The Lamar register., 1901-10-09

had told me his name was Hunter. In
all probability Sonntag had addressed
him by the name of Skinner many
times, and the fellow had not resented
it, or the lawyer would have mentioned
the fact. Why, then, should he resent
in 80 fierce and deadly a manner my use
of his right name?
Perhaps Florence could tell me some
thing about Mr.. Hunter, or Skinner. At
least it was right should warn her
against him.
With these thoughts fitting across
my mind, l soon arrived at the Morley
home, and, entering the gate. went up
the long graveled walk. Before an op-
portunity was allowed me to ascend
the steps leading to the piazza, my name
was called.
"Why, Mr.. Conway!"
It was Florence who called, and who
on my turning toward her got out of
hammock. She was still dressed in her
riding habit, and as approached no.
ticed her horse tied to post near by.
Are you going riding again?" I
asked. "In that case, pardon my in
trusion."
Papa and I usually ride at this
time. I am waiting for him." she said,
with touch of surprise; for had
spoken in rather formal tones.
'Then l will defer my errand. Some
other time will answer just as we'll, per-
haps Will you kindly tell me when
may have the pleasure of seeing your"
"What il it, Nelson2 What can be
the matter?" she naked, her brown
eyes staring in astonishment. Twill
you not speak now7"
"Why, can certainly. It is not very
important, perhaps. 1 wish to ask you
what you know about the station agent
with him on several occasions. What
can one like you have to talk about with
such desperate villnin!"
Florence's face turned white. "Des.
perate villain ?" she repeated, in q fear.
some whisper. "Why, Nelson!"
Then 1 told of my recent talk with
the scoundrel and his dastardly at
tempt to shoot me.
Florence hearkened, with hands
clasped across her bosom, her eyes
staring in terrified amazement.
"Oh, do not be alarmed" added. ~Ht
did not hit me. miss is as good as q
mile, you know"
But she still stood gazing at me
doubt and fear upon her face, too dunn
founded to speak. Finally, she burs,
into tears. and, in a most pathetic way
held out her hands appealingly to me
Stirred to the hearts core by heI
grief, caught the dear form in my
arms. Wondering what could be the
cause Of the sudden and overwhelming
expression of sorrow, and heartily
ashamed of myself for having ad'
dressed her in cold, formal tones,
sought with many endearing terms tc
console her.
What is it, my love, that so distressei
you? Tell me about it. You do moi
know how happy it would make me tc
be allowed to share your troubles"
"I am troubled, Nelson, deeply
troubled" she replied, raising her tear
stained face. There are SO many in.
exphcable things going on about me,
SO much mystery, such forebodings Of
dreadful happenings, in my heart, that
IL it were not for your love existence
would be misery. And now your own
dear life is threatened, and all my
fault, too. 1 cannot understand 1t at all
Why should anyone want to kill you
| Oh, Nehon!"
She laid her head against me, and
gently stroked the soft tresses which
fell back behind her car in such beau.
| tiful waves. For few moments / could
not answer. Her words startled me be
yond expressinon. What, in God'sname
was there about this back-country
place? Had its uncanny mysteries ever
entered my darling's sweet life to taint
its happiness?
"Do not give way to an unreasonable
terror, dear heart" I finally said
what possible harm can reach your"
"It is not for myself that am fear.
full, and I suppose it is unreasonable;
but think, Nekon. il he had shot you'll
She shuddered, and then with an ef
fort became calmer.
"Do not worry about me. Be sure
am able to take care of myself; and
forewarned is forearmed. What else
is there? Tell me. You know you may
count on my help and sympathy"
Eyes, yes, know that. Nelson. And
do need your help. 1t seems as though
were walking blindfolded on the edge
of precipice." The loved form
nestled closer to me. It made me fool
ishly happy to hold her in my arms and
know they were as a haven of refuge tc
her.
"Then, too" Florence went On, ~
am SO worried about father"
$50 you said yesterday. Have you
any reason to be?"
Maybe not; at least know of none
except that he is SO changed of late
But a woman's instinct often divines
causes for worry when none are per.
ceptible."