The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1908-02-13

man. Bob Hampton ala no kin Red
Slayln. The follow who did klll him
climbed out Of The back window OF
the Occidental here. and got away.
while you were chasing the wfong
man Mr. Wynkoop saw him, and so
dld your school teacher Miss spen.
Ger"
Then Wynkoop stepped gamely 70
the front. IAN that Is true. men, I
have been trying ever since to toll
you. but no one would listen. Miss
Spencer and I both saw the man jump
from the window; there was blood on
his right arm and hand. Tie was a mis-.
shapen creature whom neither OF as
ever saw before, and be disappeared
on a run an that ravine. have no
doubt he was slavln's murderer"
"Now, You fellows. think that over.
said Brant. Il intend to post a guard
until / find out whether you are going
to prove yourselves fools OF men. but
II We sail In again those OF you who
start the trouble can expect 10 get
hurt, and pay for the piper. That's
all"
In front Of the hotel porch he met
his first sergeant coming out.
What does the doctor say about
Hampton"
"A very bad wound, sir; but not nee
essarily fatal; he has regained con-
sciousness.
Has Miss ellis arrived
4 don't know, sir; there's a young
woman cryin' in the parlor.
The lieutenant leaped no the steps
and entered the house. But II was
Miss Spencer. not Nadia. who sprang
to her feet.
"Oh, Lieut., Brant; can Il be truly
youl How perfectly awful you look,
Do you know II Mr.. Hampton Is really
going to die? / came here just 10
find out about him, and tell Nadia.
She is almost frantic. poor thing.
Though Brant doubted Miss Spen.
GERS honesty Of statement. his reply
was direct and unhesitating. Il am
informed that he has a good chance
70 live, and I have already dispatched
word 20 Miss GiIis regarding his con-
dition. | expect her at any moment
How very nice Il was OF you, Oh.
/ trembled so when you FIRST went to
face those angry mem I don't see
how you ever dared do Il. J did wish
that either Mr.. Mofat or Mr.. Mcneil
could have been here to 90 with you.
Before Brant could reply his attentive
ear caught the sound Of a light foot
step in the hallway. He INST MAZDA
just without, pale and fearless. Both
her hands we're extended to him I'M
~reservedly.
Tell me. will he live?"
The doctor thinks yes"
Thank Cod oh. thank Godi"
She pressed one hand against her
heart to control its t~hrobbing. You
cannot know what this means to me
Her eyes seemed now for the FIRST
time to mark his own deplorable con.
diuon. And you? You have not been
hurt, Lieut.. Brant?"
He smiled back into her anxious
eyes. Nothing that soap and water
and a few days retirement will not
wholly remedy. My rounds are en-.
tiTely upon the surface. Shall / con
nutt you 10 MIN
She bowed. apparently forgetfuI
that n OF her hands yet remained
imprisoned I'm his grasp. III ] NAV
go, yes. I told Mrs. Herndon I should
remain here n I could be OF the
slightest assistance"
They passed up the staircase side
by side. exchanging no further speech.
Once she glanced furtiyely az his face.
but It's very calmuess kept the words
upon her lips unuttered Al the door
they encountered Mrs. GuHy, her hon.
est eyes red from weeping.
This Is Miss Gnlis. Mrs Guny ex.
planned Brant. "she wishes 10 see Mr..
Hampton II Il Is possible.
Sure an she can tibet. He's been
askln' after her, an thet pretty face
would kape any man In gud spirits.
I'm thinldn' Step roight In. miss
She held the door aiar, hut Nadia
paused. glancing back at her motion
less companion. a CLINT Of unshed tears
showing tor the FIRST time Ia her eyes,
Are you not coming disO?"
mo. Miss Nadia. Il Is best for me
70 remain without but my heart goes
with you.
Then the door closed between them.
CHAPTER XIV.