 
 
 Few real traces of spring they saw as they 
 climbed the shaded trail, still the marks of winter 
 had nearly passed and they knew it would not be 
 long now before it would also be spring with them 
 in this mountainous land. Gypsy many times sent 
 forth a glad whinny, to be answered by her rider 
 as well as the other pony, each time sending a pang 
 to the heart of the brave girl, as it brought before 
 her the absent, beloved face of him she so yearned 
 to meet. 
 
 And so they reached the summit of the trail, 
 reached the Snuggy Roma had seen in her waking 
 and sleeping dreams many times since she had left 
 it to become an inmate of Dr. Moulton's world. 
 And now, quicker than Joe, she had slipped from 
 her saddle and was standing with outstretched 
 hands to welcome her tried friend to the home of 
 her girlhood. 
 
CHAPTER XXXIV 
 
 A week had already sped by since Roma together 
 with her artist friend had become inmates of the 
 Snuggy amid the mountains. To the girl the 
 freedom she was beginning to enjoy was very blest, 
 for she had been under such trying surveillance 
 for some time previous that now to have escaped 
 from critical glances was a great relief. 
 
 That her heart was very sad and cast down, both 
 her companions could plainly see, and each in his 
 different way strove to cheer and uplift her. With 
 Joe she had taken several rides, had again visited 
 some of her beloved haunts, although many were 
 still hardly accessible, as the winter longed to 
 tarry still a bit. 
 
 The first evening of their arrival and after the 
 tea things had been cleared away, Roma with true 
 womanly thoughtfulness strove to create an atmos- 
 phere of gladsome home cheer. Many a little pat 
 here and there converted the immaculate room into 
 a most habitable abode. The couch was drawn a 
 trifle nearer the blazing log fire which had greeted 
 them at their first arriving, having been laid ready 
 to do its share to welcome, and which Joe soon 
 had sputtering and sparkling for their comfort 
 
 and appreciation. 
 
 232 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 233 
 
 Again now she sent the light to Joe's eyes with 
 comments always of praise for the care and 
 thoughtfulness with which he had kept the Snuggy, 
 admiring the many new skins which had been 
 added during her absence and which Joe had glo- 
 ried in providing, as he knew they would dress up 
 the Snuggy for Roma's returning. 
 
 As the evening had advanced all thought of the 
 one who was separated from them by so many 
 miles, still no mention had as yet been made of 
 him. Suddenly Roma, who had been keeping very 
 quiet for some time, exclaimed: 
 
 " Joe, my true friend, I am sure you must think 
 it very unlike me not to mention the absence of 
 my beloved Broth. The fact is, I did not feel on 
 entering my long-abandoned home as if I could at 
 once lay bare to you the real reason of my sudden 
 return; but, Joe, while I know the untruth of all 
 I have been forced to learn relative to that dear 
 one, I felt it impossible longer to remain away 
 from the home so dear to me, also feeling that I 
 should be here at my post when that brother re- 
 turned to me." 
 
 Before she had half finished her confession as to 
 the truth of her home-coming, Joe was on his feet 
 and had advanced so that he stood beside her, while 
 with great tenderness he laid his large firm hand 
 on her shoulder and a look stole into his eyes tell- 
 ing of a love which would willingly spare her all 
 suffering were it in his power. He then bade her 
 not to pain herself further, as he knew from 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 Windy's own letter that very week of the trouble 
 to him to which she referred and that he had half 
 surmised when receiving her letter that she also 
 was acquainted with the vile slander. 
 
 On learning of her Broth's letter and how he 
 had confided all to Joe, Roma felt more than before 
 that this loyal-hearted lad was indeed an almost 
 brother to her, and with great eagerness she sought 
 him to allow her to read the letter he had received 
 from the absent one. 
 
 With much pity in his heart for the great hon- 
 est fellow, the professor turned his eyes away, but 
 not until he had noted the perceptible start he had 
 made as the words, " Joe, my almost brother," had 
 fallen from Roma's troubled lips. 
 
 Windy's letter, Roma read aloud ; to be followed 
 by renewed assuring from her companions, by their 
 words of courage and cheer bidding her feel that 
 all must soon be well with that far distant one. 
 
 From that evening Roma determined to fill her 
 position as hostess, covering her sad heart by try- 
 ing to give joy to the members of her household. 
 While much as they appreciated her efforts and 
 sunned themselves in her smiles, they were neither 
 blind nor unconscious of her efforts, which at times 
 seemed beyond her strength, so sad she appeared. 
 
 The little trunk which Joe had so proudly loaned 
 her had returned again up the trail, together with 
 another, this one Roma's own, in which many of 
 her sketches were carefully packed. With warm 
 welcome she received them, keen pleasure resting on 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 235 
 
 her face as she drew this one, then that, from its 
 wrappings. 
 
 Joe it had been who had brought them on his 
 dray from the chalet where they had been taken by 
 the stage, and now Joe it was who stood gazing 
 almost speechless as one by one he viewed scenes 
 and faces which seemed to him from another land. 
 As for the girl, she was again living over the pe- 
 riod of her sojourn from the mountain home as she 
 viewed her work. At last she came to the sketch 
 of her Broth, while with wonder and curiosity she 
 waited to hear what Joe would say as the familiar 
 face of the lad seemed to smile back at them, as 
 she held it out to view. 
 
 Expecting to hear some remark from her com- 
 panion, she waited ; but none came to her eager ear. 
 With a half-puzzled look she turned, to find Joe 
 literally staring into the pictured face of the lad 
 Windy, his own face bearing the same look it had 
 held when he had stooped and kissed her forehead 
 the day of their first meeting. With solicitation 
 Roma had exclaimed : 
 
 " What is it, Joe? Are you faint, or ill? " 
 
 At the sound of her voice, the great stalwart 
 fellow had pulled himself together, though he 
 evaded her question, still keeping his gaze on the 
 features of his boy comrade, then turning to the 
 girl he had almost breathed, " It is wonderful." 
 
 From that day Joe had seemed preoccupied, for 
 his mind was troubled. The aged artist saw the 
 struggle that was going on in the honest lad's con- 
 
236 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 sciousness and grieved for him, for he knew full 
 well that the girl he so passionately loved would 
 never be happy as the wife of the mountain lad. 
 He also knew that she had never for a moment re- 
 garded him save as her almost brother, as she had 
 called him. A few days after the unpacking of her 
 portfolio and colors, Roma had been possessed to 
 use her paints again. 
 
 She had been unusually sad and disheartened 
 the entire morning, for thoughts had entered her 
 mentality which had seemed to bear her down. 
 What if her Broth should not be proved innocent ; 
 what would become of her as well as himself? 
 True, she knew he was innocent, but if he could 
 not prove it so to the world, what then? More 
 than once she had resolved to write to this Nina, 
 whoever she might be, and implore her to free the 
 lad from the wicked accusation. 
 
 To-day, somehow it seemed to her that her 
 Broth needed her presence to comfort him and to 
 cheer. Seeking her room she was soon lost in 
 deep meditation, going over in her mind many 
 things which had troubled her during the past few 
 weeks, until she felt that indeed aid came from the 
 power of One " whom eye hath not seen nor ear 
 heard." 
 
 Shifting her thoughts she seemed to commune 
 with the great Power, while a feeling of deep peace 
 stole over her, comforting her by its very nearness. 
 After a little she rose, putting a fresh canvas on 
 the board which rested on her easel, then with her 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 237 
 
 colors began to prepare her pallet. Color for her 
 had now become as friends, companionable in her 
 loneliness. Now with their alluringness before her 
 she took from one, then another, forming a soft 
 grayish background, seeming like soft fleecy clouds. 
 
 Suddenly there seemed to come to her senses a 
 feeling that she might perhaps aid her Broth ; very 
 little she knew of law, but she did know that 
 money was most necessary. Why should she not 
 strive with her talent to gain some for him who 
 was now unable to win it for her? With thoughts 
 passing as fleetly before her as the colors beneath 
 her hand, came the vision of a woman, such a one 
 as she felt the one to be who had accused her Broth 
 of taking her gems. Women of society and fash- 
 ion she .had seen, women with their soft, clinging 
 loveliness, bedecked with color and laces, their 
 rounded necks and arms caressed by gems priceless 
 as well as radiant. They were women of another 
 world than Dr. Moulton's, women for the most 
 part given only to their own gratification or to 
 elicit envy or comment from others seemingly less 
 fortunate. 
 
 Her dear benefactress had given her a glimpse 
 of such life which she in her busy career had little 
 time to partake of. At the opera, in particular, 
 Roma had caught gleams of loveliness which had 
 held her spellbound. Of such as these she felt this 
 Nina Wentworth to be. Boldly her stroke passed, 
 then repassed, on the canvas, until a woman's face 
 and figure was dimly outlined. As moment after 
 
38 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 moment passed Roma still stood at her easel while 
 under her skilled hand a presence seemed to radi- 
 ate. On she worked until a warmth teeming with 
 life met her from the glance of eyes, so like the 
 spring's first violet, eyes whose color Roma had al- 
 ways admired and which now unconsciously she 
 placed before her. 
 
 How silent was the Snuggy ! No sound save the 
 twittering of the sparrows, and an occasional chat- 
 ter from the squirrels who seemed glad to be lib- 
 erated from their long winter's rest, broke upon 
 the clear air. The rays of the western sun began 
 to steal in at the window, bathing all in its glad 
 effulgence. Still she worked on, the dim figure 
 giving place to bold outline as the shadows began 
 to lengthen. With a perceptible start the girl 
 paused, to find that the sun had passed for that 
 day down beneath the vista where she so often bade 
 it good night, and that indeed twilight was come. 
 
 Hearing the returning steps of her friends she 
 hastily caught up a throw with which she covered 
 her sketches and hid the violet eyes from view. 
 
