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There was a rumble of thunder far out on the western prairie A cold

breath stole through the hot stillness, and an arm of vapor reached out

between the irl

kept silence between theuardians of the

black little stream that splashed unseen at their feet Now and then an

echo of far away lightning faintly illuht

Thunder rolled nearer, o their chariots

over the bridge The chill breath passed, leaving the air again to its hot

inertia

"I did not want to go," she said, at last, with tears just below the

surface of her voice "I wanted to stay here, but he--they wouldn't--I

can't"

"Wanted to stay here?" he said, huskily, not turning "Here?"

"Yes"

"In Rouen, you mean?"

"In Plattville"

"In Plattville?" He turned now, astounded

"Yes; wouldn't you have taken me on the 'Herald'?" She rose and came

toward him "I could have supported myself here if you would--and I've

studied hospapers are e We