Evening star., 1901-07-20

diously neat man as from the fear of dis
covery. And what's that?' she added.
pointing to the shawl
'One of my samples that I suppose was
turned out of the coach and forgotten in
the transfer he said, giibiy. Il thought
1t might keep you warm"
She looked at it obviously and laid it
gingerly aside. You don't mean to say
you go about with such things openly?"
she said. querulously.
Yes; one mustn't lose chance of trade
you know he resumed. with a smile.
And you haven't found this journey
very profitable" she said, dryly. You
certainly are devoted to your busness'
After a pause. discontentedly-"I quite
night already; we can't sit here in the
dark
We can take one Of the coach lamps in
side. I've been thinking the matter over.
and I reckon If we leave one lighted out
side the coach it may guide your friends
back. He had considered 1t. and believed
that the audacity of the act, coupled with
the knowledge the Indians must have of
the presence of the soldiers In the vicinity,
would deter rather than invite their ap-
proach.
She frightened considerably with the
coach lamp which he lit and brought in
side. By it's light she watched him curl
ousy. His face was slightly flushed and
his eyes very bright and keen-iooking.
Man killing. except with old professional
the circulation But Miss Cantire had no.
ticed that the flask smelt of whisky. The
poor man had probably fortified himself
from the fatigues of the day.
Il suppose you are getting bored by this
delay she said, tentatively,
Not at all he replied. Would you like
to play cards? I've pack in my pocket.
We ean the middle seat as a table and
hang the lantern by the window strap
They played euchre. at which Miss Cantire
cheated adorabiy. and Mr.. Boyle lost game
after game shamelessly. Then once or
twice Miss Cantire was fain to put her
ards her month tn a 10
yaWn, and her blue-veined eyelids grew
heavy. Whereupon Mr. Boyle suggested
that she should make herself comfortable
in the corner of the coach with as many
cushions as she liked, and the despised
shawl. while he took the night air In
prowl around the coach and look out for
the returning party. Doing so. he was de-
lighted, after turn Or two. to find her
asleep and so returned cOntentedly to his
! sentry round.
He was some distance from the coach
when low moaning sound in the thicket
presently increased until 1t rose and fell in
the prolonged howl OF wolves He was
nastenlng back. when. cry. this time hu-
man and more terrifying. came from the
coach. He turned toward 1t It's door
flew open, and Miss Cantire came rushing
toward him. Her face was colorless. her
eyes wild with fear. and her tall slim fig
ure trembled conyulsively as she franticai-
ly caught at the lapels Of his coat, as If to
hide herself within its folds. and gasped
breathlessiy:
What is it? Oh. Mr.. Boyle, save mer'
They are wolves" he satd hurriedly
But there Is no danger; they would never
attack you; you were safe where you were
Let me lead you back
But she remained rooted to the spot, stiu
cling1ng desperately to his coat "No nor
she said. Il dare not! I heard that awful
cry In my sleep. All! What's that?" and
she again lapsed in nervous terror against
him.
Boyle passed his arms around her prompt
~ hrmly, masterfully. She seemed to feel
the implied protection, and yielded to 1t
gratefully. Will. the further breakdown of
| q sob. There Is no danger" he repeated
cheerfuiiy. Lean on me-" he continued
a. as ne her step tottered. You will be better
And you won't leave me alone again p.
mol"
He supported her to the coach Rrayely.
gently-her master. and still more his own
for all that her beautiful loosened hair
| was against his cheek and shoulder its
perfume in his nostrils, and the contour of
her 1.-THE and perfect figure against his
own. He helped her back into the coach.
/ with the aid of the cushions and shawl ar
| ranged a reclining couch for her on the
patiently. BY degrees the color came
back to her face-as much Of 1t as was not
| hidden by her handkerchief
Then tremulous voice behind Il began
| a half-smothered apology.
i am so ashamed. Mr.. Boyle-I really
| could not help I'll But It was 30 sudden
| and 50 HORRIBLE shouldn't have been
afraid OF 1t had II been really an Indian
with sca1ping knife-instead Of that
beasti don't know why I did it-but
| was alone-snd seemed to be dead-and you
were dead, too-And they we're coming Ia