Part 28 (1/2)
But Betty could wait no longer She snatched the letter froaped at her
”Co it down on her shapely little head ”Don't stand there like wooden Indians We've got to take this news to Paul Loup”
Bent on their joyful irls approached the lonely little cabin in the woods swiftly As they caly sweet melody that had so moved them the first time they had heard it
Yet now that they understood the pain that pro of that exquisite harmony, it seemed too bitterly sad to be beautiful, and their hearts ached dully in sympathy with Paul Loup's despair
Tears were in Betty's eyes, but there was a smile on her lips, as she pushed open the door of the little shack and stood waiting on the threshold
Theazed at hereyes seeave Betty courage
”Look!” she cried, holding out the paper to hier Read it--and see that you are innocent”
Slowly the man laid down his violin and bow, slowly he took the paper froers Like a ain
”I did not kill him--my brother,” he murmured aloud ”My brother--that I love--I did not kill him He is alive--he is well _Mon Dieu_, then I a He is again the artist--free--_free_----” His voice, which had been gradually rising as the truth bore in upon him, rose to a jubilant shout and he threw out his arh to encompass them all in his newly found love of life ”The world----” he said brokenly, ”the world is very beautiful!”
Silently the girls rode through the sunshi+ne and shadow-filled forest, their hearts filled with a happiness so poignant it seemed almost pain
”What a wonderful, wonderful summer!” breathed Mollie ”I don't believe we have ever had one like it, girls”
”I e didn't have to go hohed A hand on the little ani neck
”What about ing for Nabob He's one of the best chums I ever had”
But the Little Captain did not hear the those words of Paul Loup: ”The world is very beautiful”
”Girls,” she murmured dreamily, ”everybody is so happy--and I'm so happy--oh, please, don't wake me up--anybody!”
And so, at the end of a wonderful outing, with life stretching gloriously before them, ill once more sadly, reluctantly, wave farewell to the Outdoor Girls
THE END
THE OUTDOOR GIRLS SERIES