The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-04-16
SIS my father well? It has been almost
three months since l had letter from

| as my father well? 1t has been almost
| three months since 1 had a letter from
him.
Willard hesitated. Could he tell her
| the truth, this fair stranger in whom he
had taken such an unacc6untable interest
| from the moment she had stepped off the
| train? Could he tell her that even then
Dave Medford was lying in his cabin with
a wounded arm, caused by Wizards own
hand? And could he tell her further that
her father-the man in whom she had
| the sincere trust of faithful daughferhOod.
and to union with whom she looked for
ward with the SupremeSt Joy-waS a COM
mon cattle thief; that the wounded arm
| which had brought on slow fever, pros
trating Medford in his cabin and postpOn-
ing an arrest and prosecution that awaited
his recovery, was the result of the firing
of a rifle by Willard to protect the prop
erty belonging to himself and Joe Daskin?
But Alkali. understanding the situation,
rushed to his companion relief
''You see. Miss Medford. he don't want
to pain you. But it's best for you To know
that your fathers laid up in bed with a
bad sore in his arm"
"A bad sore?' in quick. apprehensive
voice. How did it happen? Was he
hurty'
YES. Miss" explained Alkali "He
had trouble over some cattle with u felier.
and got shot through the arm"
shot him-my father The hazel eyes
grew black with sudden anger and she
trembled with excitement. 'Will he live?
Oh. tell me he won't dier' and she
clasped and unclasped her hands in evil
dent agony. the rein of the bride falling
unheeded across the pommel of the saddle.
Good nussin' will pull him through
Alkali treasured her.
1T must he bad man who would shoe
my father" she said severely.
Harry Willard shrugged his broad
shoulders as if she had struck him with
whip, and look of pain came into his
eyes.
Hes not sech a bad teller. Miss" OBJ
served Alkali. with the purpose of defend
ing his friend. You see. they have way
out here of settlin things on the double
quick with guns. Courts an jedges is too
ALFRED slow in bringin' jestice to the peo-
pie. It's n custom of our country. Miss"
Il could never forgive that man." she
said passionately. giving 10 attention to
Alkali's speech of defense.
"But the offender might surely be al
lowed the mercy of some extenuating cir
cumstances. Miss Medford," put in Will
lard. turning to her with n pleading ex-
preston in his eyes.
Il can imagine no circumstances suffi-
GENTLY .extenuating to place that man in
Il merciful light in my estimation" she
uttered in cold. cutting tones. Il have no
Paruoi III III! heart 1or the wouid-pe muir
derer OF my Iather.
Willard WINGED and his face flushed
holly. 1t was harsh treatment to be called
a wouid-be murderer by the lovely
daughter OF the man who mad been rob
bing MIN ana ms partner OF cattle Tor the
past year.
Let US hurry, she cried catching up
the lalien brldie-reln OF her horse. My
father may be worse. He may need my
care.
tie has good care. MISS. all provided
Tor him by Mr.. Willard here said Alkali.
lie sent Mrs. barnes up to- nurse MIN,
and there's nothing he needs
How can l ever thank you, AIR. VII
lard, she said. turning toward him with