Idaho Springs siftings., 1903-10-24
CHAPTER avilI.-con.inued-

ChAP1EH 1Ftit.--(Cbtthueo-
The deputies" Dolores repeated
slowly. The soaened color and gentle
expression disappeared from her face
sbs drew her hands away frora Dora
.hnglng fingers. she pushed back ths
hair that had slipped down on her
forehead Then the deputies had been
searching for her father. That was
what thoss men were there for tnaf
morning when they stopped and asked
of her where he was
And II those men OF the law came
for him when he was not there. when
every one knew that he was not there.
and sought for him over on the oppo-
5zite mountain among It's dangers.
would they not come at any time Tor
him to prove their case? Might they
not even insist upon taking him over
10 the town In spite Of his condition.
Uncouss iously her fingers closed over
the flowers In her lap. crushing them
reieutiessly-
Two soft hands released the flowers,
and as Dora wiped away the red stains
of the blossoms from her cousins
hands. she said. with a sweet laugh;
Dolores. what is the matter? See
what YOU have done 10 the poor. prot-
~ foVers-you have killed them;
their blood Is on your hands, and your
hands have stained mine
The effect OF her words on Dolores
was startling She drew away her
hands sierniy and arose 10 her feet.
elutohIng the door post 10 steady her
Bei.: her face vas white. and her eyes
wide and terrified Young Green. re
turning from up the mountain. heard
Dora's last words and turned away
with a face as pallid as Dolores.
Dora arose quickly. and clasped her
hands aruInd her cousins arm. raising
her sweet. penitent face to hers
"Doiorez, Dolores. ] did not mean
that was only joking could not
have meant it-I would not have said
such a thing for the world forgot
you were not used TO me. and"
The words ended In a viosst ht OF
coughing that racked the slender
frame pltifully. Raising her handker-
chief 10 her lips she sank upon the
step
Young Green entered the house I'M
noticed and spoke to Mrs Allen. who
came out at once and sat down beside
Dora. placing her arm around her with
low, tender words Of comfort.
Young Green came cut with a cup
of water. and Mrs. Alien thanked him
with grateful glance. but an she took
81 and placed IL to Dora's lips she
glanced at Dolores. and her glance
was full Of hate. while young Green
himself for the moment dared not
meet her eyes for fear OF betraylng
what was In his mind and heart
+%ill she lie down and restT' asked
Dolores. presently. still standing at a
distance from her. speaking as though
sler lips we're stif.
At sound Of her voice Dora opened
her eyes slowly and looked up at her
with faint SMILE but Mrs. Allen.
without replying. motloncd to Charlie.
who. understanding her wish. crossed
ever 20 the bedroom aud tapped light
ly on the door nr Dunwlddie opened
1t at once, and after whispered word
or two he went out to the girl, while
young Green entered the quiet roor.
johnson lay In a stupor among the
pillows. his Funken eyes closed. las
cruel lips apart, showing the discol.
ored teeth within. his short white
beard was coarse and thin. and lent
additional responsiveness TO the narrow
face The young man stood at the
bedside looking long and earnestly at
shr face Of the other. until the expires
sion Of wonder and horror slowly
gave place TO one Of pity.
Poor fellow. he said 10 himself:
-poor fellow Surely he has suffered