Dodge City times., 1888-04-12
she said, II would not know how to en-

she said, II would not know how to en-.
dure it,
''Do you think these woods are full
of wolves and robbe.s." laughed Gurley.
"As long ago as my jacket days they hadn't
even wildcat to make them interesting.
Painter is the only monster that is sup
posed to haunt them now. Have you any
wrap on! Aren't you cold.''
''Just q little cold, but hadn't noticed it
myself. l did not stop for a shawl. And
what.will they think when they md you are
gone without any overcoatr'
They'll think I'm chasing Bess toward
her stable," replied Gurley. in amusement.
''It was fortunate l snatched uD nv hat
Here: you must let me wrap this around
your shoulders" He halted Bess.
''What is itl" inquired Phoebe, but the
gleam of his shirt-sleeves was token enough.
Indeed, l won't take your coat, Mr.. Cur
ley. Indeed, will not. If you don't put it
on again I'll go back in the dark by myself
1t is not a cold night don't shiver because
am chilly"
''As you please" said Gurley, throwing it
across his arm and moving on. 1T does
smell of cigars. l feel like grand wood
chopper stalking along this way"
1T wasn't cigars. You know it wasn't
cigars. want you to put it ON, please"
Here said Gurley, ''is a conflict Of
wills. The fine-tempered but firm inelastic
woman's will, and the big brutal mans will.
If he gives way he creates dangerous pre-
cedent, and in this case makes himself con-
temptible.'
1T isn't any conflict" said Phoebe. ''rm
only begging you to do as want you to-"
''That's the artful way IN which the wom-
ans will operates, laughed Gurley. But
7 n1l~o : r. ii
BUSINESS, 'even in this case, because your
slightest wish is going to have lifelong
power over me-
NO" gasped Phoebe. feeling her heart
close It's muscles as with grip.
''Yes. My place is at your bride REIN"
He turned his face up toward her. his eyes
smiling through the dark, and threw the
coat around his shoulders, buttoning it un-
der his chin. Il don't want to be too warm
while you are not wrapped at all, though"
''And that's mans obedience" said
Phoebe. in strange voice, which she could
not make playful.
Yes; his loyal obedience"
They moved forward in silence, save the
sound made by walking. Phoebe felt the
blood beat in every part of her body. The
sheltering woods seemed warmer, having a
spice of odorous barbs and the breath Of the
first spring flower in the air.
Il never have been ON this path BEFORE"
SAID Gurley. "Have you!"
mo, never" breathed Phoebe. ooh
what am L saying! l have been through
these woods Often.''
''Td like it, he continued, '.if we were
going straight on to Heaven knows where.
Some happy valley, may be. So far as my
interest in the matter is concerned the rest
of creation may go by the board. This is
an unusual ride, isn't it! How keen the
starlight Is. Two going down to Egypt to
escape HerOd."
II feel quite safe from Herod," said
Phoebe, rubbing an agitated palm on Bess'
neck, with you. But there ISN'T any happy
valley or pleasant end TO this ride. It's very
unhappy valley. And your place is not at
my bride REIN
THE existing fact disperses that state
ment.''
But mean any more.'
''Now is always the beginning of here
after,'' said Gurley. 81 am here now. Let
a stronger man put le out of my place if he
can"
Listen! ~ said Phoebe, sitting alert. "And
don't you see somebody coming yonderP
AS they crunched on, feet approaching
them crunched also, and two figures wav-
cred, now together and now apart, as they
picked tirmer footing about the roots Of
wayside trees.
Gurley drew deep breath of regret as
he looked up at Phoebe, and she said:
''It's Mr.. and Mrs. Barker. I know his
voice.
''W hom have we here?" demanded the
master, as the parties encountered each
other.
''Oh Mr.. Barker, was coming to your
house And you are going away
''Yes, but you save us a walk, Miss
Phoebe We were setting out to see you Is
this young Gurley! Good evening, sir, good
evening"
Good evening"" responded Gurley, car
rying his white sleeved hand to his hat in
saluting the masters wife. 'It's f1attering
to have a convoy sent out for US. Miss
Phoebe has been trembling through the
woods, but she ought to feel safe in the heart
of party like this.''
"Why, you surely didn't expect to be
molested, child!' said Mrs. Barker, with q
pang of anxiety in her tone.
II didn't know" hesitated Phoebe,
"Need you go any further now, Mr..
Gurleya 1 can walk; it's but step. You