The Irish standard., 1907-08-03

eStenQln2 my luVitdt!Ou 10 you, SQe |
said, coldly.
He remained standing, hat in hand,
his face shadowed, his eyes picturing
deep perplexity.
For the intrusion offer my apol.
ogy," he replied, humbly; but you
see IL feel responsible for this young
woman. She-sort of fell to my care
when none of her own people we're
! left to look after her. only came to
show her the way, and to say that I
stand ready to pay you we'll to see to
her bit, and show her how to get
hold Of the right things"
Indeed" and Mrs. Herndon's voice
was not altogether pleasant. Il under
stood she was entirely alone and
friendless. Are you that man who
brought her out of the canyon?"
Hampton bowed as though half
ashamed of acknowledging the act.
"Oh! then know who you are" she
continued, unhesitatingly. You are
gambler and a bar-room rough.
won't touch penny of your money I
told Mr.. Wynkoop that shouldn't but
that would endeavor to do my Chris.
tian duty by this poor girl He was to
bring her here himself, and keep you
away"
The man smiled slightly, not in the
least disconnected by her plain speech
Probably we departed from the hotel
somewhat earlier than the minister
anticipated" he explained, quietly. his
old ease of manner returning in face
of such open opposition. Il greatly re.
gret your evident prejudice. madam.
and can only say that have more con-
fidence in you than you appear to have
in me. shall certainly discover some
means by which l may do my part in
shaping this girls future, but In the
meanwhile will relieve you of my I'M
desired presence"
He stepped without into the glare
of the sunlight, feeling utterly care
less as to the woman who had affront'
ed him, yet somewhat hurt on seeing
that the girl had not once lifted her
downcast eyes to his face. Yet he had
scarcely taken three steps toward the
TOdu SIO NoS pCo1AS AAAAAs ~ANH
hand upon his sleeve.
/ 'I won't stay!" she exclaimed, fierce
~. II won't, Bob Hampton. Id rather
go with you than be good
His sensitive face flushed with de-
light, but he looked gravely down into
her indignant eyes. "Oh, yes, you will,
Kid" and his hand touched her rough
ened hair caressingly. She's good,
kind woman, all right, and I don't
blame her for not liking my style"
"Do-do you really want me to stick
1t out here, Bob?" ..
1t was no small struggle for him to
say so, for he was beginning to com.
prehend just what this separation
meant. She was more to him than he
had ever supposed, more to him than
she had even been an hour before, and
now he understood clearly that from
this moment they must ever run far.
ther anart-her life tending upward
his down. Yet there was but one de-
cision possible Then he answered
"This is your best chance, little girl
and I want you to stay and fight II
out"
Their eyes met, each dimly realiz
ing, although in a. totally different way
that here was moment of important
decision. Mrs. Herndon darkened the
doorway and stood looking out.
well, Mr.. Bob Hampton" she ques
toned, plainly, what is this going to
be?"
He glanced toward her, slightly lift
ing his hat and promptly releasing
the girls clinging hand
Miss Gillis consents to remain he
announced shortly, and, denying him
self so much as another glance at his
companion, strobe down the narrow
path to the road A moment the girls
eyes followed him through the dust
cloud, a single tear stealing down her
cheek Only short week ago she had
utterly despised this man, now he had
become truly more to her than any
one else in the wide, wide world
Then Mrs. Herndon came forth quietly
and led the girl, now sobbing bitterly
within the cool shadows of the house.