Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1908-02-12
CHAPTER xvI.-continued.


"Oh, 1 do, Lieut. Brant. It is not
doubt of you at all; but am not sure
even within my own heart, that 1 an
doing just what is right. Besides, il
will be so difficult to make you, almost
stranger, comprehend the peculiar
conditions which influence my action
Even now you suspect that 1 am de
ceitful-a masked sham like those
others we discussed tonight; but
have never played part before, never
skulked in the dark. Tonight 1 simply
had 20 do it."
Then attempt no explanation" he
said, gently, and believe me, l 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 firmness, and now gazing
frankly into his face You can walk
with me 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 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 keenIy.
An elder 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.
"Liet>. Brant," she said, at last,
you do not ask me who the man is
Certainly not, Miss Nadia; it is
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
trembling. He is not a gambler; he
is 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 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
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
l ann"
He smiled grimly, wondering what
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 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 1 trust this Bot
Hampton"
4 perhaps might comprehend why
you should feel grateful to him. but
not why you should thus consent t.
meet with him clandestinely."
He could not see the deep flush upon
her cheeks, but he was not deaf to the
pitiful falter in her voice.
Because he has been good and syus
to me" she explained, frankly, bet
ter than anybody else in all the world
don't care what you say, you anG
those others who do not know him
but believe in him; think he is {
man. They won't let me see him. the
Herndons. nor permit him to come tt