The Montgomery tribune., 1908-05-15

man. Bob Hampton did not kill Red
Slavin. The fellow who did kill him
climbed out of the back window of
the Occidental here, and got away,
while you were chasing the, wrong
man. Mr.. Wynkoop saw him, and so
did your school teacher, Miss Spen.
GER"
Then Wynkoop stepped gamely to
the front. "All that Is true. men.
have been trying ever since to tell
you, but no one would listen. Miss
Spencer and both saw the man jump
from the window; there was blood on
his right arm and hand. He was mis-.
shapen creature whom neither of us
ever saw before, and he disappeared
on run up that ravine. l have no
doubt he was Slavin's murderer"
Now, you fellows, think that over"
said Brant. II intend to post guard
until l find out whether you are going
to prove yourselves fools or men, but
If we sail in again those of you who
start the trouble can expect to 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 Gillis arrlved?"
II don't know, sir; there's a young
woman cryin in the parlor."
The lieutenant leaped up the steps
and entered the house. But It was
Miss Spencer, not Nadia, who sprang
to her feet.
"Oh, Lieut.. Brant; can it be truly
you! How perfectly awful you look!
Do you know If Mr.. Hampton is really
going to die? I came here just to
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. 81 am
informed that he has a good chance
to live, and have already dispatched
word to Miss Gillis regarding his con.
dition. | expect her at any moment"
"How very nice it was of you! Oh,
l trembled so when you first went to
face those angry men! l don't see
how you ever dared do 1t. I did wish
that either Mr.. Moffat or Mr.. Mcneil
could have been here to go with you.
Before Brant could reply his attentive
ear caught the sound of light foot
step in the hallway. He met Nadia
just without, pale and fearless. Both
her hands were extended to him un.
reServedly.
Tell me, will he live?"
"The doctor thinks yes"
Thank God! Oh, thank God!"
She pressed one hand against her
heart to control its throbbing. "You
cannot know what this means to me-"
Her eyes seemed now for the first
time to mark his own deplorable con-
dition. And you? You have not been
hurt, Lieut. Brant?"
He smiled back into her anxious
eyes. Nothing that soap and water
and few days retirement will not
wholly remedy. My wounds are en-.
tirely upon the surface. Shall l con.
duct you to him."
She bowed, apparently forgetful
that one of her hands yet remained
imprisoned in his grasp. "If I may
go. yes. l told Mrs. Herndon l should
remain here if l could be of the
slightest assistance"
They passed up the staircase side
by side, exchanging no further speech.
Once she glanced furtively at his face,
but its very calmness kept the words
upon her lips unuttered. At the door
they encountered Mrs. Guffy, her hon.
est eyes red from weeping.
This Is Miss Gillis, Mrs. Guffy," ex.
planned Brant. "She wishes to see Mr..
Hampton If 1t is possible"
Sure an she can tibet. He's been
askin' after her, an thet pretty face
would kape any man in gud spirits,
I'm thinkin'. Step roight in. miss"
She held the door ajar, but Nadia
paused, glancing back at her motion.
less companion, a CLINT of unshed tears
showing for the first time in her eyes.
"Are you not coming also?"
mo, Miss Nadia. 1t is best for me
to remain without, but my heart goes
with you"
Then the door closed between them.