Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-13
THE SQUAW MAN
A NOVEL BY JULIE OPP FAvERsHAM,
Copyright. 1906. BY Harper 1 Brol

Jim. Then she comforted herself with the
Thought that perhaps this kind hearted
soul was exaggerating things. Surely. if
there were cause for anxiety Jim would
have spoken to her about 1t.
is there nothing that can be done.
Bil?''
He shook his head
Well is there anything that I can do?"
Don't See how, except to git aWay "a
soon S you can" And then he told her of
Buds proposition to obtain money from
Jim. and that the sheriff willing to
sell his evidence against the Indian gin.
Why he added. II most kicked him off
the place: and Bud will fight. you know"
But Diana was only concerned to know
whether the sheriff was safely out of
way You the sheriffs gomez"
THANK heaven,' Bill answered And
by the bye. Just to be more cantankerous,
he threatened to hold UP you and your par
ty as witnesses: but that wouldn't be legal.
would it," AS he remembered the boys
he added. chuckling. 1T certainly wouldn't
be popular.
Before Diana could reply Jim interrupted
them Like a restless spirit he had been
wandering over the place. from barn to
cabin. from Halls sleeping room to the
boys quarters: accomplishing little and
vainly trying to accept the events that had
crowded into his life during the last hours.
The sheriff. he felt sure, could easily
be managed but Nat-u-ritch's disappear
ance was causing him anxiety He knew
1t was a trait in the Indian character to
hide away and sto}cally endure it's grief in
silence. Every moment he expected her to
return. Stronger than all these thoughts
was the desire that Diana should go at
once. and little Hal with her This speedy
termination would make 1t easier for them
all. he told himself. and then there were
matters enough to claim his attention. So
he reasoned as he came from the back of
the house. where he had been brooding over
a valise containing the childs belongings.
AS he saw Diana sitting there deep in con-
VerSatiOO with Bill he stood amazed a the
simple adaptability that made 1t possible for
her to adjust herself to these primitive be-
longings and people. Bill already re-
garding her as friend. Then he remem-
bered that he must see Tabywana to tell
him of Nat-u-ritchs disappearance. and
range a plan with him to help her to evade
Bud for several days.
Bill l wish you would get Baco. I have
sent for Tabywana. and want BacO to in
terpret for me-
Bills heavy boots creaked down the cor
raj.
II hope you've rested we'll, DIANA" Jim
said.
Il haven't been to bed Jim. I've been try
ing to think 1t all out" She rose and came
to him. Would she be quite impossible at
Maudsley Towefs?"
Jim knew she wanted to take up their
conversation where it had stopped last
night. They had discussed the subject al
ready. and he felt the futility of going over
the same arguments 1t only tormented
him. so he answered. quite"
Diana persisted Couldn't she be sent to
school for a few years."
It's too late. That might have been done
when she was a child, but she's a
woman"
And mother" Then hurriedly, as
though fearful that she would not have the
courage to express to Jim all her concern
for Nat-u-rtch. she said, Jim. l wonder If
we are treating her quite fairly"
Il hope So" And in Jim's voice there was
a prayer.
During the night many thoughts had
haunted Diana. The soft little arms that
had chung to her the night before troubled
her. What would their loss mean to this
chld-woman of the woods? She decided to
make one more appeal to Jim and frankly
lay before him the conflicting emotions that
had torn her since her arrival at the ranch.
AT first Jim, hated everybody. then I
pitied you. Now 1 am thinking Of her
Jim listened intently. She laid her hand on
his arm. Civilization has bred in people
like you and me many needs and interests.
But this helpless chd-rother has just her
child and you. and we are taking the child
away. Oh have you the right to sacrifice
her even for the child?''
Jim could not argue He had made his
decision when Petre wrested from him the
concession to let the child go to be prepared
for thu life he had no right to deny him.
Il have done the best know how, DIANA
he said. simply. I'VE must leave the rest
to God" and Diana knew that the words
were the result of his own bitter struggle
and she could no longer doubt their wis
dom.
She stood silent. Jim looked at her. OF
their own. love that had endured all these
years. neither spoke. 1t was Jim's moment
Of greatest temptation. He longed to say
something to her that might express what
he felt; but again he conquered himself.
''Wll you take Half" was all he said. Il
want you to get away before the heat of
the day"
Ard Diana left him.
Ito be Continued Tomorrow