Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-06-08

tiOn hurt him
more than any word she had spoken.
Her face was buried in her hands.
Deep sobs shook her shoulders.
Jack followed her to take her again
i'm his arms, but she made no sign OF
forgiveness. Turning. he strobe to the
rack and took down his hat and car
fridge belt Picking up his rifle, he
firmly declared: Il will so. III search
the plains. the mountains and the des-
erts TO find this man. l will offer my
life If it will serve to place the life
YOU love beside you. Goodby."
The sound of the closing Of the door
reused Echo to a full realization of
what she had done. She had driven
the one man she really loved out OF
her life, sent him forth to wander
oycr the face Of the earth in search Of
Dick Lane. for whom she no longer
cared. She must bring her husband
back. She must tell him that he
alone had her heart in his keeping.
NO, no, Jack! Come back! she
allied. Il love you and you alone!
Come back! Come back!"
Before she could throw open the
door and summon him back to happi-
ness and trust Bud, who had heard
he full confession from the room in
which he had taken refuge when he
thought Buck would throw the blame
on Jack. caught her by the arm.
"Stop!' he commanded.
Bud Laner' exclaimed Echo. "YOu
have heard
"1've heard-my brother-he is
alive
Bud spoke rapidly. His belief was
confirmed. He would have full re-
ven.e for what his brother had suf-
fered ut Payson's hands.
To EchO's plea Of Don't stop me!'
he shouted Nor and caught the
young wife and pulled her back from
the doorway. Echo struggled to free
herself. but the young man was too
strong.
HE had ruined Dicks life stolen
from him the woman he loved.' he
Missed in her ear.
Jack. Jackr' was her only an
swer.
mo; he shan't come back. Let him
go as he let my brother go-Out of
your life forever"
81 can't, | can't! l love him.
Throwing Bud off, she ran to the
door. Bud pulled his revolver and
cried. "lf he enters that door I'll kill
him.
Outside Echo heard Jack inquiring,
Echo Echo, you called me"
Echo laid her hand ON the knob to
open the door when she heard the
click of the pistols hammer as Bud
raised it.
With prayer In her eyes she looked
at the young man. He was obdurate.
Nothing could move him.
Turning, she shrieked: mo; I did not
call. Go. In Gods name. go!'
"Goodby," was Jacks farewell. The
rapid beat of horses hoofs told Of his
mounting and riding away.
"Gone! Oh, Bud. Bud. what have
you donc?"
"I should have killed him." was
Buds answer rs he gazed after the
retreating form galloping down the
trail.
Mrs. Allen, hearing Echo's calls. has
tened In from the kitchen. She found
her daughter sobbing ut the table.
"What is the matter. child?'
Then, turning to Bud. she fierccly
demanded OF him. "What have you
been Sayin' to herr
"NOthin'," he replied as h. left the
house.
"Oh. mother, motherw walled Echo.
"Jack-I have sent him away"
Sent him away!" repeated the
startled Mrs. Allen.
YES" assured Echo.
"You don't mean to say he is guilty
you don't mean
mo, no. interrupted Echo. "Oh.
l never thought of that! He must
come back. Call dad, call Slim
Echo had forgotten Jacks promise
to Slim. He, too, in his period OF
stress had overlooked the fact that he
was suspected murderer. Now he
had fed. He must be brought back
to clear his good name.
Mrs. Allen called her husband and
the sheriff into the room.
whats the row?" shouted the sher-
III.
Jacks gonew cried Mrs. Allen.
In amazement the two men could
only repeat the news "Gone!'
"Gone whereY crisply demanded
the sheriff.
Don't stand there starin'; do some
thin" scoldcd Mrs. Allen.
He gave me his word to stay an
face this thing out" shouted the be-
wildered Slim.
Its all my fault. sent him away"
Echo seized Sims hand as she spoke.
"You sent him awayT
She fell on her knees before him.