Mower County transcript., 1907-09-04
fellow would prove very good kind
to look after a young lady o.

fellow would prove very good kind
to look after a young lady %
Il amt a young LADY,"
No; well, you're going to be if 1
have my way, and / don't believe the
sort of gent described would be very
apt to help you much in getting there
"You amt all that" .."
''Well, perhaps not. Like an ANA
teur artist, madam may have laid the
colors on a little thick. But am no
winged angel, Kid, nor exactly a model
for you to copy after. I reckon you
better stick to the woman and cut me-"
She did not answer, yet he read an
unchanged purpose in her eyes, and
his own decision strengthened. Some
instinct led him to do the right thing;
he drew forth the locket from beneath
the folds of her dress, holding it open
to the light. He noticed now name
engraven on the gold case, and bent
lower to decipher the delicate letter.
ing.
"Was her name Naida?" he uues-
toned, sharply. 1T is an uncommon
word"
"Yes."
Their eyes met, and those of both
had perceptbly softened.
"Naida," his lips dwelt upon the
peculiar name as though he loved the
sound. Il want you to listen to me,
child. l sincerely wish I might keep
you here with me, but l can't. You
are more to me than you dream but it
would not be right for me thus delib-
erately to sacrifice your whole future
to my pleasure. I possess nothing to
offer you,-no home, no friends, no
reputation. Practically I am an out
law, existing by my wits, disreputable
in the eyes of those who are worthy to
live in the world. She, who was your
mother, would never wish you to re-
main with me. She would say l did
right in giving you up into the care
of a good woman. Nadia, look on that
face in the locket, your mothers face.
1t is sweet, pure, beautiful, the face of
a good, true woman. Living or dead,
it must be the prayer of those lips that
you become a good woman also. She
should lead you, not l, for 1 am un-
worthy. For her sake, and in her
name, ask you to go back to Mrs.
Herndon.'
He could perceive the gathering tears
in her eyes, and his hand closed tight
ly about her own. 1t was not one soul
alone that struggled.
"You will go?"
20 Bob, I wish you wasn't a gam
bler!"
A moment he remained silent But
unfortunately I am he admitted, So
berly, "and it is best for you to go
back. Won't you?"
Her gaze was fastened upon the
open locket, the fair face pictured
there smiling up at her as though in
pleading also.
"You truly think she would wish it?'
II know she would
The girl gave utterance to quick,
startled breath, as if the vision fright
ened her. "Then I will CO., she said,
her voice mere whisper, II will CO."
He led her down the steps, out into
the jostling crowd below, as if she had
been some fairy princess. Her locket
hung dangling, and he slipped it back
into it's place and drew her slender
form yet closer against his own, as
they stepped forth into the black, de-
serted road. Hallway up the gloomy
ravine they met a man and woman
coming along the narrow path. Hamp-
ton drew her aside out of their way,
then spoke coldly.
, Mrs. Herndon, were you seeking
your lost charge? have her hers."
The two passing figures halted, peer
ing through the darkness.
Il was not seeking her." she re-
turned, icily. Il have no desire to cul-
tivate the particular friends of Mr..
Hampton" ~
So have understood, and conse-
quently relinquish here and now all
claims upon Miss Gillis. She has in
formed me Of your hattering opinion
regarding me, and have Endorsed it
a. being mainly true to life. Do
state this fairly, NAida?"
have come back" she faltered,
lingering the chain at her throat, Il
have come back
Without Bob Hampton!"
The girl glanced uneasily toward
him, but he stood motionless In the
gloom.
"Yes-I-I suppose must
Hampton rested his hand softly upon
her shoulder, his fingers trembling, al
though his voice remained coldly de-
Nberate.
Il trust this is entirely satisfactory,
Mrs. Herndon," he said. Il can assure
you I know absolutely nothing regard
Ing her purpose Of coming to me to-
night. realize quite clearly my own
deficiencies, and pledge myself here
after not to interfere with you in any
way. You accept the trust, I believer"
She gave utterance to deep sigh Of
resignation. 1T comes to me clearly
as a Christian duty" she acknowl-
edged dnnhffn1lv "and snnn0sa r