The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1908-06-25
CHAPTER xvI-continues.

"Oh. I do. Lieut.. Brant II is not
doubt Of you at all; but am not sure.
even within my own heart, that l am
doing just what is right. Besides. il
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 l simply
had to 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
IL. 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 IL 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 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
1t. 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 H."
Certainly not Miss MAZDA; II Ia
none of my business"
Il think, perhaps. IL might be; the
knowledge might help you to under
stand. II 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 a miner, over in the Black Range.
He has not touched 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
frh2n "a 01 nm in
wondering at his continued silence.
Don't you understand YETI"
'Only that you are secretly meeting
a man of the worst reputation, one
knovn the length and breadth of this
border as a gambler and fighter"
Yes; but-but don't you know who
amp"
He smiled grimly. wondering what
possible difference that could make.
"Certainly; you are Miss Nadia Hern-
DON
81? You have not known? Lieut.
Brant, am Nadia ellis"
He stopped still. again facing her
"Nalda ellis? Do you mean old Gillls
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 l trust this Bob
Hampt7n?''
Il perhaps might comprehend why
you should feel grateful TO him, but
not why you should thus consent to
meet with him clandestinely"
lie could not see the deep flush upon
her cheeks. bu, he was not deaf to the
pitiful falter in her voice.
Because he has been good and true
20 me" she explained. frankly. bet
ter than anybody else in all the world.
] don't care what you say, you and
those others who do not know him.
but believe In him: think he is a
man They won't let me see him. the
sierndons. nor permit him to come to