1920 Cedrus Yearbook

=rm.- 1920 CAE As Lost Sheep Return To The Fold -- Continued He then started out. He was almost carried off his feet by a gust of wind, but he soon became accustomed to it. The snow beat in his face with great force. After going quite a distance he stopped and listened again. He stayed some time there, but at last he heard the cry, and answered it. Only a man who is experienced in such a plight could realize the joy and thanksgiving that thrilled this lost man. Soon by returning calls the two were brought together. Then came another great struggle to find the way back to the hut. Max kept the directions straight and after leading his two nearly frozen companions some distance he saw the light which he had placed in the window before leaving the hut. When they were safely inside, they started to unwrap and Max found to his surprise it was a girl and young man. Max went about getting snow and rubbing their hands and feet without asking any questions, although he felt that this was strange—a girl in this part of the country, and evidently one of high birth. The men then arranged a place for her to sleep in one corner of the hut. They then curled up in front of the fire and went to sleep. The next morning never seemed to come. Darkness reigned over the little hut all that day; no one ventured forth. Even the atmosphere inside the hut was rather gloomy because both the newcomers were very much downhearted. Max, although he wished to know what had brought such a girl and young man to his hut, asked no questions. However, at noon when they sat down to their meal, the girl broke the silence. "Mister, would you mind telling us your name?" "Now, I've learned not to scatter my name like chaf in a wind, but since it's you, I guess I'll tell you. It's Max Jenson," replied Max in his drawling manner. "Well, Mister Jenson—" "Now just hush that mister stuff; my name is Max without the mister or Jenson, only when I get a check." "Well, then Mr. Jen—I mean Max, I expect we owe you an ex- planation." "Well, I don't know, haven't asked for any yet, have I?" "I know, but I'm going to give you one. You see my mother died about two years ago in Denver, Colorado. After that father came north to this trading center, Fox Tail Ridge, and started into the fur business. Now, father was sort of a crooked man and yesterday he capped the climax by skinning Tom Black out of about seventy dollars on a bunch of furs." "Say," broke in Max. "Is your father's name Bradley?" "Yes," replied the girl. "Do you know him?" "I met him once and we had a busines deal and well—say didn't he know—Tom Black?" "I see you know father, but as I was saying he capped the climax yesterday. He and Tom Black got into it and father was killed. The whole town went against him and we were ordered out of town, so here we are." "I didn't know Bradley had any children," said Max. "Well you see, we are not his real children. He took us to raise about ten years ago. I don't know where our real parents are. We are James 55