Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-02-23

prove himself. He'll either show that
he has got to have you at any cost. or
that you are right in your decision. II
the first should happen, you can come
back to him; If the last-why, it will
be better for you, anyhow. AS long as
you stay here neither one of you can
see clearly"
She was touched by his interest, and
realized the force of his argument, which,
strange to say, seemed to second her
own thoughts; yet she hesitated.
Il want to help you-I'm going to help
you-because I've got an interest In you
like you were mine. Again he betrayed
that strange mirthless amusement.
There is no place for me to CO." said
Necia, blankly, except the mission, and
have no way of getting there"
Don't you worry. I'll furnish the
means, and you'd better go tonight
she fiinched-"yes. tonight; there's no use
prolonging your agony. I'll get a boat
ready and send trusty man with
you. The current is swift, and
If he rows well you can make it
by tomorrow evening. That's only one
night out, and I'll put some blankets
aboard so you can wrap up and have a
sIeep."
II feel as If I'd never sleep again."
she sighed: -..-
Now, now, this will come out all
right yet. I'd take you down there my
self, but I've got to stay here. I've got
work to do. Yes, I've sure got work of
Importance ahead Of me-"
II must go back and get some
clothes she said. At which he would
have demurred had he not seen that she
could not travel in her present condi-
ton.
Very well. But don't let anybody
see you"
"Of course not"
IT'S getting late, and your folks will
be abed." He looked at his watch.
Midnight! Be here in an hour, and
I'll have the skiff ready"
The light of sacrifice was in Necia's
eyes, and her cheeks were blanched with
the pallor Of a great resolution. She
did not stop to reason why or how she
had been led to this disposal of her
future, but clutched desperately at
Stark's plan of rescue from her agoniz-
ing predicament.
III be here in an hour" she said,
simply. .....
He let her out, closed the door after
her, and locked 1t; then. drawing a deep
| breath, he raised his clenched hands
| above his head, and gave a great sigh
| Of exultation. Next he took out his six
shooter and examined it carefully. The
shells did not suit him, so he filled the
| gun with new ones, loosened the three
| lower buttons of his vest, and slid the
weapon inside his trousers band; then,
| .acing the direction Of Gales trading
post, he spoke aloud:
Il was a long time coming, Gaylord,
but I'm here, and I've got you where
I've wanted you these fifteen years
yes, and I've got you, too, Burrelll By
| God, this is my ntght!'
HIS 1.-THE body became panther-like in
poise, his bearing that Of the meat
| eating animal, and his face set in a
nerce, exultant cruelty as he blew out
his light and left the cabin.
Lieutenant Burrell was considerably
taken aback when, quarter of an hour
after the young lovers ecstatic return to
his quarters, Gale knocked at his door,
for the traders visit, coupled with the
late hour and his sombre countenance,
| forecast new complications.
Hes here to object, but 1t won't
CO." thought the lieutenant, as he made
| his visitor welcome.
1t was the traders first glimpse of the
| officers quarters, and he cast a rowing
| eye over the room, as If measuring the
owners character by his surroundings.
1--WE got to have long talk with you,
Burren," he began, with an effort. tits
| liable to take me an hour or two.
Then take this chair and be comfort
able" $50
Meade swung his big reading chair out
beneath the hanging lamp, and, going to
| the sideboard, brought back bottle, some
| glasses, and a pouch Of tobacco. Noting
| the old mans sigh of fatigue as he sat
| himself down heavily, he remarked SYM
| patheticalIy:,
"Mr. Gale you've made long trip to-
day, and you must be tired. If this talk
is to be as lengthy as you say, why not
have a drink with me now, and postpone
| 1t until tomorrow"
1--WE been tired for eighteen years." the
| other replied; tonight 1 hope to get
rested" He lapsed into silence, watching
1 his host pour out two glasses of liquor,
| fill his pipe, and then stretch himself out
| contentedly his feet resting on another
chair-a picture of youthful strength, vi
| tally and determination, Beneath the
| lieutenant's flannel shirt the long, slim
muscles showed free and full, and the firm
set of jaw and lip denoted mind at
rest and confident Of itself. Gale found
himself for a moment jealousy regarding
| the youth and his enviable state of con-
tentment and decision.
We'll, let's get at It." the younger
man finally said.
''I suppose you'll want to interrupt and
question me a heap, but I'll ask you to
let me tell this story the way it comes to
me. till get It out, then we can go back
and take up the queer stuff. 1t runs back
eighteen or twenty years, and, being as
it's a part of hidden life, it isn't easy to
| tell. You'll be the first one to hear 1t,
and 1 reckon you're enough like other
| men to disbelieve-you're not old enough
and YOU haven't knocked around enough
/ 10 learn that nothing is impossible, that
| nothing is strange enough to be unreas-
enable Likewise, you'll want to know
what all this has to do with you and
Necia-yes, she told me about you and
her and that's why I'm here" He paused
you really think you love her, do your
Burrell removed his pipe and gazed at
/ its coal impersonally.
| Continued i'm Next Issue