The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-08-10
Ehe ueha ualp Eaele ghnrsdau orune, august To- 1888

name was Phil Dawlish.
| remembered now. as saw him b
the fash of the light. that he as wei
as had been near when ''the squire
held up the two great nuggets; and i
struck me-I'm quick at conclusions
that both scoundrels had not intende'
to come up to the house, but were jus
lurking round What for?
Miss Helen-I only knew her by he
| Christian name then-faced then
steadily. though she had called me Il
her, and asked what they wanted
''Why, nothin' in special, miss,
stammered Dawlish, lifting his ragged
straw hat with swell-mob politeness
and a leer which made me Jingle t.
kick him; 'on'y, is the old boss a
home? II mean Your pa, MISS" h
| translated.
"No,' she replied, holding her head
high. to show she was not frightened
but 1, being close to her. could hear hel
heart thudding like a hammer, whilst
the blood famed to her brows under
the foul gaze rowing over her. why
do you ask?"
Just this, mum. Will you be SC
good as tell him that me and my pals
| off to Hulton's ranch for a short spell
and if he'd like to tramp over-why
it's mighty 'andsome part O. the
country, and he'd be welcome, that's
all"
"You must be in hurry to 60
I said. putting IN my oar, ''if you're
trudging twenty mile for'pleasure such
a night as this"
"Oh! we didn't know as, you wos in
charge here" with british laugh;
''but the walk is our lookout; the lady
can deliver civil message, l hope"
81 will give it," interposed Miss
Helen, ''as soon as my father comes in. -
Much obleeged, miss; then theer's
nothin' more to add; SO We'll toddle.
Good night, miss and he fourished
his hat again.
She shut the door upon them, draw
ing stout bar across it. Are those
the men he works with?' she cried,
finging up her hands-"Heaven help
us!"
l tried to turn the subject, stirring
the fire into a blaze, and pretending to
do a lot of things, for didn't care to
leave her. Twas my belief the two
blackguards were still hanging about.
AS for their invitation to 1.-The squire"
it was but lie invented on the mo-
mert
was casting round for another job,
when she stayed me by asking il I
would go to meet her father.
But you
NAY; l do not mind The little
house is secure. Why" with wistful
smile. 81 am always alone from day
break until dark"
I knew it was the fact; so, bidding
her open to none until she heard me or
''tke squire" whistle, I started on my
errand.
Not very far had 1 to go, for I met
him in that same little ravine of which
his daughter had dreamed; it slirted
the pine wood. His pick was over his
shoulder, his right hand in his pocket
feeling the nuggets, perhaps. He was
singing song in some foreign lingo,
Italian or Spanish. He looked more
content than 1 had seen him-more at
rest, nodding to me in his patronizing
fashion. After few stray words, 1 re-
lated what had happened, advising him
to be on his guard.
Thanks, WILL" he replied, haughti-
~ amused at the scamps asking him to
pay visit in their company. but
I've secret to tell you. Ned" he add
ed. 81 have done with Green Valley
creek, and shaken off it's crew. Luck
has favored me beyond my hopes; 1 can
afford to turn my back upon it. / shall
take my daughter-she does not know
it yet-with me to Goulburn to-mor-
row, where we shall remain for short
time, then go on to Melbourne; l have
thoughts Of settling there"
AS he spoke, the little tie of COM
radeship between us shattered; in a
we were sundered as the
poles, so quietly he brushed it away.
eff you like to step round early in
the morning and see US off, you can.
Why, my good fellow, you look quite
down. Well. it is kind to be sorry to
lose me. We shall meet the wagons at
the end of the wood. If those scoun-
arels intend to dog my steps-I agree
with you their trip to Hulton's is only
4 ruse-I should find your company
useful; also, you could help to carry our
few belongings. paid up my rent to
Johnson at the tavern last night; per-
maps you'd kindly give him the shanty
sey?-Why, Straightways," with laugh
ng surprise, has my news struck you
lumb?"
/ felt as if it had, as if 1 were shot
through and through; the earth swayed
lnder my feet. He was condescend-
ngly gratified at my troubled state,
.ak,ng it all to himself; he was just the
nan to do it.
You were always an honest fellow.
Media trusty creature! Be sure that |
7ou come tomorrow; my daughter |
Will like to shake hands with you be- |
ore she leaves" and he went on gayly |
through the rich. thick grass.
No rest was mine that night; evil was
n the air. So, as could not sleep, l |
rot up and went out. Not being a /
ool-I knew ! must keep my misery to /
myself; but my life was empty empty! |
t held vacant place that could never
,e filled-never again, never again, I
fou see, was hard hit. mate. like the /
.onkeys. l stamped and stormed at !
myself for incoming idiot What Miss |
Helen was to me? What could she /
yer have been to me?-a lum bering
'agabond chap. not worthy to kiss the
lust she trod on.
But l must go back and watch the |
louise that covered her for this last
hight, SO / returned to the ravine In it