The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1907-08-09

apo You Really Think am So Very
Bad, Recause-5eeause | Like
Bob HamptonH"
others we discussed tonight; but I
have never played part before, never
skulked in the dark. Tonight l simply
had to do It"
Then attempt no explanation" he
said, gently, "and believe me, shall
continue to trust you. Tonight what
ever you wish may be, will abide by
It. Shall l go. or stay? In either case
You have nothing to fear
She drew deep breath, these open
words Of faith touching her more
strongly than would any selfish fault
finding.
Trust begets trust" she replied,
with new frmness, and nov gazing
frankly into his face. "You can walk
with me a portion OF the way If you
wish, but / am going to tell you the
TRUTH. have an appointment with a
man"
Il naturally regret to learn this he
said, with assumed calmness But
the way rs so lonely prefer walking
with you until you have some other
protector"
She accepted his proHered arm, feel
ing the constraint in his tone, the
Formally in his manner, most keenly.
An older woman might have resented
II, but it only served to sadden and
embarrass her. He began speaking OF
the quiet beauty of the night, but she
had no thought OF what he was saying.
Lieut.. Brant," she said, at last,
you do not ask me who the man Is. :"
Certainly not, Miss Nadia; IT is
none OF my business.
81 think, perhaps, II might be; the
knowledge might help you to under
stand. 1t is Bob Hampton"
He stared at her. The gambler?
No wonder. then, your meeting Is
clandestine."
She replied Indignantly, her lips
trembling. He is not gambler; he
! is a miner, over in the Black Range.
He has not touched a card in two
years"
"oh, reformed has he? And are
you the instrument that has worked
such a miracle2"
Her eyes fell. 81 don't know, but l
hope So" Then she glanced up again.
wondering at his continued silence
Don't you understand yet?"
only that you are secretly meeting
a man of the worst reputation. one
known the length and breadth Of this
border as gambler and fighter"
YES; but-but don't you know who
l am?"
He smiled grimly, wondering what
possible difference that could make.
Certainly; you are Miss Nadia Hern-
don"
q? You have not known? Lieut..
Brant, am Nadia ellis"
He stopped still, again facing her.
MAZDA ellis? Do you mean old ellis
girl? Is it possible you are the same
we rescued on the prairie two years
ago."
She bowed her head. Yes; do you
understand now why trust this Bob
Hampton?"
Il perhaps might comprehend why
you should feel grateful to him, but
not why you should thus consent to
meet with him clandestinely."
He could not see the deep flush upon
her cheeks, but be was not deaf to the
pitiful falter in her voice.
Because he has been good and true
to me-" she explained, frankly, bet
ter than anybody else in all the world.
l don't care what you say, you and
those others who do not know him,
but believe in him; l think he is a
man. They won't let me see him, the
Herndons, nor permit him to come to
the house. He has not been in Glen
caid for two years, until yesterday.
The Indian rising has driven all the
miners out from the Black Range, and
he came down here for no other pur.
pose than to get glimpse OF me, and
do you know a man called Silent
Murphy"
"The scout? Yes, sir; knew him as
long ago as when he was corporal in
your fathers troop. He was reduced
to the ranks for striking an officer"
Brant wheeled in establishment
'"Was he ever a soldier in the Sew
enth?"
He was that, for two enlistments,
and a mighty tough one; but he was
always quick enough for a fight in
field or garrison"
HAS he shown himself here at the
camp'"
ITO be continuedl