The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1902-10-03
BY II. S. CANFIELD
CHAPTER x.-(Conttinued.)

At dinner that night she sat, as
usual, opposite to the Hon. Russell
4aude, and between courses she stud
led furtively, but attentively, his dark
1ace. She marked new things in It,
though she had thought that she knew
II well-a certain thinness Of lip be-
hind which the sharp-pointed teeth
showed occasionally, and he man took
ton wolfsh likeness for her. She
wondered what scenes he had witness
ed, and how deeply stained were his
slender hands, if only the red would
show. When he addressed a remark
to her, as he did in courtesy more than
.once-his manners were nearly always
1rreproachable-sh answered steadily,
but briefly. She was too much OF
woman to give him hint of the
thoughts behind her frank eyes. New
-ertheless there was an tndefnable
chill from her to him, and he felt it.
When he came into the drawing room
he managed to approach her when she
was for moment alone, and whisper
I'd:
eve should still be friends, despite
past things. We are still friends, are
we not?"
There were times when Lois was not
a fencer. The impulsive blood mixed
with the colder New England strain
occasionally asserted itself. She look
ed at him squarely, and her eyes spoke
defiance and a challenge as plainly as
IL glove had been hurled against his
cheek.
NO." she said icily and slowly, 1--WE
are not and can never be-"
He did not ask for an explanation.
His cheek paled slightly and he bow
ed as he drew apart. cit is as we'll
So" he muttered. He knew then, and
ever afterward, that his conduct at
the ford had been retailed to her. He
looked at the men in turn until his
glance reached Allyn. Upon him the
black eyes rested steadily for a mo-
'ment while a half sheer formed upon
his thin lips. Next moment he was
busy in talk with Glynn over certain
river bank and had thrice eluded them.
Lois excused herself early and went
TO the sick room. She felt sorry for
the Mexican nurse who had stuck man
fully to his post, and intended, if pos
-sible, to relieve him for the night.
Weston was in light slumber, the dew
OF perspiration on his forehead and
his right hand flung up above his head
Quirino slept soundly and loudly upon
the floor, snoring in semi-exhaustion.
She laid her hand upon the coverlet
and turned it down to examine the
'bandages. In doing this she was
swayed by no more of sex feeling than
clan, male or female. The smuggler
was to her at that moment only so
much damaged flesh and bone, which
1t was her duty to assist in making
whole.
He opened his eyes and looked at her
with half smile in them. Plainly the
fever and delirium had passed.
How long have I been here?" he
asked.
1.-TWO days now"
1.-The army surgeon will not return?"
Not unless he is needed
He will not be needed. I shall be
able to stand, how soon do you think?"
Il cannot say You are young and
very strong and this is an exception
ally good climate for wounds. In ten
days at earliest should say"
Good! And after that" his brow
contracted for moment as thought
OF the doom ahead of him flashed
through his brain, then cleared quick
Iy-"after that I shall have with me
always memory of your kindness
Nay ask your name?"
"My name is English-Miss Lois
English-a governess here. I am glad
that I could help you. The little 1
have been able to do has been a pleas
sure to me. 1t has showed me that
am not much out of practice
He did not answer for moment, but
looked at her steadily, kindly and re-
specially. Then he said:
"You have helped me, very much
me stranger and criminal-helped
me possibly in more ways than one.
It has been long since saw woman
OF grace and beauty and refinement
and goodness. The best Of us grow
worse when kept apart from the COM
partnership and influence OF such as
you, and was never one of the best.
It may sound queerly to you, Miss
English. but If knew the man who
shot me should feel no anger toward
him. Fam lying here with hole in
my shoulder and do not know what
saay come, to me later, yet think
am fortunate. At any rate, / would
not be back with Vavara again, though
the cactus hills were round us and the
moon overhead and the life, at least,
was free" IL.
She did not know how to answer
him indeed, she thought that some
sremnant Of his delirium fingered with
'Aim. a. he had spoken rapidly With e
4 .lSaesso f excitement 80 she said:
Good night! hope that you viii
s nHaaniW and ~ laff him Ss ri ~ ~