Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1908-01-18
CHAPTER xvI.-continued.

''Oh, l do, Lieut.. Brant. 1t is not
doubt of you at all; but l am not sure,
even within my own heart, that 1 am
doing just. what is right. Besides, it
will be so difficult to make you, almost
a stranger, comprehend the peculiar
conditions which influence my action.
Even now you suspect that | am de-
ceitful-a masked sham like those
others we discussed tonight; but /
have never played a part before, never
skulked in the dark Tonight / simply
had to do it,
Then attempt no explanation, he
said, gently, fand believe me, I shall
continue to trust you Tonight, what
ever you~wish may be, l will abide by
it. Shall 1 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 firmness, and now gazing
frankly into his face. You can walk
with me a portion of the way if you
wish. but 1 am going to tell you the
TRUTH have an appointment with q
man.
said, with assumed calmness. But
the way is so lonely l prefer walking
with you until you have some other
protector"
She accepted his proffered arm, feel
ing the constraint in his tone, the
formality in his manner, most keenly.
An older woman might have resented
it, but it only served to sadden and
ON or hnr 10 lii 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"
4 think. perhaps, it might be; the
knowledge might help you to under
stand. 1t is Bob Hampton
He stared at her. 1.-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 miracle?"
Her eyes fell. Il don't know, but ]
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 a gambler and fighter"
Yes; but-but don't you know who
1 ann
He smiled grimly. wondering what
possible difference that could make
| Certainly; you are Miss Nadia Hern
dom
Il? You have not known? Lieut.
| Brant 1 am Nadia Gillis"
| He stopped still, again facing her
MAZDA Gillis2 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 Bot
1 Hampton
L perhaps might comprehend why
you should feel grateful to him, bu,
| not why you should thus consent tc
meet with him clandestinely-
He could not see the deep flush upor
her cheeks, but he 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
| I don't care what you say, you and
those others who do not know him
but / believe in him; think he is
man. They won't let me see him. thu
Herndons, nor permit him to come q