West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1901-11-14
tcenfinaedJ Prem last wcck.)


had chased The events of the past
few hours-his mission. Ms intentions
and every incident of the pursuit FASH
ed back upon him. Where was he?
What was hc doing here? Had Trixit
escaped him?
In his exhausted state lie was unable
TO formulate Il question, which even
then he doubted IL the Chlnaman could
understand. SO he simply watched him
lazily and with certain kind of fas-
cinatlon until he should finish his writ
Ing and turn round. His long pigtail,
which seemed ridiculously dispropor-
Tomato TO his size-the pigtail which
he remembered had streamed into the
air In his illght-had partly escaped
from the dish covered hat under which
II bad been coiled. But. what was sin
gular, 1t was not the wiry, black plgtail
OF his Monaghan fellows, but soft and
silky. and as the freight played upon
Ii II seemed OF shining chestnut
brown! 1t was like-llke-- lie stopped.
Was he dreaming again? a long sigh
escaped him.
The figure instantly turned. lie start
cd. 1t was Cissy Trixitl There was no
mistaking that charming sensitive
face glowing with health and excite
ment, albeit showing here and there the
mark of the pigment with which IL had
)een stained, now hurriedly washed off.
y little bit OF II had run into the cor
ners OF her cyelids and enhanced the
brlliancy OF her eyes.
He found biq fnno-ua win, IN 49,.
What are you doing hereT he said
with n faint voice and fainter at
tempt to smile.
That's what might ask about YOU"
she said pertly. but with n slight touch
of scorn. "But guess / know. ms well
as | do about the others. l came here
to see my father" she added defiantly.
And YOU are the-the-one-I chas-
edE' he said desperately.
Yes, and I'd have outrun YOU easily.
even with your horse TO help YOU" she
said proudly, only turned back when
you went down into that prospector's
hole with your horse and his broken
neck atop of you"
lie groaned slightly, but more from
shame than pain The young girl took
up glass of whisky ready on the table
ana brought ii to him. Take that IL
VIII fetch you all right In moment.
roper says no bones are broken"
Masterton waived the proffered glass.
Your father! Is he here?' he said
hurriedly, recalling his mission.
Not now. He's gone to the station
to-fetch my clothes" she said, with n
little laugh
ITO the station?" repeated Master
ton, bewlldered.
Yes" she replied, ito the station.
or course you don't know the news"
she added, with an air Of glrlish i'm
portance. They've stopped all pro-
ccedings against him, and he's as free
as you are"
Masterton tried to rise, but another
groan escaped him. He was really in
pain. Cissy's bright eyes softened.
She knelt beside him, her soft breath
tanning his hair, and lifted him gently
to sitting position.
"Oh, I've done 1t beforew she laughed
as she read his wonder with his graft
tude. In his eyes. "The horse was al
ready stilf, and you were nearly so by
the time l came up to you and gotp-
she laughed agaln-''the other China
man to help me pull you out of that
hole"
Il know owe you my life" he said,
his face flushing.
1T was lucky I was there" she re-
turned naively, perhaps lucky you
were chasing me-
I'm afraid that Of the many who
would run after you / should be the
least lucky" he said, with an attempt
to laugh that did not, however. conceal
his modification. but assure you that
only wished TO have an interview
with your father-a business interview
perhaps rs much I'm his interest as
my own"
The old look OF audacity came back
10 her face. Il guess That's what they
all came here for-except one-but IL
didn't keep them from believing and
saying he was n thief behind his back.
Yet they all wanted his-confldence."
she added bitterly
Masterton felt that bis burning
checks were confcssing the truth of
this. you excepted one" he said hest
tatingly.
'Yes-thc deputy sheriff. lie came
60 help me-"
You"
Eyes. me" a coquettsh little toss Of
her head added 10 bis confusion. Gle
threw up his job just 10 follow me
without my knowing II. 90 sec that /
didn't come TO any harm lie saw me
only once, t00-at tic house when no
came TO take possession lie said he
thought I was clear grit 70 risk every
thing 70 find father. and he said he
saw 10 In me when he was there.
That's how he guessed where / was
gone when ran away and followed
me-"
He was as right as he was lucky"
said Masterton grayply But how dld
| you get hcrcT7
She slipped down On the floor beside
him with an unconscious movemen,
hat her masculine garments only made
the more quantity girlish and. claspina
her knee with both hands. looked at the
I IRE as she rocked herself slightly back,
/ ward and forward as She spoke.
I IL VIII shock "a proper man like you
know she began demurcly. but /
came alone. With only % Chlnaman n
| guide me. ] got these CLOTHES from oui
/ laundryman 20 that I shouldn't attract
attention. ] would have got q Chimes,
/ lady's dress, but ] couldn't walk CIR
/ their shoes she looked down 90 hoi
/ little feet inCaead fu wooden rorgafa
"and : had a long way 70 walk. But
even 10 / didn't look quite right to d
I Chinaman no white mnn was able ia
I detect the difference you passed m,
twice in fhe stage and sou didn't know
T mc. ] Travelled night aHd lay. most ot