Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1907-09-27

"Oh, Mr.. Wynkoop; then you must
be the homeless girl whom Lieut..
Brant brought in the other day. Why
did you not say so at first? You may
come In, my child"
There was a sympathetic tenderness
apparent now in the tones Of her
voice, which the girl was swift to per-
ceive and respond to, yet she held
back, her independence mistaken.
With the quick intuition Of a woman,
Mrs. Herndon bent down, placing one
hand on the defiant shoulder.
81 did not understand, at first, my
DEAR" she said, soothingly, "or
should never have spoken as l did.
Some very strange callers come here.
But you are truly welcome. l had a
daughter once; she must have been
nearly your age when God took her.
Won't you come in?"
While thus speaking she never once
glanced toward the man standing in
silence beyond, yet as the two passed
through the doorway together he fol.
lowed, unasked. Once within the plain.
ly furnished room, and with her arm
about the girls waist, the lines about
her mouth hardened. Il do not recall
extending my invitation to you" she
said, coldly.
He remained standing, hat in hand,
his face Swallowed, his eyes picturing
deep perplexity.
For the intrusion l offer my apol
ogy," he replied, humbly; "but you
see II feel responsible for this young
woman. She-sort Of fell to my care
when none Of her own people were
left to look after her. l only came to
show her the way, and to say that
stand ready to pay you well to see to
her a bit, and show her how to get
hold Of the right things"
Indeed" and Mrs. Herndon's voice
was not altogether pleasant. q 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 l know who you are" she
continued, unhesitatingly. You are a
gambler and a bar-room rough. |
won't touch penny of your money.
told Mr.. Wynkoop that shouldn't, but
that l 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. 81 greatly re-
greet your evident prejudice, madam,
and can only say tina. have more con-
ndence in you than you appear to have
in me. shall certainly discover some
means by which | may do my part in
shaping this girls future, but in the
meanwhile will relieve you of my IN
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 hel
downcast eyes to his face. Yet he hat
scarcely taken three steps toward the
road before she was beside him, hel
hand upon his sleeve.
81 won't stay" she exclaimed, fierce
ly, 81 won't, Bob Hampton. Id rather
60 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 a good
kind woman, all right, and | dom
blame her for not liking my style"
"Do-do you really want me to sticl
1t out here, Bob"
1t was no small struggle for him Il
say so, for he was beginning to com
prehend just what this separation
meant. She was more to him than ht
had ever supposed, more to him thar
she had even been an hour before, ant
now he understood clearly that from
this moment they must ever run far
Their apart-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 want you to stay and fight
out"
Their eyes met, each dimly realiz
ing, although in a totally different way
that here was a moment of importan
decision. Mrs. Herndon darkened tn,
doorway and stood locking out.
We'll, Mr.. Bob Hampton" she ques
TONED, plainly, what is this going u
be-"
He glanced toward her, slightly lii
Ing his hat, and promptly releasing
the girls clinging hand.
Miss ellis consents to remain" b
announced shortly, and, denying hin
self so much as another glance at hi
) companion, strobe down the marrow
path to the road. A moment the girl
eyes followed him through the dus
cloud, single tear stealing down he
cheek. Only short week ago she Ia
utterly despised this man. now he ha
become truly more to her than an