 From then on every moment she could find, 
 every moment she could with unselfishness free her- 
 self from her companions, found her before her 
 canvas. Ever she seemed called to her work and 
 to it she responded. At last the day came when 
 her painting was finished. All had been consum- 
 mated, with the exception of a few trifling details. 
 Joe and the aged artist had viewed it, both filled 
 with wonder, a portion of awe mingling with Joe's 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 239 
 
 thoughts as he pondered over and again the fact 
 that Roma's hands could create such a presence. 
 
 For days the sad almost entreating look in the 
 girl's eyes had pierced his heart, while as the time 
 passed, bringing no word from the absent one, he 
 had practically made up his mind that he must for 
 her sake, if not for his own, go to that brother, 
 there to remain, to do all in his power for him. 
 
 Of his great overpowering love for Roma he real- 
 ized more day after day; still by no word, nor 
 conscious look, had he betrayed himself to the girl, 
 for he felt that, much as he wished to befriend her 
 in her need, he had no right to thrust himself on 
 her; at least, until his comrade should be present 
 to wish him a victory of his heart's desire. 
 
 Having determined upon his journey, both the 
 professor and himself deemed it wiser not to ac- 
 quaint Roma, for in her great loyalty to that 
 Broth, when knowing in his letters he had deemed 
 it best for Joe to remain at home in the mountains, 
 she might be overcautious in complying with his 
 written request. While, to both the elder and the 
 younger man, it seemed almost inhuman that no 
 one of his own should be near him in this the hour 
 of his need. The elder friend had promised to care 
 most faithfully for the ponies, adding, " And I am 
 sure you could not attend our little lady more 
 devotedly." 
 
 Here a pang positively smote the speaker's 
 heart as he witnessed the radiant look which uncon- 
 sciously illumined his companion's face at his men- 
 
240 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 tion of the loved girl. At the same moment the 
 subject of their thoughts was bestowing the skill 
 of which she was mistress upon her painting, where 
 it had now become a radiant presence under her 
 trained fingers. 
 
 Enchanting would well express her effort of the 
 graciously beautiful woman who, alluring, enticing, 
 was before her. Soft, shimmering folds, half dis- 
 closing, half revealing her subtle curves, the creamy 
 flesh seemingly invested with life, while lurid light 
 seemed to gleam and flash from the jewels which, 
 blood-red, lay so lightly over her perfect bosom. 
 Roma stood for a long period contemplating, then 
 with feelings half admiring, half repelling, she 
 turned from her finished creation. 
 
 During the evening they all strove to make it 
 one of cheer, Roma remarking several times that, 
 were she near a metropolis, she should try to dis- 
 pose of her society woman who still possessed her 
 gems, the proceeds to go to her Broth, were she so 
 fortunate. To which, both the professor and the 
 stalwart lad assured her there would be no doubt 
 as to her securing a purchaser. 
 
 As the evening drew apace, they were startled 
 by a loud baying. All instantly were on their 
 feet, for the sound seemed to come in close proxim- 
 ity to the Snuggy. 
 
 " Hello ! I believe that is one of kin to the buck 
 I shot shortly before your return," exclaimed Joe, 
 " and whose skin adorns the very chair, Roma, you 
 have been sitting on." 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 Here Joe, all animation, was about to rush for 
 his shotgun, thinking to add still another trophy 
 of love for the comfort and admiration of the be- 
 loved girl. 
 
 " No, Joe," and before he had barely started, 
 Roma was by his side, exclaiming, " I am sure 
 your only wish is killing the creature that our 
 Snuggy may be the possessor of his warm coat. 
 But think, Joe, the spring is almost with us, the 
 gladsome time for all ; so shall we not allow him to 
 live, to enjoy? " 
 
 Again the moaning was plainly apparent, al- 
 though now at a distance, the buck seeming to 
 realize that he had been nearer than he believed 
 to a foe. For an instant a trace of disappoint- 
 ment hovered over the features of the stalwart lad, 
 to be followed by a look of tenderness, which Roma 
 must have wondered at, had she fully witnessed it. 
 With a deep,- smothered sigh, he reassured her: 
 
 " Yes, Roma, your petition shall be granted ; 
 your forest friend shall go free." 
 
 " Thank you, Joe ; that is like you to grant me 
 what I ask. But where are you going? Have 
 you forgotten that early in the evening you fed 
 and prepared the ponies ? " 
 
 " No ; I have not forgotten that ; but somehow 
 I feel like a turn in the moonlight. Perhaps the 
 freedom you have given your forest neighbor has 
 fired me for a draft of the woods. Howbeit " 
 
 " Joe, may I go with you for a little way ? I 
 have not been out under the pines at night since 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 my return, and, as you say, I too would like a 
 breath of the forest and a peep at the stars up 
 up through the pines." 
 
 " Roma, child, why to-night ? " the words 
 came from the professor, who seemed to divine the 
 real reason for the suddenness of Joe's proposed 
 stroll. Of his departure on the morrow, as well as 
 his almost overmastering love for Roma, he knew. 
 Would he be strong enough to put his love to the 
 test, to remain silent when that great love welled 
 in his heart and she, whom he feign would lavish 
 it on, was before him in the moonlight? 
 
 " Only for a breath, dear Professor ; then I will 
 return and we will finish our story, for I also am 
 most anxious to learn the outcome of the little 
 comedy." 
 
 Hastily donning her buckskin jacket, then 
 catching up a warm scarf of scarlet cloth, she fol- 
 lowed Joe out into the cold, still moonlight. As 
 they passed under the tall, grim pines, the stars 
 seemed to dance in the black firmament, so gay and 
 sprightly did they appear, while farther, still far- 
 ther away, could be heard the baying of the freed 
 moose. 
 
 Suddenly Roma paused to view, as the moon's 
 rays showed to advantage against the trunk of a 
 noble pine, a device which she had noticed on sev- 
 eral of the trees on her return and which she had 
 intended speaking of, for she felt very sure it was 
 through Joe's kindliness to his little furry friends 
 that they had been placed there. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 " Joe, what do you put in these little troughs ? " 
 she exclaimed, as she playfully thrust her hand 
 into the crude receptacle. " Sugar that you give 
 my Gypsy, or something more to be relished by 
 your chattering friends ? " 
 
 The lad, looking like a sturdy pioneer, drew 
 nearer to where she was standing, while in a voice 
 hardly natural even to his own hearing, he replied, 
 
 " Roma, lass, do you remember the weeks before 
 you left your mountain home ; did you know that 
 even before you yourself knew you were lonely, 
 that you needed companionship different than we 
 could bestow upon you, that I read it in your 
 every glance, heard it in every word you spoke? " 
 
 " Joe, why do you speak so sadly of that now? 
 I am at home again, nor do I ever mean to leave 
 it more." Here with a sudden motion half child- 
 ish, half womanly, she clasped her hands around 
 the arm of her companion, and looking up into his 
 earnest eyes, she continued, " But, Joe, did you 
 miss me so much, so keenly, that the very thought 
 of it makes you sad? " 
 
 " Yes, Roma ; more than you can ever know. 
 And to help to forget, I busied myself in many 
 ways ; these little devices, as you call them, being 
 of the many to fill in the time of your return. 
 What I have locked away in my heart all these 
 weary months, I must tell you of, and to-night. 
 It is no use. I have thought to quiet my intense 
 longing, until Windy was with us, but it cannot 
 be kept silent any longer, for, Roma, you must 
 
244 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 hear of the great love which is in my heart for 
 you." 
 
 Could the moan, which sounded so low as almost 
 to be from the night wind, have come from the now 
 silent, slender figure, as she stood silhouetted 
 against the shadow of the grim pines ? while the 
 eager tones of the lad continued, " And I have 
 felt lately, as I have seen your brave, sad face, 
 that, if I might, how gladly would I suffer your 
 suspense for you! Roma, speak and tell me. 
 Could you become my wife, to live with me, where 
 my every wish should be to fulfill yours, and where 
 you should be free from all trouble, all care? " 
 
 " Joe, my dear good Joe," with a cadence of 
 sadness the name fell on the lad's waiting ear, 
 bringing to him anguish, as if hearing his death 
 knell, " you speak of your love for me. I, too, 
 have love, deep love, for you ; but, Joe, it is not, 
 nor could it ever become, a wife's love; for, my 
 dear Joe, I have always looked on you as a 
 brother; and, believe me, I would give worlds if I 
 might awake and find that your ardent love for me 
 was only a fanciful dream, for, most loyal one, I 
 grieve to wound you." 
 
 " Roma, why, why are you so sure it could never 
 be otherwise? " pleaded the great sturdy lad, as 
 he bent his now pale face toward hers, his earnest, 
 wide-opened eyes seeming fairly scanning her soul. 
 
 " Just why, I cannot tell," the girl returned, 
 her own face looking strangely white in the moon- 
 light, while unconsciously her fingers sought and 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 245 
 
 held the bauble she always wore, as she continued: 
 " You see, Joe ; as you say, you so deeply missed 
 me while I was away from my home. So I often 
 felt lonely for you, but, oh do not think I wish 
 to wound you, far from it but I must be true. 
 I did not feel such love, never for one moment, as 
 you had for me. While, if I had really and truly 
 loved you as I should to become a good wife, don't 
 you see I must have realized it? " 
 
 " Yes, Roma ; I suppose that is as you say and 
 I expect it is as it was intended to be, for you 
 are of a different world. I have seen it ever since 
 you returned; your love and skill for your paint- 
 ing has changed you. Oh, would you had never 
 left your mountain home ! It would all have been 
 so different then." 
 
 " No, Joe, do not say that ; for I must have 
 gone some time into the artist's world; the call 
 would have sounded and I should have answered, 
 just as I have returned to the Snuggy in answer 
 to a silent call which gave me no peace until I 
 obeyed. As for shielding me from all trouble 
 my dear faithful friend, you have always made me 
 very happy by your great, unselfish care." 
 
