Arizona republican., 1901-02-18

foundedly stupid in their treatment. What a dismal, unwh1lesome, hum- drum existence it would be without 'em. A good deal like blowing up all the lovely lawns and gardens and turning the whole world into one big cabbage field"
 She was staring at him in open mouthed bewilderment. That man couldn't be her Jack. Impossible! And yet it was he. No two men could be SO nearly alike. But what had come over him? She sat rigdly upright. She was palncd beyond expression. It was as though her idol had been dashed from it's high pedestal and lay broken in thousand fragments at her feet.
 Jim's life had been full of girls. He craved their society and enjoyed firt- ing with them. He chose a girl for companion any time in preference to man. He was at his best in company with bright girl; with a man interest languished. He thirsted for the deli cious little thrills and electrlfying shocks caused by the touch of pretty woman. He reveled in the dangerous delights of shy glances private seanc- es, stolen kisses. and the wild abandon of making love. He was an adept att eye-telegraphy, and could condense sonnet to glance, or an epic to look
 But the girls of Jim's experience had been all of one class. They were pret- ty. of course; he could scarcely tolerate homely one. They must be adora- ble: If they were not so naturally he could easily idealiZe them--provided, of course, they were pretty enough. They had fund of small talk, flexible nor allty, talking eyes, and lips that beg ged.
 'Why do you talk so irreverent:y? IL Is not at all like your old self and 1t pains me" Then, as though sorry for even a shadow cf anger toward him: 'I am very happy to have you with us again. But you look pale; let me get you a drink
 She went to a little bubbling spring and brought him a gourd full of cool water
 Thank you, my dear" he said and then, as he handed back the gourd: Pretty thin for man who has spent months in the city"
 It was an idiotic expression, without the slightest flavor of wit, but 1t had passed current on more than one or- casion and been smilngly greeted by beautiful women.
 70. Jack! don't talk so filppantly." There was low tone of distress in her voice. What has changed you SO? You look just the same, but you never talked in such silly fashion before you went away l hope the city hasn't spoiled you"
 Couldn't very well spoil q bad egg 70 ret9rted Jim, nsanely.
 She was silent except for the sigh that escaped her lips.
 Why do you take matters so seri- ously?" he asked petulantly. I'm not a saint, nor never pretended to be. never did believe in monopolies and have no desire to corner all the good ness in the market even if could do it without competing with you"
 We can't control goodness. but we can speech"
 That is as much as telling me to keep my mouth shut. Thank you
 II did not say that"
 But you meant it.
 Excuse me, but You must know did not"
 Whether you did or mt, don t seem to be able to say anything that pllases you. Perhaps ycu wish I had i stayed in the city"
 She was penitent in a moment.
 Forgive me. Jack. I am to blame. of course. Now tell me all the news in your own way"
 But Jim's flash of anger had some what cleared the web of passion from his vision and he caught d glimpse of his rascality. The hldeous caricature mortified him. Was that false. unholy thing that permitted his dearest friend to lanSuish in unearned cell, Jim Har- per? He loathed himself He flung the 1 plausible excuses of Satan vciously away from him. He would tcll the truth regardless of her indignation and scorn.
 He felt in his pocket and held up the slittering diamond.
 Here is a ling your Jack bought you He told mo to tell''
 70. how beautiful, You dear old Jack. you did think of me, didn't you? What lovely gem. l will wear it as long as you are true, which Is for eter- nifty"
 She slipped the ring on her finger and her arms about his neck. She nestled close and blushingly touched his cheek with her sweet lips. Jim's resolution vanished and he re- mombered it no more In the eNouisite intoxicatiOn of hold - 1 ing the lovely girl he forgot all else. He was charmed. bewitched The fu- lure was oblitcrated; the present was all of time.
 l And so they sat and chatted fin loving oblivion. and wEcn he gave utterance | to things that startled and distressed, she skillfully changed the subject or kept silent until his mood veered.
 CHAPTER XIV. Vahatha reclinod uneaslly the night after Jims visit and rested not at all fer sensitive soul was distressed and sore Doubts. the shadows of myste- rious things, haunted, ghost like, the chambers of her mind. Hints of flu ture calamity darted through her, | leaving prickling sensations to tanta- . lizc. Apprehensive shivers alternated with sinking, exhaustive baths of per | spiration.
 Her father went early to work, and sha. decided to go down to the mine. hoping to draw cons ,lation from his , wisdom.
 Living alone as they had for years l