Dodge City times., 1888-03-29

ruen,- cndmall1eo rne raSter. 1ou can,
60 alone. It's dusk"
But repeating goodnight. Phoebe was
already on the path through the woods wher
Mrs. Barker ran out of the cabin after her
However, the master had scarcely carried
his frothing pals into the house when Mrs
Barker came back, drawing her shawl tc
focus over her nose
"She wouldn't let me 60 a piece with
her," said the masters VIII. Il don't
know what possesses that child tonight
She looked anxious as she hung her wrap
on the deer r-antler
III Just step out and overtake her."
said Mr.. Barker.
Don't
but she oughtn't to go alone through
the woods, ought she!'
she isn't alone, Ogre, dear. A man met
her Just out Of the clearing. That's why
turned back. saw she wantel ne tor
May be it was her brother, or one of the
neighbors' boys"
1T was stranger. l took good look at
hum, and enough worse looking he is than
her poor simple brother | don't like it.
And her getting so excited be ore supper.
as II she saw something out of the window
and all.''
II don't like it either,' said the master,
rubbing his grizzly head
The man took several steps beside Phoebe
before either OF them spoke he drew her
shawl close around her and shl INK OF from
hlm, but she did not look directly at him,
but glanced sidewise, pucherin her face in
/ anguish
| He was grotesque creature. with the
various pieces of his clothing shabby and
unmatched; but the most skill ful Of tailors
could scarcely have nodded him in r,ar-
ments suitable to his face. Il vas eInacialed
and Wlthered, though ngi5her by disease
nor age. One corner of his myutn twisted
downward as If in a continued ieer, and
nervous spaSms came and wen over every
atom OF countenance which could be moved
anu distorted. Whenever he became ex-
clted IN talk, this singula.. il4i nICy playel
faster and faster like evil ligaU in , over. his
face
"Wella" said Phoebe in a high, agitated
tone.
"Al right" said her compcnion. lyon
saw me beckOn to you through the window
"You know saw yoa"
You were a long time getting cut. If
you hadn't come pco.ly soon I'd bo..ed in
and asked for you
Il knew you would. What do you want
now!
''What do I want now.'' mimcl1ed the
twisted mouth. ''When you amt seen me
for two years. Where's TlocnQy!n
Hes near me, OF curse. =" re9iieI the
shaking girl. ''Why ea.t you let US aIone.,'
what should l w:ns to let you alone
for. Amt got my rghts.'
"Your rights" said Phoebe fiercelv 80.
you wicked millstone; you want to drag us
under forever. You know when | was
sorry for you and tried to hep You. But
you can I impose on me any Ilore. And I'll
defend Thorney againsc you''
'Oh. you willr
Phoebe began to sob aloud, swallowing
plteously, and using her hands against
ner tnroat 10 press back the explosive
sounds.
'You look like defending any thingr,
!auSneo the man. Don't do that. now.
You never made any thing believing at
ue' Dlon you know I'd drop around some |
days"
"Oh,y Iknewit-you always do-there,s
no help-and no escape!'
"Well, then, shut UP your doleful racket
amt going to hurt youn
mo; Pm past being struck with vour
hst now but never past being robbed and
shamed"
The man broke off a bit of bark and chewed
it, as he kept pace with her.
"How much money have youan he in
CURED
"Youu dog Thorney and me lust the
same II give it to you. I've bought YOU off
for the last time"
ou IL give me what money you have.
| m clear down. Ii you don't I'll make a
stake the way you despise, and I'll take
rhorney"
Phoebe faced about, and they stood still.
with the path between them
''Ihere's hundred ether things can do.n
added the man, grinning. You know YOU
Ion t want to own me around here'
mot drop OF my blood owns a drop of
7ours," burst out Phoebe. Il have lived a
'lameless life. You do your worst Iwon't
ave you my earnings. and you viii leave my
brother Thorney alone, too''
She walked rapidly ahead into the duskv
woods. He was at no pains to overtake her
'ut let the space wilen between them.
trusting his hands into his pockets and
crook-nCEthed whistle on his |
hin.
Phoebe, feeling frozen in her last mood.
nd carrying her defiant head erect, en-
cred the familiar sittingroom where Mrs.
dolmes was rocking the baby to sleep. She
ntered as one who heard the cry of wolves =
ehlnd her, and knew the wolves might vet
urst In and claim her. Notwithstanding an
ble-bodled man like Gurley was at hand to
efend her.
frs. Holmes.
had 6Ctn -,
les going to sleep. It hurt her to remem-
er how lately she had rocked him herself,
ceiling almost as safe and happy as if well
hrough with the world.
She turned and r2i Ir. Gurley with a
ignity he could not add to her sincere and
redulous image, and while she spoke she
how soon her pursuor would enter
hat room.
Mrs. Holmes silently thought her too
carlet in cheeks. too dazzling in her ewes
together too powerful and pretty.
II was just about to trace you," said
|urley. Miss Fawcett has changed her
rogramme Instead II having US later in the
'eek she wants US this evening. and as the
tile party's so informal hope you'll be will
lg to substitute my escort for the other
which was made for YOU"
II should like to go to Miss Fawcett's,"
Aid Phoebe, choosing for herself like a
rincess. She thought she heard new step
the kitchen
my horse and phaeton are ready" said
urley. II came early to make up for the
ok Of notice by giving you plenty of time
} get ready in.''
'Oh, am always ready for any thing.
light wash my hands and beg Mrs.
dimes for bit of geranium. / have Just
le Dress" explained Phoebe "And that
axes it so easy to be ready,