 Lower and lower the silvery moon had now 
 fallen, while a brisk wind was beginning to sigh 
 throughout the pines. With tenderest solicita- 
 tion Joe folded the bright scarf which had par- 
 tially fallen from the glossy hair, while in a voice 
 which he manfully strove to appear natural he 
 said: 
 
246 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 " Remember, Roma, it shall remain between us 
 as it has always been, for it was so to be ; of that 
 I now see clearly." Then, turning her face with 
 gentle hand, he lifted it until their eyes met a 
 look of deep love but quiet resignation in his, a 
 sad, thoughtful tenderness in hers. Then with 
 united steps they retraced their way back to where 
 the light beamed forth at them from the Snuggy. 
 
CHAPTER XXXV 
 
 Long into the night Joe seemed to feel the warm 
 fingers of the girl, who had with gentle frankness, 
 in bidding him good night, laid her hand so 
 quietly into his; little realizing that for her the 
 great honest fellow was about to leave his accus- 
 tomed haunts, even though his great love had not 
 been blest. Still, for her, he was willing, even 
 eager, to do all that lay in his power. 
 
 Little sleep came to his nerve-racked brain, for 
 to him the proposed journey seemed a stupendous 
 undertaking. Of one thing he felt grateful, as he 
 thought over again and again the happenings of 
 the past few weeks. He could, and should, carry 
 out Roma's wish to dispose of her painting. The 
 professor had assured him, after the girl had left 
 them for the night and they had remained for one 
 more talk before his departure, that of a certainty 
 he would find a purchaser, also a goodly price 
 would be realized, " For, my lad, you may rest as- 
 sured it is a rare one." 
 
 For Joe to have taken the picture without the 
 express wish from the artist would have been im- 
 possible, even though he fully realized his dire need 
 for money, but at Roma's wish it should be borne 
 from the land of the pines to find a home in a 
 
 sunny clime. 
 
 247 
 
248 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 With greatest care the wondrous being was pre- 
 pared by the skilled hands of the aged artist for 
 its transportation; also the price named that he 
 felt it should realize. A look of almost reverence 
 stole into the aged face as he bade the lad take 
 courage, for he had read the faces of the maid and 
 her companion on their return earlier in the even- 
 ing, and with subdued homage he now regarded 
 the lad. 
 
 Long before the gray light began to steal in at 
 his window, Joe was making his needed prepara- 
 tions. As the first tinge came into the eastern sky, 
 he had silently bade good-by to his home, to the 
 abode that now sheltered the girl he still so dearly 
 loved. He was to descend on foot the mountain- 
 ous trail, his prized commission to accompany him. 
 With a fervent hand-clasp the aged professor bade 
 him Godspeed, a dimness he was not ashamed of 
 obstructing the great stalwart figure from his 
 vision as he turned back into the Snuggy. 
 
 In a flowered land, another lad had been tested. 
 At times such a longing for the pine-girded hills 
 would steal about him as to cause the sight of even 
 the lovely flowers to become almost obnoxious. 
 True, he was happy at times ; for when with the 
 Prince, how could he be otherwise? The delaying 
 of his trial had been sorely trying to him, as he 
 knew the spring was well-nigh come even in the 
 mountains, and that he should be there. 
 
 During all the period he had been awaiting his 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 249 
 
 trial, no positive proof had been found, no alibi 
 produced ; still the certainty with which the Prince 
 assured him he should be free had given him a faith 
 he himself could scarce account for; while between 
 the faces of the lovely featured woman who had 
 accused him and who, he felt, positively abhorred 
 him and the questioning eyes of the pictured face 
 the Prince declared to be a mascot, Windy felt 
 lay a punishment for having kept the secret of his 
 identity from one who had so valiantly upheld him. 
 
 His thoughts of his dear Sis were many and 
 deep, a feeling of ease often following one of 
 anxiety, as he realized the strangeness of his Sis's 
 presence and that it seemed to fill a heart besides 
 his own with pleasure; that heart, the sternly ten- 
 der one of the Prince. The lad had also learned 
 Nina Wentworth's secret; learned that a great, 
 overwhelming love encircled his benefactor, but 
 that the love was selfish ambition; worldly, he 
 also realized, as again and again he found himself 
 thinking, at times almost voicing his thoughts 
 aloud, " Indeed, she is not half good enough for 
 him." Just why he felt that way he could not 
 have told. Not because of her dislike and her ac- 
 cusation of him, for he believed she honestly felt 
 him to be the , even to himself he would not 
 utter the word. Lovely of face and figure he ad- 
 mitted her to be, but to him she did not ring true, 
 so he explained it to himself. 
 
 Windy was right in his conjecture as to the feel- 
 ing Nina Wentworth entertained for him. More 
 
250 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 than once, as she had met him in passing through 
 the apartment of the Hon. Allyn Prentice, had 
 she been tempted to address him by his rightful 
 name, but a glance at the graceful form and truth- 
 ful eyes of his for her almost hated Sis would 
 dispel the resolve; she fearing lest the Honorable 
 would then in some way meet his pictured guest. 
 
 That the girl was truly lovely was but an added 
 reason for her to declare they should never meet 
 if she could prevent it, as she was well determined 
 to do. She had wondered many times, since re- 
 plying to her correspondent in the East to the ef- 
 fect that most assuredly the lad called Anderson 
 had been accused and by her of stealing gems, 
 whether the lad had ever acquainted that Sis ; she 
 had never learned ; herself adroitly keeping his as- 
 sumed name from being known to the Eastern 
 friends, as well as his place of residence, thereby 
 doing all in her power to keep that now dreaded 
 Sis and the Right Honorable apart. But it was 
 not to be, for Fate, if we call it by that name, was 
 busily arranging matters in its own way. 
 
 At last the day had arrived wherein Windy 
 should either be declared innocent free to go to 
 his dear waiting one in the mountain home, where 
 now he knew her to be or to remain a marked, 
 disgraced lad in the eyes of the world. No news 
 of importance for or against the case had been 
 received. Ned Brigham, poor lad, had been al- 
 most ill since Windy had been taken from the hotel ; 
 ever on the alert, he had failed to find any clew 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 51 
 
 by which to aid his friend. It had been over a 
 week now since Windy had received any word from 
 the Snuggy. Snuggy the very name caused a 
 faintness to creep over him as he realized what the 
 word meant: liberty, love; aye, even a future. 
 
 What wonder, then, that on this day of all days, 
 the word meant so much to the anxious lad? 
 That Joe was coming to him Joe, whom just to 
 behold would be to inspire confidence by his stanch 
 faith in his almost brother Windy did not 
 dream. 
 
 The sweetly scented air seemed almost mockery 
 to Windy as, accompanied by the Prince, he en- 
 tered the open taxi which was to convey them to 
 the accursed scene of which he was to be the chief 
 actor. Birds were singing, flowers blooming; 
 while in a pair of violet eyes, rivaling in beauty 
 all, a cruel, relentless determination lay the re- 
 turn of her jewels or punishment for the lad to the 
 extent of the law. 
 
 Scarcely had they taken their places on the 
 platform of the court-room than the violet-eyed 
 woman made her appearance, bearing herself as a 
 queen of old, so potent she felt her beauty, while 
 her attorney, smiling and urbane, hastened to greet 
 her. 
 
 Soon the case was in full action, attorneys, ac- 
 cuser and accused all feeling the import of their 
 individual testimonials. The morning grew apace ; 
 still the case remained in action, while now and 
 again even the faint breath of perfume which was 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 wafted to the cruelly pent-up lad from the woman 
 gowned all in soft brown seemed even in its dainti- 
 ness to permeate censure to him, so bitter was her 
 demeanor. 
 
 As for Alljn Prentice, the lawyer who had al- 
 ready made name and fame for himself; as he ar- 
 gued the case of his young client he experienced 
 a new interest, an interest he could not explain nor 
 understand, even to himself. The case seemed 
 vital to him ; vital that she should clear the lad he 
 had grown to love, as he now realized he had ; for 
 as he had watched the color fade little by little 
 from the boyish face during the trying ordeal 
 through which he had passed, leaving no trace of 
 guilt, simply anguish, a something had sprung into 
 his own heart he realized had heretofore been for- 
 eign to it. 
 
 As for the woman with her soft loveliness, he 
 was beginning to feel positive aversion, for he 
 seemed to realize that a heart, bitter, relentless, 
 tyrannical, beat under the full white bosom. 
 
 The stirring whistle and bells announced the 
 noon hour. A short respite was given the court, 
 after which the case was to be continued, then to 
 go into the hands of the jury. With eyes for 
 none but the criminal lawyer, Nina Wentworth 
 turned with almost impatience from the man who 
 seemed to lavish love on her from his every glance, 
 for Lauren Stocton had indeed blessed fate for 
 sending the case of the lost gems to him, thereby 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 253 
 
 allowing him to bask in the sunlight of her glorious 
 eyes. 
 
 It was a certainty that he should win the case 
 and that mattered much, for as she had once ex- 
 pressed to him, " If I cannot gain back the jewels 
 now, it will be some satisfaction to put that young 
 thief behind the walls of a safe retreat; there, 
 sooner or later, he will admit his guilt, and by that 
 time his disgrace will have proved a barrier," 
 here with a laugh, she had added, " even of love." 
 
 Just what she had meant when she alluded to 
 love, her attorney did not understand. Why 
 should he? the words had fallen from the red 
 lips of a cruelly clever woman. 
 
 With quiet gentlemanliness Allyn Prentice de- 
 clined Nina Wentworth's suggestion that they 
 step into an adjacent cafe for lunch, he declaring 
 it most necessary that he return to his apartment, 
 as he had to look for important papers which he 
 needed at a meeting to be held at the close of the 
 court. 
 
 With a touch of her old impetuosity, the woman 
 in her simple elegance returned to her own attor- 
 ney, who eagerly complied with her wishes. With 
 alacrity Allyn Prentice then sought the lad An- 
 drews, bidding him still hope on, the end had not 
 come; a smile, good to see, leaping into the eyes 
 which looked up at the Prince, as he answered, " I 
 will; it is the least I can do for you." 
 
