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

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.
II did not understand, at first, my
dear" she said, soothingly. cor I
should never have spoken as l did.
Some very strange callers come here.
But you are truly welcome. | had a
daughter once; she must have been
nearly your age when God took her.
Won't you come in?" 4
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
~ furnished room, and with her arm
about the girls waist, the lines about
her mouth hardened II 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 I offer my apol-
ogy,' he replied, humblv; but you
see IL 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. 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
fricndless. Are you that man who
brought her out Of the canyon?"
Hampton bowed as though half
ashamed of acknowledging the act
ooh! then know who you are" she
continued, unhesitatingly you are a
gambler and q bar-room rough. I
won't touch a penny Of your money. 1
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 faco
OF such open opposition Il greatly re-
greet your evident prejudice, madam,
and can only say that have more COD
ddence in you than you appear TO nave
in me. l 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 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
road before she was beside him, hef
hand upon his sleeve.
81 won't stay!" she exclaimed, fierce
ly, Il won't, Bob Hampton. I'd rather
go with you than be good"
His sensitive face flushed with de-
light, but he looked gravely down into
her indignant eyes. ooh, yes, you will,
Kid" and his hand touched her rough,
ened hair caressingly. She's good,
kind woman, all right, and don't
blame her for not liking my style.
''Do-do you really want me to stick
1t out here, Bob?Y
It 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
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 l want you to stay and fight 1t
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 ellis 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, single tear stealing down her
cheek. Only a 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.
+. CHAPTER Viii.
A Last Revolt.
1t proved restless day, and sur
f1ciently unpleasant one, for Mr. Hamp'
ton. For number of years he had
been diligently training himself In the
school of cynicism, endeavoring to per