Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1907-12-07

lis-the Kid. She shows him her moth
of her parentage and life. They decide
she shall live with Mrs. Herndon- Nadia
the k1d-runS away from MIS- Herndon 8
and rejoins Hampton
CHAPTER VIII. Continued.
He extended his hand, and drew her
up beside him into the shaded corner.
"WeI,' he said, tell me the truth
1--WE quit, that's all, Bob. I just
couldn't stand reform any longer, and
SO I've come back here to you"
The man drew a deep breath. Didn't
you like Mrs. Herndon?"
''Oh, she's all right enough, so far as
that goes. IT amt that; only I 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 a
little from him until the light from the
saloon fell directly across her face.
WELL" she declared, slowly, you see
it had to be either her or-or you,
Bob, and I'd rather it would be you"
You mean she said you would have
to cut me out entirely if you stayed
there with her?"
She nodded, her eyes filled with en-
treaty. Yes, that was about it.
wasn't ever to have anything more to
do with you, not even to speak to you
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 a 1ow-down gambler,
a gun-fighter, "a miserable barroom
thug, "a murderer. She-she said
that if 1 ever dared to speak to you
again, Bob Hampton, that 1 could leave
her house. 1 just couldn't stand for
that, SO 1 came away"
Hampton never stirred, his teeth
set deep into his cigar, his hands
clinched about the railing. THE fool"
he muttered half aloud, then caught
his breath quickly. Now see here,
Kid and he turned her about so that
he might look down into her eyes,
I'm mighty glad you like me well
enough to put up a kick, but l. all this
is true about me. why shouldn't she
say it? Do you believe that sort of
fellow would prove very good kind
to look after a young Lady,"
Il amt a young LADY,"
mo; well, you're going to be if /
have my way, and 1 don't believe the
sort of a gent described would be very
apt to help you much in getting there"
You amt all that
We'll, 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. I 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 it open
to the light. He noticed now a name
engraven on the gold case, and bent
lower to decipher the delicate lettering.
WAS her name Naida?" he ques-
toned, sharply. TT 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 I want you to listen to me,
child. 1 sincerely wish might keep
you here with me, but I can't You
are more to me than you dream, but it
would not be right for me thus DELHI
erately to sacrifice your whole future
p my pleasure I possess nothing to
offer you,-no home, no friends, no
reputation Practically 1 am an out
law, existing by my wits, disreputable
in the eyes of those who are worthy to
live in the world She, who was your
mother, would never wish you to re-
main with. me. She would say 1 did
right in giving you up into the care
of good woman. Nadia, look ON that
face in the focket, your mothers face.
1t is sweet, pure, beautiful, the face of
q 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 I. for am un-
worthy For her sake, and in her
name. I ask you to go back to Mrs.
Herndon."
He could perceive the gathering tears
in her eyes, and his hand closed tight
Iy about her own re ~a& NOT ono e<,,,r