 Allyn Prentice then told the lad he should send 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 him in a bite, and that he should be back at the 
 appointed time to finish fighting for him until the 
 end. 
 
CHAPTER XXXVI 
 
 From a land of almost solitude into a world of 
 action, Joe, the sturdy pioneer, had been literally 
 hurled. As to Roma, so to him the advent into 
 a new world seemed almost like the performing of 
 some miracle, so wonderful it all appeared; the 
 whole mode of his transportation holding a keen 
 fascination for him and fortunately acting in part 
 as an antidote for the heavy pain which had 
 weighed him down so persistently since his parting 
 with the girl Roma. 
 
 With eyes filled with wonderment and a heart 
 beating tumultuously, the lad entered the city 
 where he was to find his old pal Windy. Just how 
 to reach him, he little knew. Confusion as well as 
 desire made him an object of notice; then his at- 
 tire, unmistakably Western, added to his unusual 
 appearance, while the large, framed object, as well 
 as a dusty portmanteau, did not detract from the 
 crude picture. 
 
 After several attempts to gain the location of 
 the avenue Windy had given as his address, he suc- 
 ceeded, and straightway bent all his pent-up en- 
 ergy in reaching his destination. A long jaunt 
 he found it to be, but on he plodded, never for a 
 
 moment thinking to relieve himself of his burdens 
 255 
 
256 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 or give himself respite nor even a lift by a hired 
 conveyance. In fact, the thought never entered 
 his consciousness, so filled was it with the thoughts 
 of meeting Windy. Several times he was obliged 
 to ask his way, so strange to him the whole scene 
 appeared. 
 
 The last of his tramp had brought him in the lo- 
 cation of a fine residential section, where, ere he 
 was aware, so engrossed was he by the grandeur 
 of his surroundings, the very number he was 
 searching for loomed up before him. With almost 
 timidity he ascended the steps which led him to the 
 imposing entrance. Here he was met by a colored 
 lad, looking very spruce in his neat regalia, a half 
 smile springing to his countenance as Joe with a 
 loud weary sigh released himself from his burden, 
 the same moment inquiring if he might be allowed 
 in No. , as he had a friend staying there. 
 
 " Guess you sure can," answered the dusky lad. 
 " But first I'll whistle up and let Pratt know." 
 
 " Pratt," exclaimed Joe, somewhat disgusted at 
 the wrong construction, as he supposed, of Windy's 
 name, but giving his whole attention to the blow- 
 ing that the boy was performing through a metal 
 device. Soon a succession of little clicks followed 
 the words which were spoken through the same 
 opening through which the whistling had been 
 carried on, and Joe was then shown the way to 
 the apartment. 
 
 Again he was met by a person seeming of some 
 importance, this time of his own color, and who 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 257 
 
 proved to be the Pratt the boy had spoken of. 
 Rather stern and unfriendly this last personage 
 appeared to the Westerner, as he asked to see a 
 lad who said he lived at that address. 
 
 To his inquiry, Joe was informed that neither 
 the lad nor the Hon. Mr. Prentice were at home. 
 " But as I expect the latter any minute, you may 
 step in and wait, if you like." 
 
 Thanking the man, Joe entered the to him 
 palatial room, accompanied by the precious canvas, 
 so wrapped as to appear almost grotesque, but 
 which he insisted on guarding. As he stood within 
 the luxuriant room a sense of latent manliness 
 supported him, crowning him, even in his conscious 
 bewilderment, with the stamp of the true gentle- 
 man. 
 
 With his sombrero held tightly in his large 
 brown hand he seated himself, wondering just 
 where Windy could be. Then, as moment after 
 moment passed, he gained a tithe of assurance as 
 his glance rested here and there with pleased eager- 
 ness, the atmosphere of the room seeming to soothe 
 his anxious fears. 
 
 Such luxury, such taste; even the lad from na- 
 ture's wiles felt it was superb ; while the thought 
 of Roma, that she had seen, even lived, perhaps, 
 where surroundings were of this sort, seemed to 
 build an added barrier between them; he finding 
 himself again excusing the girl for her refusal of 
 himself, as he again realized their different ideas of 
 life. 
 
258 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 The fragrance and beauty of the flowers he had 
 passed since entering the charmed city had been 
 greatly admired by the lad, who loved nature de- 
 voutly, and as the moment sped away and no one 
 appeared, the perfume from a cluster of white 
 oleanders seemed to coax him to a nearer draught 
 of their sweetness, he yielded, and, crossing the 
 room, was about to inhale its rare fragrance, when 
 pictured eyes riveted his attention. 
 
 For an instant he could scarcely realize it was 
 but a picture he was gazing into, for the eyes 
 seemed so like those he had recently looked into 
 that their genuineness seemed assured. In fact, 
 she seemed so much in his every thought that her 
 appearance for the moment did not seem strange 
 to him. 
 
 " Roma ! Roma ! Well you grace your sur- 
 roundings, as do you also the Snuggy amid the 
 pines. Ah, little girl, you were true and frank 
 with me; may I be of some help to you in your 
 keen grief and despair ! " 
 
 His hand still rested on the choice silver frame, 
 where he had turned the pictured face more toward 
 himself, when a masculine voice resounded through- 
 out the room. That his words had been heard, 
 and deeply wondered at, the stalwart lad gave no 
 thought as he advanced toward the person who 
 had so quietly yet unmistakably addressed him, 
 
 " My man has informed me that you wish to see 
 a lad whose address was given here. Can I be of 
 any service to you? " 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 259 
 
 Here a deep, penetrating look accompanied the 
 inquiry. " Roma, Smiggy," the words not only 
 rang in the ears of the Hon. Allyn Prentice but 
 seemed written in words of fire before his eyes, as 
 he still continued to keep his glance riveted on the 
 face of the youth who now stood before him. 
 
 " I am here to find Albert Anderson, my friend 
 and almost brother. I have come from our home 
 in the mountains, where his sister waits in sus- 
 pense his coming. Can you tell me where I may 
 find him?" 
 
 " I know a youth named Andrews ; of his home 
 and sister I cannot say, for he has never spoken of 
 either to me. He is the lad who has lived with 
 me for the past weeks, and whose case I am natur- 
 ally much interested in, as I am his lawyer." 
 
 The words had barely left Allyn Prentice's lips 
 when, 
 
 " Oh, sir, Windy never took those accursed 
 gems. I have known him nearly all my life and a 
 squarer pal never breathed. Why he gave you his 
 name as Andrews, I cannot say " then a 
 thought of Roma's picture, holding such promi- 
 nence in the room of the man who knew nothing 
 of her real identity flashed over him, and he re- 
 mained silent. 
 
 Crossing quickly to the picture, to which the 
 new-comer had been so enrapt that he had failed 
 to hear his approach, Allyn Prentice also turned 
 the truthful eyes well toward his own, an unusual 
 light leaping to his as he began to realize just 
 
260 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 what his girlish mascot was to his young client. 
 
 " Andrews, Sis, the girl of the Snuggy." It did 
 indeed mean much even to him. Turning with re- 
 luctance from the eyes that seemed to hold his, 
 Allyn Prentice recrossed to where the lad was 
 standing and extending his hand he expressed that 
 he was glad to meet so stanch a friend as he felt 
 he was, to both that brother who had been and was 
 passing through so trying an ordeal, as was also 
 the loyal sister waiting patiently for the outcome. 
 
 A heart-to-heart talk followed, the lawyer telling 
 the lad of the mountains that a sister of his col- 
 lege chum had sent the photograph to him, also 
 telling him of her visit at the Snuggy. 
 
 " Can you mean our kind lady Dr. Moulton? " 
 came in eager tones from the lad, a smile of posi- 
 tive pleasure lighting up his strong features. 
 
 " Yes, it is to her I refer. But, come, tell me 
 all you can of this pal of yours, for by your com- 
 munication I may be able to win the freedom we all 
 crave for him; for, young man, this is the day 
 of his trial and Providence may have sent you to 
 me for a purpose." 
 
 Thereupon followed many points of interest 
 relative to the inmates of the Snuggy, a keenness 
 making itself apparent on the lawyer's face as 
 Ben's character was deftly unfolded under his skill- 
 ful strategy. Much longer would Allyn Prentice 
 have liked to linger, hearing of the life lived far 
 away from the haunts of man, but he realized he 
 was needed to fight for one who added a great 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 share of brightness to that little colony, and who 
 he now felt certain had sought to shield even the 
 photograph of the loved sister, so that no disgrace 
 should even surround her pictured identity. 
 
 " And now, Joe, if you wish you may accom- 
 pany me back to the court-room, but perhaps it 
 will be best not to let your presence be known to 
 your friend until his case has been settled, as it 
 might unnerve him, and he needs all his courage 
 this day. For fight for him as I have and shall, 
 still things look rather dark, although I believe 
 that from what you have told me of this Ben, this 
 cousin, I have a new card to play and one that 
 may prove a trump." 
 
 " Heaven grant it may be so," broke from the 
 now eager, tremulous lips of the guide of the moun- 
 tains, while ere the words had scarcely left his lips, 
 he had turned toward the package he had guarded 
 so carefully since it had left its first abiding place 
 exclaiming, 
 
 " But I must show you before you return to 
 fight for my pal, the work that loyal sister has 
 been doing, hoping by her efforts to earn money 
 to help all in her power to free that dear one." 
 
 With hands which trembled, so keyed up he had 
 become over the whole affair, the stalwart youth 
 unwrapped and placed before the astonished eyes 
 of his companion the gloriously beautiful woman, 
 seeming alive, so filled with a breathing presence 
 did she appear. 
 
 An almost audible gasp escaped the lips of the 
 
262 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 lawyer as he gazed upon the creation, noting the 
 unmistakable genius displayed thereon, while the 
 words " womanly intuitiveness " came to his con- 
 sciousness, as in answer to his wonderment. 
 
