The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1908-01-24
CHAPTER xvI.-continued.

"Oh, | do, Lieut. Brant II is not
doubt OF you at all; but am not sure,
even within my own heart, that | am
doing just what is right Besides. 1t
will he SO difficult to make you, almost
stranger comprehend the peculiar
conditions which influence my action.
Even now you suspect that | am de-
,eitful-a masked sham like those
others we discussed tonight; but |
bave never played a part before. never
skulked in the dark. Tonight simply
lad 70 do t."
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
L. Shall l go. or stay? In either case
fou have nothing to fear"
She drew deep breath, these open
. words of faith touching her more
strongly than would any selfish fault
ending.
Trust begets trust" she replied,
Wi,h rev frmness. 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
formaity In his manner, most keenly
An older woman might have resented
H. but il 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 MAZDA; IL !:
none Of my business"
4 think, perhaps, 1t might be; tho
knowledge might help you 10 under
stand. 1t is Bob Hampton.
lie stared at her. THE gambler
No wonder. then, your meeting Il
clandestine."
She replied Indignantly, her lip
trembling. He is not a gambler; h
IS a miner, over in the Black Range
He has not touched a card In TIVE
years
"0h, reformed has he? And arr
you the instrument that has worked
such a miracle?"
Her eyes fell. Il don't know, but
hone So" Then she glanced up again
wondering at his continued silence
Don't you understand YETI"
Only that you are secretly meeting
man Of the worst reputation, ont
known the length and breadth OF thi
border as gambler and fighter"
Yes. but-but don't you know vh,
amp"
lie smiled grimly, wondering wha
possible difference that could make
Certainly; you are Miss Nadia Herr
dom
l2 You have not known? Lieut.
brant, / am Mazda Gillis."
He stopped still, again facing hel
Nadia ellis? Do you mean old ellis
eirl' Is It possible you are the sam
we rescued on the prairie two year
ago?'
She bowed her head. YES: do 20
understand now why l trust this 30
Hampton"
4 perhaps might comprehend VIII
you should feel grateful to him, bu
not why you should thus consent {
meet with him clandestinely."
lie 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
70 me-" she explained, frankly. "be
Ter than anybody else in all the worl,
don't care what you say, you an
those others who do not know hin
Out believe In him; | think he is
man They won't let me see him, III
aerndons, nor permit him to como