Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-02-28


your pardon for Selling Munro in your
presence, but 1t was necessary both
for his sake and to prevent bloodshed
saw no other chance Of disarmine
him. hope you will excuse my harsh
ness in sending you away"
"You need not apologize. I under
STOOD" she answered. What have
YOU done with him?"
"Kelly has taken him away out OF
danger Have any Of his men called
for hlm?"
Eyes, one, but he rode away again
Have you any further news"
Something is going on in Bozle.
could hear cheering, and l thought
could distinguish the galloping of
horses. Whatever is coming, my duty
is here, and now let me take you to
Nora"
mo, no! can't sleep now. My
brain is whirling with this nights
events. l feel as If were about to
witness some great storm, some catas.
trophe. Sleep is impossible tonight"
He turned with low voiced intensity.
what can I do to repair the injury l
have done you and yours? When l
left Barnett's home l was resolved
never to re-enter your life again.
honestly tried to get away from Louis
and to take myself absolutely out of
your world
She interrupted him with gesture
Of protest. "You must not blame your
selt-It had to be. Do you believe in
fate?'
81 do not, nor in luck" he answered
slowly.
Neither do l, but believe in COM
pensations. Since came up here
have worked out theory Of life. I've
been happy here. That should comfort
you"
ut would only cannot rid myself
of the thought Of what you have sacri-
feed to be here. Each day has plung-
ed you deeper into this lawless barba-
rism."
"There is where my theory helps
me. Ones life has general average.
Ny life had no real value to me nor
to any one else till came west. Pleas
ures come to me now when | least ex-
pect them. That is wonderful thing
to me. thought l had lost all power
to wildly enjoy. but l haven't. So
you see am not accusing.you or an.
one. l hseye only reason to be thank
full, If only no harm comes to Louis
or my friends here. l shall not com.
plain
ut is very sweet of you to try to
tighten my sense Of guilt" he replied
gently. But l cannot absolve myself
so easily. can understand your theo-
~, but cannot understand how you
lnd n disappointment. You have ev-
erythlng to make you happy"
She went on: Il am by heritage a
worker. 1 know that now. My fathers
people were active and calculating
folk, and my life in the city was I'M
natural. I've been deliciously hungry
and weary since I've been here-life
seems restored to its balance. You
have done me good-you and splendid
old Matt and sweet Nora"
He sprang from his chair and faced
her. You mustn't talk to me SO" he
exclaimed, almost harshly II shall
forget my promises and say forbidden
words to you. You unseat all my good
resolutions"
She heard, but ignored his passionate
words. A sort of mental and spiritual
recklessness had seized her. Cali my
life in the east and in the old world,
everything in the past, seems gray, as
If covered by mist. The realities
seem to be here. 1 feel grateful to
you, and I want to ask favor of
you"
Anything you ask, except renewal
of my promise Of silence"
She hesitated before the rising storm
of his love- 81 want you to let me
Louis and me-heip rebuild your NINE"
"What do you mean?"
Its so simple. You and Matt need
1 want you to take Louis into
your mine as a partner. Hush" she
warningly whispered as the sleeper's
head moved on his pillow. "If he lives
he will want to work with you. If he
dies must help you for his sake"
''He will not die. He will live. But
you-Ann, there Is something back Of
this" He laid his strong hands upon
her shoulders, looking into her face
with such piercing passion that she
shrank and grew tinid. "You need
me? Is that it? Am I one Of your
She tried to smile. "That would not
be dattering. according to my theory"
He refused to be diverted. II don't
care what your eastern world thinks
Of me if only you are content with me.
I accept your theory. deserve COM
sweet return for my
lonely, loveless life on the plain. Will
you come? Is that what you mean"
He was master now, stopping at no
polite bar. II will not let you go till
you speak your mind" His physical
hold on her arms softened, but his
spiritual self closed round her. six
ago | was rancher In the
foothills, and you were in great east
arn city We were as wide apart as the
poles. Now, here we are! don't I'M
1erstand 1t. This l know-you are
aere, and can't let you go. l accept
your offer to go into the mine, but not
FOR Louis sake [ do it for nv own