 Man of the world as he was, he realized that back 
 of the genius which had placed such a creation 
 before him lay a character far removed from the 
 one of the woman whose presence the mountain girl 
 had so wonderfully portrayed. 
 
 Turning to Joe, with eyes that positively shone, 
 the criminal lawyer exclaimed, 
 
 " So this radiant being was made to live by my 
 little mascot, and to help win her brother's case. I 
 pray God that in some way it may be accom- 
 plished." 
 
 Another long look he took, noting the fair flesh, 
 the shapeliness of the slender figure, as well as the 
 subtle beauty with which it had been arrayed in 
 its priceless garb of shimmering fabric and lace, 
 while gleams of scarlet seemed positively to radiate 
 from the gems which encircled the full throat; the 
 face, while not Nina Wentworth's, was of the type 
 of woman which she represented: worldly, ambi- 
 tious, and, as he now felt forced to admit, heart- 
 less, for had he not noted the expression of de- 
 termination which had flitted then lingered on her 
 mobile face during the most trying moments of 
 a youth's career; determination to win her cause 
 and seemingly bent on the lad being punished, 
 whether her gems were regained or not by so doing. 
 
 Turning to his companion, whose thoughts were 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 263 
 
 keeping him company, Allyn Prentice assured him 
 that the painting should indeed find a purchaser. 
 Then bidding him come with him, they left the 
 luxuriant apartment and were hurriedly driven to 
 the court-house. 
 
CHAPTER XXXVII 
 
 Back to the court-room, back to fight for the 
 royal lad, seemingly now nearer and dearer to him 
 than before, the honorable criminal lawyer went. 
 Not only had he the accused one to free, but as 
 well he must bring peace and cheer to a far distant 
 one, who was waiting with such patience for the 
 absent. 
 
 Joe was given a seat where he could see his 
 friend with little fear of himself being seen, 
 thereby causing needless emotion. The case was 
 soon called, Allyn Prentice barely having time to 
 whisper into Windy's ear that he had learned much 
 since he had been away and was to use it for his 
 case, adding, " No surprise must you show at any- 
 thing I have to say." 
 
 Again the lawyers, the accuser and accused were 
 being probed. To Allyn Prentice it seemed as if 
 gleams of scarlet emanated from the presence of 
 the woman who duly took her stand, so vividly 
 could he see the painted rubies encircling the white 
 throat of the being who had been created because 
 of her accusation and by the very girl who had 
 worn at the time a talisman of his own. What 
 wonder then at his eloquence, for did not the eyes 
 of the girl, Roma, entreat him? 
 264 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 265 
 
 To Windy, as to Nina Wentworth, his mention- 
 ing of a cousin, a fellow of unprincipled character, 
 whose existence had only at this hour been made 
 known to him, came as a bolt from a clear sky. A 
 pallor most noticeable spread over the features 
 of the beautiful woman as her glance seemed 
 caught and held by the lawyer who was so valiantly 
 defending the one she had accused; while to her 
 came the wonderment of how much he had learned 
 relative to the lad and his attractive sister. 
 
 As for Windy, he dared not think, fearing that 
 disgrace for that Sis might be but the outcome in 
 publicly bringing new facts to light in order to set 
 him free ; but as the Prince had bade him make no 
 outward show, he must and would do his utmost to 
 obey. With every nerve strained to its highest 
 tension, Joe looked at the scene before him, feeling 
 it almost providential that he should have arrived 
 to hear for himself the outcome of the cursed ac- 
 cusation. How he longed to go to that old pal 
 and assure him that the right must in the end pre- 
 vail and that the mountains at least were as true 
 now as when he had left their grandeur ! How he 
 admired the man who stood there fighting with an 
 eloquence even the uneducated mountain lad knew 
 it to be, and for one who had no special claim on 
 him! Ah, was it indeed as Joe thought? Could 
 he have known of the almost adoration for the girl 
 which had seemed to possess Allyn Prentice 
 from the moment he had realized the suspense and 
 sorrow of her who had been to him almost as a 
 
266 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 companion, her presence seemingly imbued with life 
 and cheer as she had daily seemed to share his life 
 would the one who had been denied the right to 
 call her his, have experienced the same regard? 
 Even so, Joe would have been just, for he was in- 
 deed one of God's true gentlemen. 
 
 Now, as he continued to watch, eager to hear 
 all that was spoken, he recognized a slight confu- 
 sion on the platform. The lawyers had ceased 
 to speak and were conferring with a person who 
 had come abruptly on the scene. Several moments 
 passed, no word being spoken, then the Judge 
 called for attention, stating that a very unusual 
 circumstance had occurred which would necessi- 
 tate the dismissal of the accused for a brief period, 
 as he had been sent for at the urgent request of a 
 man who lay at the point of death and which might 
 be the means of clearing up the charge for which 
 he was being tried. He was to be accompanied 
 by the Hon. Allyn Prentice, who would vouch for 
 his reappearance. 
 
 The Judge had barely finished when Windy, to 
 whom Allyn Prentice had been speaking, arose and, 
 accompanying the latter, left the room. Once out- 
 side, they were driven with great speed to the 
 Emergency Hospital where a man had just been 
 conveyed in a most critical condition. He was a 
 stranger in the city, having arrived by an Eastern 
 train, and had been noted as being in a pronounced 
 state of inebriation and had finally attempted 
 stepping off before the train had pulled into the 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 267 
 
 station, thereby receiving a heavy fall which had 
 resulted in a fractured skull. Upon reaching the 
 hospital, which he had accomplished in a conscious 
 state, he had earnestly begged for one Albert An- 
 derson to be brought to him, after having been 
 told that if he had any friends they best be sent 
 for, as he was in a most dangerous condition. 
 
 Losing no time, the Hon. Allyn Prentice and his 
 young charge were conducted into a small room 
 where on a bed lay a stalwart body, none other 
 than Cousin Ben. Windy, who had been told the 
 person's name, was prepared to see one whom he 
 believed to be his kith, but he was wholly unpre- 
 pared for the great, bloated-looking creature whom 
 he could hardly believe to be the same being he had 
 left at the Snuggy when he had sought to visit 
 the world a few short months before. 
 
 It was very apparent that alcoholic drink had 
 been a constant companion of the now doomed man 
 who lay so helpless upon his death-bed. 
 
 At a motion from the one standing at the bed- 
 side Windy approached, to be recognized by the 
 being thereon. 
 
 " I say, hello, Anderson, ain't you surprised to 
 see me ? The fact is it was to see you that I came 
 to this accursed place. If I had kept away I 
 should not now be stretched out like a cur." Here 
 his labored breathing caused him to cease speak- 
 ing. 
 
 " I am very sorry, Ben, to find you like this. 
 How did it happen ? " Windy answered, a great 
 
268 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 wave of pity filling his heart for the other's physi- 
 cal suffering. 
 
 " They did let you leave your place in the dock 
 to come to a dying man, eh? " the labored tones 
 continued. " Well, it was perhaps just as well for 
 your peace of mind that they did, for, Windy, 
 now that it is most probable I shall have to make 
 my peace with the Great Spirit, shall I find one, it 
 may make it a jot easier for me if I unburden my 
 conscience to you." 
 
 At the mention of his disgrace, Windy felt a 
 tinge of color creep into his face, while a won- 
 derment as to how his kin knew so minutely rela- 
 tive to his actions brought a question to his lips, 
 but ere he could frame it Ben had again begun 
 speaking : 
 
 " I guess the old saying is true that ' It's an ill 
 wind that blows nobody good,' for by my being 
 knocked out, it will benefit you mightily." 
 
 " Ben, of what are you speaking? What can 
 you know of my life of late?" rejoined the lad, 
 standing there so quietly, although his heart was 
 beating as though to burst from its bounds. 
 
 " Just this," here the almost loathsome figure 
 tried to raise himself, but with a deep groan aban- 
 doned his project as beyond his power to perform, 
 while a deepened look of despair settled over his 
 face, " that my death-blow has made you a free 
 man; free to again join the ones waiting you at 
 the Snuggy, free to snap your fingers in the faces 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 269 
 
 of those who have been determined to disgrace you 
 I, the keenest of all for it." 
 
 A low, reverent " Thank God ! " burst from the 
 lips of the eagerly listening one, as with great im- 
 petuosity he begged the doomed man to tell him all. 
 
 It was a story of revenge, added to one of deep- 
 est intrigue; but now not only had it exonerated 
 the one listening, who with fervent gratitude 
 thanked his heavenly Father, but proved with abso- 
 lute certainty the honesty of his adored and re- 
 spected father; while the news that Ben was of 
 no blood relation, only an adopted lad to the very 
 one he had sworn his dear father had wronged, was 
 a bit of information dearer to the heart of the lad 
 than his own freedom or a priceless legacy could 
 ever have been. 
 
 Hating work and finding among his adopted 
 father's papers a release from it, if he succeeded in 
 managing it skillfully, Ben had used, after the 
 death of the man who had succored him, a dis- 
 honest power to gain for himself a life of ease and 
 idleness. With labored breathing, the confession 
 was continued, Windy holding several times a glass 
 of cooling water to the lips of the humbled man. 
 
 As the last part of Ben's confession progressed, 
 it was plain to be seen that he was growing rapidly 
 weaker, while into the eyes of the lad watching him 
 a wistfulness pathetic to see was stealing, and at 
 the words, " I say, Anderson, you had better get 
 some one here to vouch for the rest of my story," 
 
270 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 it was with subdued but positive joy that Windy 
 called to the Prince, who had been waiting with 
 keen impatience for the summons. 
 
