Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-07-29

lonely momel-ss, and had finally de-
cided that it was Theoretically sealed.
Yet now, this odd chit Of a girl, this
waif whom he had plucked from the
laws of death, had overturned this
carefully constructed barrier as IL it
had been originally built OF mere card
board, and he was compelled again to
see himself, loathe himself, just as he
had in those past years.
One thing he grasped clearly,-the
girl should be given her chance moth
Ing in his life must ever again soil her
or lower her ideals. Mrs. Herndon
was right, and he realized 1T; neither
his presence nor his money were fit to
influence her future. He swore be.
tween his clinched teeth, his face
grown haggard. The suns rays bridged
the slowly darkening valley with cords
of red gold, and the man pulled him
self to his feet by gripping the root
of tree He realized that he mad
been sitting there for hours, and that
he was hungry.
Down beneath, amid the fast awak
ening noise and hustle Of early even
ing. the long discipline Of the gambler
reasserted itself-he got back his
nerve. 1t was Bob Hampton, cool, re-
sourceful, sarcastic Of speech, quick OF
temper, who greeted the loungers
about the hotel, and who sat. with his
back to the wall, in the little dining
room. watchful OF all others present.
And 1t was Bob Hampton who strolled
carelessly out upon the darkened porch
an hour later, leaving roar of laugh
ter behind him, and an enemy as we'll.
Little he cared for that, however, In
.. his present mood, and he stood there,
amid the black shadows, looking con-
temptuously down upon the stream OF
coatless humanity trooping past on
Measure bent, the blue smoke circling
his head, his gray eyes glowing hall
angrily. Suddenly he leaned forward,
clutching the rail in quick surprise.
kid" he exclaimed, harshly, what
does this mean? What are you doing
alone here?"
She stopped instantly and glanced
up, her face flushing in the light
streaming forth from the open door
OF the Occidental
II reckon I'm alone here because ]
want to be-" she returned, def1antly.
81 amt no slave. How do you get up
there?"
He extended his hand, and drew her
UP beside him into the shaded corner.
"Well," he said, tell me the truth"
1--WE quit that's all, Bob. I just
couldn't stand reform any longer, and
30 I've come back here to you"
The man drew deep breath. Didn't
you like Mrs. Herndon?"
"Oh, she's all right enough. SO far as
that goes. It amt that; only just
didn't like some things she said and
did
kid" and Hampton Strengthened
up, his voice growing stern. I've got
to know the straight Of this. You say
you like Mrs. Herndon well enough,
but not some other things. What were
they?'
The girl hesitated, drawing back .
little from him until the light from the
saloon fell directly across her face.
WELL" she declared, slowly, you see
II had to be either her or-or you,
Bob. and I'd rather 1t would be you"
"You mean she said you would have
to cut me out entirely If you stayed
there with herr"
She nodded, her eyes filled with en-.
treaty. Eyes, that was about it. ]
wasn't ever to have anything more to
if we met-and after you'd saved my
life, too"
Never mind about that little affair."
Kid" and Hampton rested his hand
gently on her shoulder. THAT was all
in the days work, and hardly counts
for much anyhow. Was that all she
said?"
she called you low-down gambler,
. gun-fighter, IA miserable barroom
thug, "a murderer. She-she said
that If ever dared to speak to you
again, Bob Hampton, that could leave
her house. I just couldn't stand for
that, so came away"
Hampton never stirred, his teeth
set deep into his cigar, his hands
clinched about the railing 1.-THE fool!"
he muttered half aloud, then caught
his breath quickly. NOW see here,
Kid" and he turned her about 80 that
he might look down into her eyes,
I'm mighty glad you like me well
enough to put up kick, but If all this
is true about me, why shouldn't she
say it? Do you believe that sort of a
fellow would prove very good kind
to look after young LADY,"
II amt a young lady!"