The Huttig news., 1908-08-29

i clasped Esther in warm embrace and left her at Gideons door
 The physician, who had been sum. moned by special engine from Elko. came out to meet her. Miss An thony?" he asked. I'm glad you've l come. Hope you can grant his desire. whatever 1t may be. To see you, to speak with you, seems his only wish" Esther's strained face touched him. Don't give way he said kindly. He doesn't suffer. I've done what little I could to relieve him. He'll go without pain. T."
 Oh must he-is there no chance for" she hesitated anxiously.
 None, Miss Anthony And there are only minutes Go in-give him his wish, if you can. I'll stay near, call me if you need me-
 She entered, and he shut the door. l leaving her alone with Gideon.
 He turned his head feebly at her step.
 "Moppett,"
 She was down beside him, tears fall. ing unheeded.
 Don't cry, Star! I'm not sorry. I'm glad to die"
 Oh Gideon, don't say that! You must live-must-"
 Little Star." His voice was trem- ulous with weakness. I wasn't you'll be happy l won't have to see 1 him" Each word was more difficult and he waited for strength 'Is Vim cent here?"
 She nodded
 Gall him. Stella
 But when she moved to obey. his weak fingers closed over hers de tainingly. No, no! 1 can't do it!" he cried out with sudden strength After you rode out of town yesterday, l watched you while through the | glass, then went that way Star-ou that way-in time! Yes, in time. And before 1 saw you enter the cut he was silent an instant, his waitinc soul in his eyes; and ever since, toe I've said-Fd tell Vincent myself"
 Gideon! Don't! It's past You need not"
 
 his faint words smote Esther I can't tell him. 1 can't spare the time from you-you've been so long-coming, But you'll tell him, Stella, won't you? Tell him that l-I-tried to be white at last; but I'm only-oh, Stella only an Injun! Oh, Star!" The last word was despairing cry. almost inarticu | late.
 No. no. Gideon! You've atoned. You've been brave and"
 Hsi face was turned away His eyes were closed. and Esther leaned closer, listening for his waning breath. Was this the last? She must eall-no, he breathed more deeply She laid her hand on his forehead. kissed his cheek softly.
 At that he opened his eyes and smiled. One promise, Stella. Will you?' He reached feebly for her hand
 She nodded. 'If can"
 Bury me-bury me out here-out
 "Oh. Gideon, don't ask that, It's so far, so lonelyl"
 No; it's-I love iti No mummery. the Book In that spot where the posies-where you sat yesterday-only yesterday, he moaned faintly.
 Gideon, dear, how can we" She | took both his hands in her own
 Promise, Star
 She bowed her head, her tears fall ing fast
 Don't, Stella! I can't dry" He paused, new thought claiming him. 'El Rancho Guerrero is yours
 She shook her head
 Yes. Your fathers brother was my you must You'll love it?" He searched her face anxiously.
 She remembered the doctors words, and acquiesced. Yes, I'll love it- love it for your sake. Gideon, for the sake of the old times"
 His eyes warmed almost to smiling She freed one hand and gently smoothed back the dark hair; and for time he was quite still, content.
 "The little arrow, did you-ever wear it t?' he asked faintly T wish I couid--see it in--your hair The whispered words came with more ef- fort.
 Did you send it, Gideon?" Her face l lighted 1t is so beautiful"
 He smiled his reply, and his satisfac- tion
 My room is next to this Shall I get it?"
 Yes. But don't let-any one come You-alone-I want"
 Esther rose. wondering at such a fancy at such a moment; wondering 1 l[EEI9]Gl