The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-12-12
%. Iou neeQ rest.

- 1 GU 0eeQ rest
Not much" said Hampton. I'm
fit enough. or shaITbe as soon as I get
food. Good Lord, boy, l am not done
up yet. by a Ions way! It's the cursed
loneliness out yonder," he swept his
hand toward the horizon. and the
having to care for him that has broken
my heart. Ee went that way clear
back on the Powder, and it's been a
Eght between us ever since. I'll be
all ri2nr Row if you lads will only look
after him. This is going to reach Gus
ter and III take it," He flung back
his ragged coat, his hand on the dis
patch-bag. I've earned the right"
Brant reached forth his hand cor
daily That's true; you have. What's
more, if you're able to make the trip.
there is no one here who will attempt
to stop you. But now tell me how this
thing happened. 1 want to know the
story before we get in"
For a moment Hampton remained
silent his thoughtful gaze on the near
by videttes, his hands leaning heavily
upon the saddle pommel Perhaps he
did not remember clearly; possibly he
could not instantly decide just how
much Of that story to tell Brant sus-
pected this last to be his difficulty,
and he spoke impulsively.
Hampton, there has been trouble
and misunderstanding between US. but
that's all past and gone now. l sin
cerely believe in your purpose of
right and l ask you to trust me.
Either Of us would give - life if need
were, to be Of real service to a little
sirl back yonder in the hlls. | don't
know what you are to Eer; I don't
ask. ISsnOw she has every confidence
in you, and that is enough. Now, l
want to do what is right with both of
you, and if you have a word to say to
me regarding this matter, I'll treat it
confidentially. This trip with Murphy
has some bearing upon Nadia ellis,
has it not?"
Yes"
VIII you tell me the stOry?"
The thoughtful gray eyes looked at
him long and searchingly. "Brant, do
you love that girl?"
Just as unwaveringly the blue eyes
returned the look q do. | have
asked her TO become my wife"
And her answer"
She said no; that dead man was
between us"
rs that all you know"
Tho WON
face grave and perpleJed. Practical
ly ALL
Hampton wet his dry lips with his
tongue, his breath quickening.
And in that she was right" he
said at last, his eyes lowered to the
ground. Il will tell you why. 1t was
the father Of Nadia ellis who was
convicted of the murder of Mai.
Brant."
oh, my father Is she Capt. No
lans daughter? But you say convict
ed Was there ever any doubt? Do
you question his being guilty."
Hampton pointed in silence to the
hideous creature behind them That
man could tell, but he has gone mad"
Brant endeayored 10 speak. but the
words would not come; his brain
seemed paralyzed. Hampton held him
self under better control.
4 have confidence, Lieut.. Brant, in
your honesty" he began, gravely, and
| believe you will strive to do what
ever is best for her, if anything should
happen to me out yonder. But for the
possibility Of my being knocked out, l
wouldn't talk about this not even to
you. The affair is long way from
being Strengthened out so as to make
pleasant story, but I'll give you all
you actually require to know in order
to make it clear to her, provided |
shouldn't come back. You see, she
doesn't know very much more than
you do-only what | was obliged to