The Yale expositor. (Yale, St. Clair County, Mich.) 1894-current, 1908-01-10
CHAPTER xVl.-continued.


ooh, | do, Lieut. Brant 1t is not
doubt of you at all; but | am not sure,
even within my own heart, that | 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 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 to trust you. Tonight, what
ever you wish may be, will abide by
it. Shall go, 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 firmness, and now 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."
II 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 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
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 II
none of my business"
Il think, perhaps, it 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
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. II don't know, but
hope So" Then she glanced up again
wondering at his continued silence
Don't you understand YETI"
"Oniy 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-but don't you know whC
ann"
He smiled grimly, wondering wha
possible difference that could make
Certainly; you are Miss Nadia Hern
DON"
Il? You have not known? Lieut.
Brant, ] am Nadia Gillis."
He stopped still, again facing her
MAZDA ellis? Do you mean old Gillis
girl? Is Il possible you are the SAM
we rescued on the prairie two year
agV?"
she bowed her head. Eyes; do yor
understand now why ! trust this Bo
HAMPTON?
81 perhaps might comprehend VIII
you should feel grateful to him. bu
not why you should thus consent I
meet with him clandestinely."
He could not see the deep flush upo
her cheeks, but he was not deaf to tn
pitiful falter in her voice.
Because he has been good and tru
60 me-" she explained, frankly, "be
ter than anybody else in all the worlC
dou't care what you say, you an
those others who do not know hin
but believe in him; think he is
man. They won't let me see him, tn
Herndons, nor permit him to come {