 Back to the court-room the Hon. Allyn Prentice 
 hastened, a paper in his possession, seeming to him 
 almost as dear as if it had been his own reprieve ; 
 a paper signed by the now almost lifeless hands 
 of a fated man. Ben had stated that slumbering 
 anger caused by the attack Windy had made on 
 him had been the means of his hiring one to spy 
 his every action, he even keeping in touch with his 
 accomplice until the time had come to clinch 
 Windy; the securing of Miss Wentworth's gems 
 being the ultimatum; the very place where the 
 gems were concealed being made known, for they 
 had been brought to him by the one whom he had 
 paid to consummate the deed. 
 
 Much as he wished to have the freed lad accom- 
 pany him back where the glory of it all should en- 
 velop him, Allyn Prentice felt that a pair of gray 
 eyes would have willed it even as did the brother, 
 who had begged to be allowed to remain with the 
 injured man until the end. 
 
 To all, save one, in that court-room waiting the 
 result of such an unprecedented interruption, the 
 news came with great joy joy for the freedom 
 to a youth joy that no crime marred the life of 
 one to whom all should seem fair and true as one 
 beginning life's walk. The tones of the criminal 
 lawyer's voice sounded like a clarion call as he 
 finished, having pronounced the lad Andrews free. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 271 
 
 From the moment when the messenger had ap- 
 peared hastening the prisoner, together with the 
 Hon. Allyn Prentice, from the court-room until 
 the reappearance of one to whom all others seemed 
 inferior, had Nina Wentworth evinced no interest 
 in her surroundings ; but now as the words ringing 
 seemingly to her, as indeed they really did, with 
 marked exultation, a bitterness amounting to al- 
 most physical pain, swept down upon the jealous 
 woman. She still continued to wonder how much 
 he had learned ; and not even when he had crossed 
 over to her to congratulate her that soon again 
 would gleams of scarlet encircle her fair throat, 
 did he in any way intimate further knowledge as 
 to the lad's identity. 
 
 In his great secret joy at the glad message which 
 would soon be speeding its way over the wire to a 
 waiting one, he accepted the beautiful woman's 
 invitation to drive him to his apartment ; but when 
 on arriving he tactfully but deliberately refrained 
 from inviting her to his presence, she realized that 
 as yet her victory had not been won. 
 
 Once inside, he awaited with eager anticipation 
 the return of the lads, as he had sent Joe to his 
 young client, thinking that, when the end which 
 would soon come that bound the wounded man to 
 earth life, the lad who had volunteered so un- 
 selfishly to remain by his side would be repaid by 
 the renewed companionship of his stanch friend. 
 
 What a brave lad his young charge had proven 
 himself to be, and to think of his daily viewing the 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 pictured face of the one he so loved and without 
 sign, guarding her as with his life! Seeking the 
 depths of his accustomed chair, Allyn Prentice let 
 his fancy run riot. It led him to the height of a 
 pine-girted, mountain trail, to a sweet girlish face 
 where joy and love looked forth from clear eyes 
 of gray. Pausing, still pausing, his thoughts re- 
 mained with that distant one, seeming to hear en- 
 dearing words, words she would soon lavish upon 
 the lad he would feign part from, for a deep ten- 
 derness enveloped him from his affection. 
 
 Suddenly a troubled look deepened the expres- 
 sion which had seemed so placid as the man had 
 given his fancy full sway. Now another face and 
 that of the stalwart Joe had seemed to pass before 
 his vision of the girl, claiming by the very ardor 
 of his glance the right to dream of her. Somehow 
 a gloom unnoticed before stole over the waiting 
 man, and with a motion of impatience he rose and 
 crossing to the open window, he leaned far out, 
 inhaling the perfumed air of the coming night. 
 
 At a distant part of the flowered city a youth, 
 with unmistakable signs of grief depicted on his 
 countenance, had just left the presence of death; 
 his hand still seeming to clasp fingers which had 
 ceased to respond to his pressure, for Ben was no 
 more. With his last breath he had thanked the 
 youth for his kindness in remaining, adding, 
 " Windy, old man, it will make it a jot easier for 
 me to grope my way." 
 
 During the last hour of his life Ben had not only 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 273 
 
 related his behavior to Roma, begging her brother 
 convey his sorrow at having caused her grief, but 
 also helped to bring the true nature of big, gen- 
 erous-hearted Joe's love for the girl before him. 
 With thoughts perturbed, Windy entered an ante- 
 room, thinking to collect himself ere making neces- 
 sary arrangements for the burial of the deceased. 
 
 In an instant his hands were bound by warm, 
 outstretched ones, while the endearing eyes of his 
 old friend enveloped him, so wholly did they hold 
 him. 
 
 " It is a little world after all," Windy remarked 
 some time later, when Joe and himself had related 
 their doings one to the other. " To think that 
 Ben, you and I should be under one roof and so 
 far from the Snuggy. Poor old Ben ! I can well 
 afford to forgive him, for has he not now given me 
 a freed life?" 
 
 Leaving Joe reluctantly, Windy hastened to at- 
 tend to all in his power, as a last fitting memorial 
 for one he had long believed to be his kin. 
 
 Again back with Joe, the lad, who was free to 
 act for himself, now longed for the presence of the 
 Prince, and by his title of him expressed as much 
 to his boyhood friend. Of his princely dealings 
 with him Windy glowingly talked, as in the per- 
 fumed gloaming they were conveyed back to his 
 presence. 
 
 Long into the night a subdued light burned in 
 Allyn Prentice's apartment, where three types of 
 manhood were engrossed each with the other, the 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 soft night breeze wafting the perfume equally to 
 all from the fragrant blossoms which stood guard 
 over the pictured being of one whose presence filled 
 all thoughts. A message long hours before had 
 been sent to her, stating, " Windy free will 
 write," signed Joe. 
 
 Of his life and keen suffering since the arriving 
 of Ben at the Snuggy, Windy freely spoke; his 
 great fear having been that his beloved Sis should 
 ever learn of the supposed disgrace of their 
 revered father. 
 
 With quiet tact the man of the world, the keen 
 criminal lawyer, first listened, then with adroitness 
 led the lads to reveal, as it were, their habits, their 
 haunts, their very lives, lived amid the pines; an 
 eagerness in him seeming paramount at the min- 
 gling of the girl Roma's life to theirs ; while to the 
 brother an unusual tender cadence came into his 
 tones as he now and again referred to her incentive 
 to work for him in aiding to free him, which had re- 
 sulted in the producing of a being of Miss Went- 
 worth's world. 
 
 When at last, and long after the crescent of the 
 moon had set in the azure west and the friends had 
 separated for their rest, Allyn Prentice sat alone, 
 there echoed in his heart the words his young 
 client had voiced when looking again at his Sis's 
 creation, 
 
 " Thank God, my Sis does not belong to a world 
 like theirs." 
 
CHAPTER XXXVIII 
 
 Midsummer in the mountains could any words 
 imply more? Back to the sylvan retreat, Windy 
 accompanied by Joe, had been restored. Back to 
 a heart filled with gratitude to her Creator, while 
 now again day by day Roma reveled in minister- 
 ing to the every want of her boys. 
 
 To Windy, the parting from the Prince had 
 been very hard, while if fervency in a handclasp 
 could denote sorrow on the part of the man, who 
 had so generously befriended him, it had assuredly 
 been given to the lad, as had also a promise to 
 join him in the mountains ere the summer had spent 
 itself. 
 
 To Joe had also been given a hearty handclasp, 
 accompanied by the assurance that he had enjoyed 
 meeting him, and that they would renew the ac- 
 quaintance at a further date ; also a letter was 
 entrusted to him to give the artist who had exe- 
 cuted with skill to aid his client. 
 
 Such a homecoming as it had proved to the lads, 
 as well as to the aged artist, whom all felt to be 
 one of them ! The summer days simply began and 
 ended with a charm they could well understand so 
 content were they to live and enjoy, beholding the 
 calm sweet radiance which fell on them from gray 
 275 
 
276 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 eyes, and which so gratified all their desires. Soon 
 the lads were busily engaged in their customary 
 summer pursuits, the ponies, as well as they, seem- 
 ing glad to give pleasure to the world-weary, as 
 they enabled them to commune with nature in its 
 wondrousness. 
 
 Roma, as well, was often in the saddle, coming 
 back to the Snuggy with many trophies of the full- 
 ness of the season, to show the grand old master of 
 nature. Now, it would be straight, hardy stalks 
 of columbine, as delicate in color as the soft down 
 of the canary ; then again, painted cups, attired 
 in a medley of tints from palest pink to deepest 
 crimson. While often as the wind, with gentle 
 caress, swayed the tinted boughs over the carpet 
 of purple heather, scarlet gleams would flash forth 
 as the lithe figure of the happy girl showed through 
 the aperture her beloved colored adornment ac- 
 companying her. 
 
 The details of Ben's death, Windy had told her 
 on his return, as well as the forgiveness he had ex- 
 pressed that she grant him. Very sad it had 
 seemed to the girl to think of one so' seemingly 
 unprincipled to die with such short respite, but he 
 had done much to expiate, and for that she was 
 deeply grateful. Of Ben, they often spoke, but it 
 was the other, the Prince, as her Broth called him, 
 who provided the greater theme for conversation, 
 at least where Windy was concerned. 
 
 Again and again his Sis would creep to his side 
 to ask of this Prince, until she felt that but to 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 77 
 
 follow with her Broth's eyes was to know him. 
 Many times and oft she would find herself lost in 
 deep thought, rousing herself to find it was of this 
 Prince she was thinking, the Prince in whose 
 luxuriant home her Broth had been given a place 
 of refuge, and who had written her, complimenting 
 her highly on her art, also enclosing a good-sized 
 check for its creation. 
 
 Then again it would seem that this Nina with 
 her cruelly beautiful eyes her Broth often spoke 
 of, held her thoughts. At such times an unrest 
 seemed to possess her and she would strive to put 
 her from her, going back with a deeper ardor of 
 appreciation to the man who had so princely be- 
 friended her Broth. 
 
