The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1908-01-09
cHAPTER Xvl.-continued

CHAPTER NVl.-Continued.
~Oh, I do. Lieut.. Brant. It is not
doubt of you at all; but l am not sure,
even within my own heart. that / am
doing just what is right Besides. IL
win be so difficult to make you. almost
a stranger. comprehend the peculiar
conditions which influence my action.
Even now you suspect that I am de-
ceitful-a masked sham like those
others We discussed tonight: but /
have eve played a part before. never
skulked in the dark. Tonight / simply
had TO do It,"
Then attempt no explanation. he
said. gently. and believe me. / shall
continue 70 trust YOU. Tonight. what
ever YOU wish may be. / will abide by
IL. Shall 90. or stay? In either case
YOU have nothing TO fear,
She drew a deep breath, these open
words of faith touching her more
strongly than would any selfish fault
finding.
Trust begets trust she replied
with new hrmness, and now gazing
frankly into his face. You can walk
with me a portion of the way Il you
wish, but ! am going 10 tell you the
TRUTH have an appointment with q
man.
Il naturally regret to learn this he
said, with assumed calmness. But
the way Is so lonely / prefer walking
with you until you have some other
protector"
She accepted his pronered arm, feel
ing the constraint in his tone. the
iormality 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 MAZDA: q Is
none of my business"
Il think. perhaps. Il might be. the
knowledge might help you to under
stand. Il is Bob Hampton.
He stared az her. THE Gambler
No wonder. then, your meoting Il
claudestine."
She replied Indignantly her lip,
trembling "He is not a gambler. nc
Is a miner, owe IN the Black Range
lie has not touched d card IN two
years
"Oh. reformed has heg And ar,
you the instrument that has worked
such a miracle?'
Hef eyes fell Il don't know. but
hope So. Then she glanced up again
wondering a. his continued silence
Don't you understand YETI
Only that you are secretly meeting
a man Of the worst reputation. on,
known the length and breadth of thii
border as a gambler and fighter.
Yes; but-hut don't you know VIII,
amp"
lie smiled grimly. wondering VIVA.
possible difference that could make
Certainly; you are Miss Mazda Hern
DON.
~? You have not known? Lieut.
Brant [ am Nadia Gillis.
He stopped sim. again facing her
MAZDA ellis? DO you mean old Gills
grip Is it possible You are the sam,
We rescued on the prairie W. year.
ago."
She bowed her head Yes 90 yoi
understand nov why / trust this Bol
Hampton?"
q perhaps might comprehend WIN
yaa should feel grateful 10 bin. bu
not why you should fius consent I,
meet eith him olande nelly
He could not see q deep flush upol
her checks, but he vas not deaf % thl
pliilul falter Ia her voice.
"Because he has been good and truI
10 me. she explained, frankly bet
ter than anybody else Ia an the world
/ don't care what you say you AMI
those others who DO not know him
but / believe IN him / think he Is
maa Ihey wont Ter me see him. 10
Hsrndons. nor permit him 20 come &