The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1907-08-12
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sit down." he said, his voice I'M
steady from so sudden a reaction.
"Perhaps-perhaps l don't exactly un-
~derstand."
For q full minute they sat thus look
Ing at each other through the fast
dimming light, like two prize-hghters
meeting for the first time within the
ring. and taking mental stock before
beginning their physical argument.
Hampton, with a touch of his old au-
dacity of manner. was first to break
the silence.
8 you think 1 am a damned fool.
Well, we are in pretty fair accord as
to that fact, although NO one before
has ever ventured to state it quite 8
clearly in my presence. Perhaps you
will kindly explain? ?"
The preacher wet his dry lips with
his tongue, forgetting himself when
his thoughts began to crystallize int
expression.
81 regret having spoken as I did,"
he began. Such language is not my
custom. 1 was irritated because of
your haste in rejecting my advances
before hearing the proposition 1 came
20 submit. l certainly respect your
evident desire to be of assistance to
this young woman, nor nave l the
slightest intention of interfering be-
tween you. Your act in preserving
her Afs was truly a noble one, and
your loyalty to her interests since is
worthy of all Christian praise. But
1 believe 1 hav a right to ask, what
do you intend for the future? Keep
her with you! Drag her about from
camp to camp? Educate her among
the communicating poison of gambling
holes and da~Ace-ha1ls? ID her heme
hereafter to be the saloon and the
rough frontier hotel? Her ideal of
manhood the quarrelsome gambler,
and of womanhood a painted harlot?
Mr.. Hampton, you are evidently a man
OF education. of early refinement; you
n known better things; and 1 have
come to you seeking merely to aid you
in deciding this helpless young wom-
ans destiny. l thought, I prayed, you
weuld be at once interested in that
purpose. and would comprehend the
reasonableness of my position"
Hampton sat silent, gazing out OF
the window, his Eyes apparently ON
thu lights nov becoming dimly visible
In the saloon opposite. For a consid-
erable time he made no move. and the
other Strengthened back in his chair
Watching him.
WELL" he ventured at last, what
IL yeur proposition? The question
was Qaietly asked, bat 4 slight tremor
in the low voice told of repressed feel
Ing.
THAT, for the present at least, yeu
confide this girl into the care of some
worthy woman"
Have you any such in mind?"
ST have already discussed. the mat
ter briefly with Mrs. HerRdon. wife of
the superintendent of the Golden Rule
mines. She ID q refined Christian lady,
beyond doubt the most proper person
to assume C a charge in this camp"
Hampton flung his sodden cigar butt
cut of the window. I'll talk it over
tomorrow with-with Miss Gi1lis." he
said, somewhat grufiy. 1T may be
this means q good Heal more to me
than you suppose, parson, but I'm
bound to Acknowledge there ix consiA-
cradle hard sense in what you have
Just said, and I'll talk 1t I'VE with the
girl" :
wynkoop held out his hand cordial
~ and the arm grasp of the other
closed over his fingers.
st don't exactly know why 1 didn't
kick you downstairs" the latter COM
mented. as though still in wonder at
himself. Never remember being o-ite
40 c~onsiderate before. but l reckon
you must have come Mt me in abowe
tho right way"
n Wynkcop answered. his words
were indfstfnguishaAs, bst Hamptoa
remained standing in the open door
watching the missionary 60 down he
Marrow stairs.
Merry little DEVIL" he acknowf
ed@ed slowly to himself. And maybe.
after NH. that would be the best thtAg
4oR the Kid"