 And now, he was coming coming up the trail, 
 to fulfill his promise to the lad he had so valiantly 
 fought for, in spite of darkest proofs as to his 
 honesty. It was little wonder that the lad, as he 
 finished the contents of the Prince's letter, should 
 blaze forth with a great joy. As for the girl her- 
 self, as she watched the glad light that leaped into 
 her Broth's eyes, there came an overwhelming sen- 
 sation of mingled joy and awe at beholding this 
 Prince. 
 
 Several mornings after the arriving of the letter 
 which had brought the certainty that the Snuggy 
 and its inmates would receive a visit from one whom 
 the world considered a distinguished man, Roma 
 arose with a sense of great joy in her heart. Per- 
 haps it was because her dear Dr. Moulton was 
 
278 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 again an inmate of the same hemisphere as herself, 
 also that she rejoiced at the glad truth which had 
 come from the sorrow her protegee had borne when 
 she had so sorely needed her. She had also added 
 that she should most certainly pay her a visit ere 
 the leaves made a Persian carpet over the mossy 
 verdure. 
 
 Hastily dressing herself in her habitual costume, 
 Roma was soon busily engaged in preparing break- 
 fast for her cronies, as she sometimes laughingly 
 called them. Every glimpse she caught of the 
 world of nature outside seemed to beckon allur- 
 ingly to her, while in her heart she made answer by 
 declaring she would soon be out in the open to 
 breathe, to behold, to enjoy. 
 
 Their distinguished guest was not expected for 
 several days, so that the young housekeeper felt 
 she might be allowed a bit of respite. Thinking 
 to enjoy the freedom of the woods, also to benefit 
 by nature in her loveliest, the happy girl armed her- 
 self with sketch book and crayons and turned her 
 back for a bit upon the restfulness of the Snuggy. 
 
 As she wandered aimlessly along, the distant 
 rush of the wild, glacier-fed cataracts reached her 
 ear like a symphonic poem, while the pungent 
 breath from the spruce and balsam entered her 
 being like nectar that had no equal. For a time 
 she roamed about so filled with the beauty of 
 nature as not to wish to take her gaze from such 
 wealth of it as she was beholding. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 279 
 
 Suddenly she conceived a fancy to visit the lake 
 whose waters sought and held all nature's loveliest 
 tints. As a child she had wondered at the extreme 
 beauty of its iridescent, gold-tipped surface. Now 
 it seemed to her as a place set apart by God at 
 which to worship Him in the beauty of holiness. 
 To-day her heart seemed filled to overflowing. 
 Her Broth was free, her dear professor and Joe 
 seemed happy, her adored benefactress had prom- 
 ised to come to her, and now in a few days she 
 should meet face to face the one who had indeed 
 acted princely to her beloved Broth. Yes, she 
 would go down the trail to nature's shrine, and 
 there lift her gratitude to the Giver of all. 
 
 Secreting her folio and artist materials in the 
 hollow of an old tree, Roma, with a purpose before 
 her, began her descent. Many thoughts crowded 
 themselves into her aroused consciousness as she 
 plied with nimbleness the mountain trail. Once as 
 the white fleecy clouds, which seemed to float so 
 lazily to and fro, like huge birds, parted, showing 
 the soft almost turquoise blue of the sky, the 
 thought of the gemlike eyes of the woman who 
 lived in the flower-scented land came before her. 
 Of one thing she was grateful; grateful to Ben, 
 not only for liberating her Broth, but for restor- 
 ing the flashing jewels to the woman whose beauty 
 they enhanced. Here, almost involuntarily, her 
 hand wandered to the slender chain from which 
 hung her own scarlet gleams, while a soft smile 
 
280 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 circled her mobile mouth as she realized her love 
 for it. 
 
 On she hastened, stooping now for a distant 
 view through some aperture, now to gather some 
 spray of mountain flowers, her own face the em- 
 bodiment of flower-like grace. The last turn had 
 come into view, which, when reached, then passed, 
 would bring into vision the placid lake beneath the 
 sheltering wing of the sun-kissed glacier. Sing- 
 ing aloud from very joy, Roma hurried along, to 
 find at the turn her eyes held by a wanderer, a 
 stranger. 
 
 A long look came to her from the eyes of this 
 stranger, a look which seemed to envelop her in 
 its possession, while with utmost courtesy a head 
 was bared, as to her ears was borne the word 
 " Roma." For a second she stood mute before 
 him, then upon the fragrant air resounded, " The 
 Prince," the while she found her hand encased in 
 one of the wanderer's, who stood before her. 
 
 As the realization of the term she had applied 
 to the now smiling personage came over her, a 
 wave of color suffused her face, though adroitly 
 her companion had feigned not to notice it. To 
 the man, allowing his eyes to feast upon the girlish 
 loveliness, it seemed as if a spirit, a being almost 
 of another realm, stood before him. Her costume 
 was much the same as had enveloped her in his 
 pictured possession of her ; her features, her eyes, 
 all were the same ; but here was the living, breath- 
 ing, soulful Roma a being one among many. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 281 
 
 Many questions and answers followed the unex- 
 pected meeting; the Hon. Allyn Prentice telling 
 the girl that he had been able to leave a few days 
 sooner than he had thought. She explaining that 
 a call had seemed to come to her, urging her down 
 the trail, to here her companion almost rever- 
 ently exclaimed, " To guide me." 
 
 " Yes, to guide you, if you wish it ; for, Mr. 
 Prentice, I feel that I can never repay you for your 
 great goodness to my Broth." Here another 
 tinge of color crept to her soft cheeks, as she added, 
 " And for your princely aid." 
 
 Learning that the girl had really started to view 
 the opal-like lake, he asked that she continue her 
 trip, only allowing him to accompany her. To 
 which she consented with pleased impetuosity, 
 while to her repeated anxiety as to his ability at 
 mountain climbing, he assured her that nothing 
 he could do would bring him keener enjoyment, for 
 that had always been one of his favorite pastimes. 
 
 The visit to the shrine was to Roma, in spite 
 of the companionship of her newly found acquaint- 
 ance, one of almost reverence, for she had not 
 visited it before since her Broth had been pro- 
 nounced free free to enjoy all the world holds 
 most dear to the young. Now, as never before, she 
 seemed to feel the great charitableness which the 
 man by her side had bestowed on her beloved, while 
 a feeling almost of adoration seemed to leap from 
 her heart to him, as well as to the Creator of them 
 both. 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 A very silent Roma followed for a little time, 
 but soon the very buoyancy of her happiness made 
 her like a gladsome lark, almost singing in her 
 ecstasy. The climb up the home pass was one of 
 enjoyment to both, many an anecdote being told 
 by the keen, criminal lawyer with the abandonment 
 of youth, while the merry laugh from the lips of 
 the guide, as Roma insisted on being, floated back 
 down the mountain trail and was lost in the 
 shadows of the lengthening day. 
 
 Great was the surprise of Windy and Joe when, 
 returning at the close of day, they found the 
 Prince already a member of the Snuggy, the pro- 
 fessor and Roma each seeming to vie with each 
 other for his comfort and companionship, while, 
 as Windy expressed it later, the Prince seemed to 
 be enjoying himself in a most approved fashion. 
 
CHAPTER XXXIX 
 
 As the halcyon summer days swiftly passed, the 
 distinguished guest at the Snuggy often thought 
 of the words the sister of his boyhood chum had 
 spoken words telling of such loyal, true love as 
 the inmates of a mountainous home had one for 
 the other. He did not need to seek this peaceful 
 home to realize the truth of her words, for from 
 the advent of big, pioneer-like Joe a revelation had 
 been borne to him that included the lad as well as 
 the brother, in the love which surrounded the girl. 
 Just what Joe's words to the pictured Roma, im- 
 plied to the living Roma, the Hon. Allyn Prentice 
 felt he did not know. He only knew it had seemed 
 to bring a sense of separation to him from his girl 
 mascot, a separation which merely in thought 
 brought a sensation of deep loss. 
 
 As the days had followed one another after his 
 parting with the lads, who had left for their home 
 in the pines, a feeling of unrest, of uneasiness, 
 seemed often to possess him. At such times he 
 would end by looking long into the truthful, frank 
 eyes of the pictured Roma, wishing thereby to 
 solve all; but the silent face gave him back no 
 answer as to the right of words of endearment. 
 
 As days passed into weeks, his unrest seemed to 
 283 
 
284* GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 deepen rather than to disappear, nor could even 
 the subtle, charming grace of the fair Nina wholly 
 dispel it. Once again he had been bidden to her 
 home to a fete of social distinction. Once again, 
 as in duty bound, had he sent his floral token to 
 the beautiful woman; his congratulations relative 
 to the restoring of the gems which flashed their 
 gleams of scarlet, bringing far more the flush to 
 her cheeks and the deepened light to her eyes than 
 his graciously worded compliment of the beauty of 
 the throat whereon rested the brilliant jewels. 
 
 With adroitness she sought to gain information 
 of the girl, excluding the mentioning of her name 
 in the inquiry of the freed lad and his life since 
 the return to his home. With as subtle adroitness 
 Allyn Prentice also evaded all mention of the girl, 
 whose presence seemed to bear to him a silent call. 
 In fact, he had promised himself a journey; a 
 journey to the mountain home where he should 
 meet and know this girl of the Snuggy. 
 
 The day following the evening of the social 
 gathering at Nina Wentworth's artistic home was 
 the day he had set apart to fulfill what to him was 
 now a keenly desired wish, but no word of it did 
 he as much as breathe, even when bidding his host- 
 ess a pleasant good night. 
 
 After the first look into the eyes of the living, 
 breathing Roma, Allyn Prentice realized that the 
 silent, urging call which had seemed to consume 
 him by its very entirety had been the call of love, 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 285 
 
 love for the youth, beauty and goodness of the real 
 girl Roma. But of Joe the loyal pal of Roma's 
 brother what of him? Of that he should see. 
 If any one should have told the Hon. Allyn Pren- 
 tice, as he followed with steps, as well as eyes, the 
 lithe figure of his guide up the mountains, that a 
 feeling of cowardice predominated his conscious- 
 ness, he would have disbelieved it; nevertheless, as 
 the Snuggy came into view he found himself watch- 
 ing, with an alertness he had not shown, until near 
 where his expectant meeting with the lads should 
 show him Joe and the girl Roma. 
 
