Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-12
BOB HAMPTON OF PLACER.
sf.g.. s.s ,
BY RANDALL PARRISH
AUTHOR WHEN WILDERNESS
Ccopyrsh by C.. McClug co..

both hands impulsively "And only to think.
you have never once been near me all tnis
evening; you have not congratulated me
on my good fortune, nor exhibited the
slightest interest, You don't know how
much have missed you. 1 was just saying
to Mr.. Moffat-or 1t might have been Mr.
McNeil-that 1 was completely tired out
and wished you were here to sit out this
dance with me-
Wynkoop blushed and forgot the errand
which had brought him there. but she re-
mained sufficiently cool and observant She
touched him gently with her hand.
Who is that fine-looking young officer?"
she questioned softly. yet without venturing
to remove her glance from his face.
Mr.. Wynkoop started. ''Oh. exactly; I
had forgotten my mission. He has request
ed an introduction" He drew the lieuten-
ant forward. Lieut.. Brant, Miss Spencer. -
The officer bowed, slight shadow of dis
appointment I'm his eyes. The lady was UNI
questionably attractive. her face animated,
her reception most cordial, yet she was not
the maiden of the dark, fathomless eyes
and the wealth of auburn hair.
such a pleasure to meet YOU" exclaimed
Miss Spencer. her eyes uplifted shyly only
to become at once modestly shaded behind
their long lashes. do you know, lieuten-
ant. that actually have never before had
the privilege of meeting an officer of the
army. Why, we in the east scarcely realize
that We possess such a body Of brave men,
But have read much regarding the border.
anu All lI6-ufedInS OF my SlrlhOOd seem on
the point of realization since / came here
and began mingling in it's free. wild life
Your appearance supplies the one touch of
color that was lacking to make the picture
complete. Mr.. Moffat has done so much to
make me realize the breadth of western
experience. and now. do so hope. you will
some time find opportunity to recount to
me some OF your army exploits.
The lieutenant smiled. Most gladly: yet
just now. / confess. the music invites me,
md I SJrfRc oil ant xy hrlI 10
company upon the floor
Miss Spencer sighed regretfully. her eyes
sweeping across those numerous manly
faces surrounding them. why. really.
Lieut.. Brant / scarcely see how 1 possibly
can. have already refused so many This
evening, and even now l almost believe
must be under direct obligation to some one
of those gentlemen. Still'' hesitatingly,
taken into consideration. Mr. Moffat, Mr.
Mcneil Mr.. Mason. surely you will grant
me release this once?
There was verbal response to the ap-
peal, only an uneasy movement: but her
period of waiting was extremely brief
"Oh. knew you would; you have all been
so kind and considerable" She arose rest
ing her daintily gloved hand upon Brant's
blue sleeve. her pleased eyes smiling up
conffdingly into his. Then with a charm
ing smile. "Oh, Mr.. Wynkoop, 1 have de-
eided TO claim your escort to supper. You
do not care?'
"ynkOOp bowed, MS race like q pOppy.
IT thought you would not mind obliging
me in this. Come, lieutenant"
Miss Spencer. when she desired to be-
was most vivacious companion, and al
ways an excellent dancer. Brant easily
succumbed to her sway. and became, for
the time being. victim to her charms
They circled the long room twice. weaving
their way skillfully among the numerous
couples. forgetful of everything but the
subtle intoxication of that swinging cadence
to which their feet kept such perfect time,
occasionally exchanging brief sentences In
which compliment played no insignificant
part. To Brant. as he marked the height
ened color flushing her fair cheeks. the ex-
perience brought back fond memories of
his last cadet ball at the Point and he
hesitated to break the mystic spell with
abrupt questioning. Curiosity, however
finally mastered his reticence.
Miss Spencer" he asked. may inquire
II You possess such a phenomenon as a
star pupil?'
The lady laughed merrily. but her express
sion became somewhat puzzled. Really.
what very strange question:! Why, not
unless 1t might be little sammy worrell: