The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-11-07

[SSz>S~sESZ-<M It'll ~
4,
/ and give her fine education. Do you
know, Lieutenant, I am simply dying
to see him? ne is such a perfectly
splendid western character.
1t would afford me pleasure to pre-
sent you" and the soldiers downcast
face frightened with anticipation.
"Do-do you really think it would
be proper? But they do things so DIFF
ferenty out here, don't they? Oh.
wish you would"
Feeling somewhat doubtful as to
what might be the result. Brant
! knocked upon the door he had lust
] closed, and, in response to the voice
within, opened it. Hampton sat upon
the chair by the window. bat as his
eyes caught a glimpse of the returned
| soldier with a woman srandng beside
him, he instantly rose to his feet.
Mr.. Hampton" said prGnt. Il t.i.zt
1 may be pardoned for again troubling
you, but this is Miss Spencer. a great
/ admirer of western life, who is desir-
GUS of making your acquaintance.
Miss Spencer swept gracefully for
ward, her cheeks flushed, her hand ex-
tended, oh, Mr.. Hampton. l have so
wished to meet with you ever since |
/ first read your name in Aunt Lydias
/ letters-Mrs. Herndon is my aunt, you
know-and all about that awful time
! you had with those Indians You see.
| | am Nadia Gillis's most particular
| friend, and she tells me so much
| about you. She is such a dear, sweet
/ girl, She felt so badly this morning
/ over your meeting with Lieut.. Brant,
fearing you might quarrel! 1t was
! such relief to find him unhurt, but
! felt that I must see you also, so as
| to relieve Naidas mind entirely"
Il most certainly appreciate your
! frankly expressed interest, Miss Spen-
Ger" he said, standing with her hand
| still retained in his, and am exceed
| ingly glad there is one residing in this
community to whom my peculiar mer-
its are apparent"
Miss Spencer sparkled instantly,
! her cheeks rosy. Il do wish you
would some time tell me about your
exploits. Why, Nh Hampton, perhaps
If you were to call upon me- you might
see Nadia, too. l wish you knew Mr.
MoTat, but as you don't, perhaps you
might come with Lieut. Brant'
Hampton bowed. Il would hardly
venture thus 70 clace myself under
the protection Of Lieut. Brant, al
though l must confess the former at
fractions of the Herndon home are
now greatly increased From my
slight knowledge of Mr.. Moffat's capa,
bilities, / fear | should be found a
rather Indifferent entertainer; yet l
sincerely hope we shall meet again at
time when l can a tale unfold
How nice that will be, and | am so
grateful to you for the promise. BY
the bye, only this very morning man
stopped me on the street actually
installing me for Nadia
What sort of looking man. Miss
Spencer"
Large, and heavily set, with a red
beard. He was exceedingly polite
when informed Of his mistake. and
said he merely had q message to de
liver to Miss ClHs But he refused 10
tell it to me"
The glances Of the two men met.
but Brant was unable 20 decipher the
meaning hidden within the gray eyes.
Neither spoke, and Miss Spencer, new
or realizing what her chatter meant.
ratified merrily on
You see there are SO many who
speak ID me now, because Of my pub
lie Pc ton here. So | thought moth
ing ST ange at first, until discovered
his II stake, and then it seemed SO alb.
surd that l nearly laughed outright.
Isnt it odd what such man could
PCS bly, want with her? But really,
gentlemen, l must return with my
nc~s; Nadia will be so anxious. | am
G 4 to have met you both"
Hampton bowed politely, and Brant
G lducted her silently down the stair
ay. Il greatly regret not being able
{ accompany you home" he explain
|, but / came down on horseback,
md my duty requires that l return at
once to the camp"
"Oh, indeed, how very unfortunate
for me-" Even as she said so, some
unexpected vision beyond flushed her
cheeks prettily. Why, Mr.. Wynkoop,"
she exclaimed, 81 am so glad you hap
pened along, and going my way, too,
l am sure. Good morning, Lieutenant;
l shall feel perfectly safe with Mr..
Wynkoop."
CHAPTER XIX.
The Door Opens, and Closes Again.