 No criminal on the stand, no accused one it was 
 his duty to free, did he watch with keener subtle- 
 ness than the glances which passed between the 
 girl he now knew he loved and the stalwart lad of 
 the woods. With what gratitude did he recognize 
 that the heart of her who unconsciously wore his 
 talisman and honored his gift was free free for 
 him to win if by his love for her he could receive 
 hers. That Joe, indeed, loved her hopelessly, he 
 also discerned; had it been otherwise, he should 
 not have extended his visit from day to day until 
 now more than two weeks had passed since he had 
 become an inmate of the pine-girted Snuggy. 
 
 Of his love for Roma he had not as yet spoken ; 
 each day, feelings akin to those he had experienced 
 before he had assured himself that Joe's love was 
 not returned by the sweet mountain girl now caus- 
 ing him to defer his own verdict from day to day. 
 He felt that she enjoyed his society, and now and 
 
286 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 again as their eyes met he fancied a soft, tender 
 light for a moment rose in their depths, only soon 
 to become hidden from his view. That he longed 
 to bring its radiance to beam for himself alone, he 
 realized more and more, as he spent the golden 
 hours with her. 
 
 How true, how pure and modest she was, and 
 yet, with all her gentleness, how brave and loyal 
 was the heart for those she loved ! To see her with 
 her aged artist friend, as well as with her boys, 
 Broth and Joe, was to see a wealth of love dis- 
 played unsparingly. 
 
 Her pleasure in the saddle and her fine mount 
 found appreciation from her guest, and together 
 they had enjoyed many a climb through the pine- 
 girted avenues to the feet of the sun-kissed glaciers. 
 
 They had now just returned from one of those 
 jaunts and were seated upon the low veranda, their 
 horses grazing before the Snuggy door. Soon 
 they were joined by the aged artist, who had been 
 declaring for some days his intended departure. 
 Now as they sat watching the great crimson glow 
 sink lower and lower between the vistas, a quietness 
 seemed to permeate their separate beings. At last 
 the silence was broken by Roma, a little sigh sound- 
 ing audibly upon the scented air. 
 
 " It will be lonely when my friends have de- 
 parted ; how I wish " and here a tinge of car- 
 mine came unbidden, to vie with her ever-present, 
 scarlet adornment. 
 
 " Wish what, my little artist ? " exclaimed her 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 287 
 
 aged teacher, for he had also been studying the 
 girl since the appearing of the Prince and was now 
 wondering on what her wish would depend. 
 
 " Just that all one's friends might not have to 
 be separated one going to a land of flowers, 
 another to an Eastern port, and some to remain in 
 a clime where the winter yearns to hasten and is 
 loath to leave," returned the girl, a sadness for 
 the moment seeming to hide the real Roma from 
 their view. An instant later she seemed about to 
 add more, when, hurriedly rising, she entered the 
 Snuggy and soon the two she had left heard her 
 light step as she hastened to prepare the evening 
 meal for them all. 
 
 To Allyn Prentice, as he still lingered in the 
 fragrant air, came a wish which echoed Roma's 
 a wish that he might never have to become sepa- 
 rated from the noble girl ; and he determined that 
 ere another night should be ushered over the moun- 
 tain-crowned land, he should know if such a realiza- 
 tion could indeed be his. 
 
 When parting from his young client and Joe, he 
 had asked them that they speak no word of hi 
 mascot's picture occupying a place in his home. 
 " Not but that I wish her to know," he had added, 
 " but there is a little story associated with it which 
 I would like her to hear ; so, if you do not mind, I 
 will tell it to her when I pay your Snuggy a visit." 
 
 The time for the picture and the story had come. 
 To-morrow he would ask the girl he loved to go to 
 the iridescent lake, to the spot of nature she called 
 
288 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 God's shrine, and there he would ask her to bless 
 his life with the priceless gift of her pure love. 
 
 The down trail had been accomplished with little 
 incident, both Roma and her companion seeming 
 now and again lost in revery ; then again filled with 
 almost unnatural gayety as they called back and 
 forth to each other, while their ponies skillfully 
 piloted on. Summer's nature was wooing all to 
 itself, the sky, the verdure, the living creatures of 
 the woods all were being blest by its loved touch. 
 
 At the Prince's wish, for such she ever thought 
 of him, Roma had willingly acquiesced that they 
 should again visit the fascinating, jeweled haunt. 
 To her, a charm, which this place of nature 
 breathed, was ever poignant. To-day, to visit it 
 again, and in the companionship of one who in so 
 brief an acquaintance had seemingly enhanced the 
 beauty of all for her, was keenest joy to the moun- 
 tain girl. 
 
 The aged professor had bade them linger, nor 
 to give thought of him, as Roma had with solicita- 
 tion spoken of his welfare. Perhaps he divined, as 
 when with loyal Joe, so now with the Prince for 
 so even he often found himself mentally terming 
 their guest that the time had arrived for him 
 to know his fate. 
 
 With what marvelous glory did the tinted, 
 gleaming bosom of the lake welcome the comers, as 
 they sought its seclusion, to enjoy its beauty! 
 The ponies even seemed to feel that an unusual 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 289 
 
 radiance was about them, as they whinnied one 
 to the other, resting under verdant shelter. 
 
 " Roma, what would you say if I should tell you 
 that you had been in my thoughts every day, yes, 
 I believe, every hour for weeks, before I ever saw 
 the real Roma? " Here the Hon. Allyn Prentice's 
 eyes rested with marked admiration upon the face 
 of the girl seated beside him. 
 
 They had been watching the sun-kissed ripples, 
 listening to the calls of nature, conversing on many 
 themes previous to the abrupt question. 
 
 Now, at his words, a look of almost grieved con- 
 cern seemed to pass over her mobile features as 
 she quietly answered, 
 
 " Yes, Broth's case must have been a trying one, 
 especially as you knew we were all in all to each 
 other; and your concern included me, for which I 
 am deeply grateful." 
 
 " No, Roma, I do not refer in any way to the 
 case, as you style it ; for not until the day your 
 brother was freed by the truth of Ben's statement, 
 did I even know his rightful name." 
 
 A startled look had now crept into the gray eyes 
 of his companion, as she essayed to speak, but the 
 voice of the man at her side continued, 
 
 " Yes, Roma, you have been an inmate of my 
 California home now for a long time; your being 
 has been there to bid me welcome. At first, only 
 as an attractive, girlish, pictured being, but at the 
 last seeming a living, loving, regal woman." 
 
90 GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 With thoughtful tenderness he then told her all ; 
 of the photograph coming to him as it did, of his 
 life, his work, of the loyalty of her brother re- 
 garding her picture; of all, even to his friendship 
 with the beautiful woman of the world, the fair 
 Nina. During the entire period in which Allyn 
 Prentice had spoken the truth concerning his life 
 and the interest he had felt for the girl he had 
 called his mascot, she had gazed at him, seemingly 
 lost in his vivid relating. At times, a look of per- 
 plexity deepened her brow. 
 
 Now, like a messenger, came the certainty who 
 had sent her here her hand reached and lovingly 
 caressed the gleaming cross which rested at her 
 soft full throat, a tinge of vivid scarlet creeping 
 into her face, meanwhile; but before she could 
 speak, a hand was placed over hers that pressed 
 the bauble and her name was again spoken, oh, so 
 tenderly. 
 
 At some little time later, when Roma had really 
 been brought to realize that the Prince loved her 
 and wished as she had, only one little day before, 
 that there should never be any separation for 
 friends for them she then realized that much 
 as she loved her aged friend, it had really been 
 the thought of parting from him whose warm clasp 
 now held her to him as she put her thoughts in 
 words. Again and again the eager man asked her 
 of the finding of the talisman both had worn and 
 loved, seeming to see the little illumined face in 
 the radiantly happy one of the girl by his side, as 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 291 
 
 she related her joy at possessing it, and who now 
 had promised to always wear his initials, those of 
 A.E.P. 
 
 Happiness crowned them both as they lingered 
 by the placid lake; wonderment of it all resting 
 like a halo over the gentle girl, who felt that a gift 
 from above had been given her in the love of this 
 prince of men. In her joy, she grieved that big 
 faithful Joe should have had cause to suffer and 
 by her, and with tender sympathy she spoke of him 
 to her beloved, only to be assured that he had 
 studied them both ere he had dared to hope ; pity- 
 ing Joe, but thanking God that she had been heart 
 free. 
 
 The ponies had long been restless, while the 
 crimson gleams of the fire ball had sunk lower and 
 lower from the pine-girted Snuggy, until now it 
 reached the crimson waters of the lake, bidding a 
 man and maiden take up life's duties again, to go 
 forth blessed by their love; glad, whether for joy 
 or sorrow, to be of comfort each to the other. 
 
 Now to a land of flowers, to a home made lovely 
 for her, its richest gift being the one of a hus- 
 band's love, Roma had been borne ; the best wishes 
 of many friends following the two who only needed 
 those heartfelt expressions to complete their per- 
 fect happiness ; both Roma and her husband assur- 
 ing all their dear ones that open house would al- 
 ways be for them, whenever they would deign to 
 occupy it. 
 
 Their lives had been united at the Snuggy, the 
 
GLEAMS OF SCARLET 
 
 impatient man asking that his wife-to-be should 
 speed the furlough, when with reluctance he bade 
 her good-by, to return to his duties at court. 
 
 With loving consideration she had complied, and 
 when the golden summer days at the mountains 
 began to show traces that their glory would soon 
 be spent, Roma, surrounded by those she loved, 
 gave herself not to the Prince, as she lovingly told 
 her dear Broth, but to " My Prince." 
 
TV.