The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-03-25
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CHAPTER V.-(Continued,)

NiSA. Ills Halt, OF llSnC Drown, Wu'
cropped short: his face, though regu
lar enough in features, was not {
pleasant one. The cold, hard blue
eyes, straight narrow mouth ant
sharp chin, gave it an expression
which made many people declare III
was better to give Paul Reyburn 3
wide BERTH
He shook hands with his hostess
and an unpleasant expression drew
his brows together as he glanced at
Cleland, then acknowledged the 9th
ers salutation with curt bow.
Let ME give you a cup Of tea, Ma
tor said the lady of the house pres
emily. She poured it out and Rayburn
watched her. passionate expression
in his cold eyes, as they devoured hel
face. ANY more news from Atbara?'
she asked, as she handed him the
dainty little cup, skilfully evading the
touch Of his fingers
Just what we expected. The der
wishes are gathering fast and furious
ly. expect we may receive march
ing orders any day." said Rayburn.
Let them come | don't care, for my
part, how soon"
In few minutes Cieland rose to
take his leave. Mrs. Breynton and
Rayburn were alone.
rs that fellow your shadow" the
latter asked, suddenly turning to his
hostess, who had parted from Cleland
at the room door. He is with you
everywhere now. | wonder what he
thinks he is?"
"A gentleman" answered Mrs.
Breynton, quietly, though little
CLEAN came into her soft eyes. II am
afraid you have forgotten you are
one, Major Rayburn. l am not accus-
toned to that tone from those who lay
claim to the title"
II beg your pardon" said Rayburn,
half sullenly, half passionately. He
placed his cup on little table near,
and, coming to Mrs. Breynton's side,
suddenly knelt at her feet, and nut
his lips to the lace which hung over
her delicate waist. you have made
me mad-mad. l love you with a pas
sion that will not let me rest night or
day! Every moment l am away from
you | feel as if there were a chain OF
aron about my feet dragging me back.
1t makes me furious when | see ar
other man near you. touching your
hand, and you smiling upon him, as
you smile on Cloland."
The beautiful face hardened and
grew paler at the last words.
Major Rayburn. have told you be-
eore that | have no love to give you,
&hat We can never, by any possibility.
We more to each other than friends.
why do you persistent!y Introduce the
subject, and prosecute me with your
entreaties? You must know that it
pains me. and that it cannot do your
self any good. Let me repeat once
more what | have already told you.
do not and never can love you; it is
impossible now and forever"
= Then there is someone who makes
it impossible?' exclaimed Rayburn,
with sudden fierceness He caught her
wrist in Il strong grasp, and his cold
eyes, now burning with a fierce light.
tried to read the depths of hers. You
love some one else! You cannot deny
it," he exclaimed, hoarsely.
why should acknowledge or deny
1t to you. Major Rayburn?" said Ad-
'ienne, with cold displeasure You
nave absolutely no claim on me that
you should demand my confidence. IL
you cannot he content with what I
have to give you. then the only other
possible footing for us is that of COM
plete strangers
Yes, you can throw me over like
that, calmly telling me we can be
complete strangers to each other.
while you know that my very life is
In your hands!" exclaimed Rayburn
hoarsely. "You were friendly enough
with me once-you can't deny that.
1t is that he checked himself as he
was just about to utter fierce oath
that fellow who has just left to whom
am indebted for this. But, by Heav-
en-! ! will show him he cannot cross
my path with impunity! He does not
know the kind OF man he has to recL-
on with"
Major Rayburn. you go beyond all
bounds" exclaimed Adrienne. She
rose from her seat. her face deathly
pale, and put her hand on the bell
pull. After this do not see how we
can be anything but strangers to each
other" she said, coldly II am not in
the habit of counting among my
friends those who utter threats Of
that kind in my presence!"
She had pulled the bell before she
mad finished speaking Rayburn stood
before her, cold grey hue spreading
slowly over his face, an expression in
his eyes that might have vaguely
alarmed AdIienne had she seen it. hut
che did not
When the servant appeared she
said quietly:
See Major RaybuIn to the door,
Mahomed." And the native servant,