Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1893-07-14
Of bluff directly in their front. But Ari-

Of bluff directly in their front. But Ari-
zony's face frightened at once.
Its my stepfather," she said. Hes
come to meet me. know"
When Parson Tilney drew near, his
first mild GLANCE at Yates deepened into
SO close a scrutiny as TO surprise both the
others.
Hope you'll know me next time" said
Burl. "Arizony says you're her stepfa-
Their and likewise Il preacher too. That
bcin the case. we've got job for you
right now"
"Burl. Durl!" interrupted the girl.
shocked at his brutal persistency, but SO
lowering was his look that she paused.
This girl and me-" continued Yates,
want to get married. We've been court
in long time, and I've got to leave. SO
we concluded to ask you to do the yokin.
Amt them your sentiments, Arizonyr'
She did not reply. and he grew impa-
tient
why don't you speak up" he growled,
land tell your respected half parent as
we're SO blamed tired Of Twin single that
he must marry us at once:"
There was still another moment Of 81
lence. After III, first long look at Yates
the preacher fixed his eyes upon Arizony.
rs this man." he asked. speaking
your desires as well as his OWN"
She shivered under an inward conflict
that kept her strangely silent.
"Of course am" exclaimed Burl an
grily.
Il ask you, daughter" said the preach
er solemnly, ito reflect. Do you know
who this man really ISL
IL don't understand" she faltered.
"Do you remember what l told you Of
the Yates back in Virginny. and how
your grandfather diedI"
ut cannot be! 1t is too horriblew she
almost shrieked as some inkling Of the
persons meaning darted through her
mind.
II say he is the mani" and the preach
er pointed finger at Burl, who became
furious at once.
"Hark you" he exclaimed. Don't
you NEEDLE any further'n you're asked"
But Parson Tilney. still regarding only
the girl, came step nearer.
"Arizony," said he entreatingly. "bein
as you are my wife's child you are also
mine. She told me to see after you.
How can I let you do this unnatural
thing" Then sternly altering his tone,
Il say there Is blood between you two
that cries out against such union"
BLOOD. blood~ she gasped. "Tell me
alp
Burl interrupted her with an oath. It
seemed to break the spell he exerted over
her, for she turned from him and kept
her eyes upon her stepfsther.
He was only q boy then," said the
parson, again pointing at Yates. But
he shot your grandfather and fed the
country afterward. Years have passed,
yet I recognized him. There's an old re-
ward out for him yet, I reckon"
"Is this true?" cried Arizony. clutch
ing her lovers arm. "Oh, Burll may
be wrong, but-but I'll take your word
6rst."
Tho mans aptitude for duplicity
seemed to desert him, and he hesitated.
Then he swore roundly, furiously. But
as he paused once more her agonized en-
treaty pierced him like the thrust Of
knife.
as this true? Is it true?"
"Yes!" he at last roared, fairly goaded
into the confessional. "But what Of that?
Old man Eskins caused my own uncle to
be killed afore that. It was q family
feud, long and bitter one They put
me up to it. and have been sorry for it
since-I swear have. This was 10 years
back. Our families are friendly now.
What? Are you going to leave me. Ari-
zony?
| Inch by inch she was moving farther
from his side. As he ceased speaking she
bowed her head upon the parsons Shout
der. clasping him nervously. Yates
roughly pulled her back.
mo. no. Burlr' she exclaimed, freeing
herself. "Give me time to think-time
to think. You say 1t has all passed
away. God help me! It can never pass.
don't know what to do. Give me time.
Burl, and-and don't touch me. or
shall de-"
So clearly did she shrink and shudder
at each approach he made that he at
length desisted. In his breast q storm
Of passion was seething, for the sense Of
his impotence was maddening.
Every we'll" said he harshly. you're
q fool. Arizony-but won't force your
inclinations. Think well Of all this and
rememberl I'll stand no nonsense, nuth-
er, from you nor this gray headed mis-
chief breeder here. If he was Q younger
man, I'd have it out with him now and
let you see what q rotten stick you're
tryin to lean on"
Arizony suffered him to take her hand,
yet avoided his eye. After o moment he
dropped it, glared vindictively at the
preacher, then strobe off over the prairie
at pace that soon carried him out Of
sight beyond o neighboring swell.
Then the girl again let her head fall
| upon Parson Tilney's shoulder.
won't you take me back TOTO my
mothers graveT she sobbed. II wish !
was dead and alvin there with her.
| Yes. dol do"