The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-09-19

and stare at her in that odd way.
He seemed to choke twice before he
could ash the next question.
Did he-old Gilgs, mean-claim
to be your father. OF her husband?"
No, don't reckon he ever did. but
he gave NE that picture. and told me
she was my mother. | ALWAYS lived
with him. and called him dad. I reck-
on be liked it. and he was mighty
good to me. We were at Randolph
a long tine, and since then he's been
post-trader at Bethune. That's all |
know about It, for dad never talked
very much, and he used to get mad
when l asked him questions
Hampton dropped the locket from
his grasp and arose to his feet. For
several minutes he stood with his
back toward her. apparently gazing
down the valley. his jaw set, his dim
med eyes seeing nothing. Slowly the
color came creeping into his fa. md
his hands unclinched. Then eel
ed about, and looked down ugcn her.
completely restored to his old ua-
ture.
Then it seems that it is lust YOU
and |, Kid, who have got to settle this
little affair" he announced. firmly.
III have my say about It, and then
you can uncork your feelings. I rath-
er imagine l haven't very much legal
right in the premises, but I've got a
sort OF moral grip on you by reason of
having pulled you out alive from that
canyon yonder. and l propose to play
this game to the limit You say your
mother is dead, and the man who
raised you is dead, and, so far as eth
or OF US know, there isn't q soul any,
where on earth who possesses auv
claim over you, or any desire to have
ihen, naturally, the whole Jackpot is
up to me, provided I've got the cards
NOW, Kid, waving your prejudice aside.
| amt Just exactly the best man in
this world to bring up a girl like you
and make lady out of her. thought
Yesterday that maybe we might man
age to hitch along together for
awhile, but I've got a different think
coming to-day There's no use dis.
ngurfng the truth I'm a gambler
something OF a fighter on the side and
folks don't say anything too pleasing
ABOUT my peaceful disposition around
these settlements; l haven't any home
and mighty few friends, and the few
l have got are nothing to boast shout
reckon there's a cause for il all
so, considering everything. I'm about
the poorest proposition ever was heard
OF TO start young ladies' seminary
The Lord knows, old ellis was bad
enough, but I'm damned sight worse
NOW some woman has got to take Won
IN hand, and I reckon I've found the
right one,
Coin to get married So0?'
Not this year; it's hardly become
so serious as that; but I'm going TO
find you good home here, and I'm
going TO put up plenty of stuff. so that
theyE take care Of you all right and
proper"
The dark eyes never wavered as
they looked steadily into the gray
ones, but the chin quivered slightly,
I reckon I'd rather try it alone "
she announced stubbornly. MAYBE 7
might have stood it with Won Rob
Hampton. but woman is the limit"
Il expect it will go rather hard at
first, Kid he admitted craftilv. "but
| think you might try It while lust to
sort Of please me"
"Who-who is she?" doubtfully
Mrs. Herndon, wife of the super-
intendent OF the Golden Rule mine ."
and he waved his hand toward the dis
tant houses. They tell me she's a
mighty fine woman"
oh, they do? Then somebody's
been stirring YOU up about me- have
they? l thought that was about the
way of it. Somebody wants to reform
me, reckon. Well maybe l won't be
reformed. Who was it, Bob?"
The Presbyterian missionary" he
| confessed reluctantly, "a nervy little
chap named WynkooD; he came in to
see me last night while you were
asleep" He faced her open scorn IN
shrinkingly, his mind fully decided,
and clinging to one thought with all
the tenacity Of his nature.
"A preacher" her voice vibrant with
derision, "a preacher! Well, of all
things, Bob Hampton! You led around
by the nose IL tNat way! Did he want
you to tI7ng me 70 Sunday school? a
SYNOPSIS.