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

fellow would prove a very good kind
to look after young LADY,"
Il amt young LADY,"
NO; well, you're going to be II ]
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 anna
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. / 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 1t open
to the light. He noticed now a name
engaven on the gold case, and bent
lower to decipher the delicate letter.
ing.
Was her name Naida?" he cues.
toned, sharply. 1T is an uncommon
word"
Yes"
Their eyes met, and those Of both
had perceptibly softened.
Nadia" his lips dwelt upon the
peculiar name as though he loved the
sound. Il want you to listen to me
child. ] sincerely wish ! might keep
you here with me, but | can't. You
are more to me than you dream, but II
would not be right for me thus delib
erately to sacrifice your whole future
to my pleasure. possess nothing Ia
offer you,-no home, no friends, nc
reputation. Practically | am an out
law, existing by my wits, disreputable
in the eyes Of those who are worthy ia
live In the world. She, who was your
mother, would never wish you to re
main with me. She would say / did
right in giving you up into the care
of 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
1t must be the prayer Of those lips that
you become a good woman also. She
should lead you, not |, for l am un
worthy. For her sake, and in heI
name, / ask you TO 90 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, ! wish you wasn't a gam.
bler!"
A moment he remained silent. "But
unfortunately | am" he admitted, 50
berly, and 1t is best for you to 60
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,"
81 know she would"
The girl gave utterance to a quick
startled breath, as If the vision fright
ened her Then | will CO." she said,
her voice mere whisper, Il will CO."
He led her down the steps, out into
the jostling crowd below, as II she had
been some fairy princess. Her locket
hung dangling, and he slipped 1t bach
into its place and drew her slender
form yet closer against his own, as
they stepped forth into the black, de
serted road. Halfway up the gloomy
rayine 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 seekin:
your lost charge' | have her here"
The two passing figures halted. peer.
ing through the darkness.
81 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 ellis. She has in.
formed me Of your fattering opinion
regarding me, and | have Endorsed II
as being mainly true to life. Do
state this fairly, Naida%
Il have come back" she faltered
lingering the chain at her throat, 81
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 upoI
her shoulder, his fingers trembling, al
though his voice remained coldly de
liberate.
4 trust this Is entirely satisfactory
Mrs. Herndon," he said. Il can assure
you / know absolutely nothing regard
ing her purpose Of coming to me to
night. / realize quite clearly my owl
deficiencies, and pledge myself here
after not to interfere with you in an!
way. You accept the trust, believer
/ IL