Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-04-23
CHAPTER xI--lcontinuedl


 on de store w'ile I'm down below" His brows knit in a black scowl, and his voice slid off pitch in tone. "W'at he say, eh?"
 "No, no; it's not that. He paid me great compliment" She laughed harshly. "why. he asked me to marry him." The man beside her cursed at this, but she continued: Don't blame him for liking me- I'm the only wo- man for 500 miles around-or I was until this crowd came-so how could he help himself? No; he merely showed me what a fool I've been."
 "I guess you better tell me all bout dis ting" said Poleon gravely. You know I'm all tam ready for help you. Necia. Wen you was little feller an got bust your finger you run to me queeck. an I feex It."
 "Yes, I know, dear Poleon." she as. septed gratefully. You've been q brother to me- and 1 need you now more than I ever needed you before I can't go to father. He wouldn't un derstand. or else he would understand too much and spoil 1t all. his temper is so quick. Don't think I'm unwomanly. Poleon, for I'm not. l may be foolish and faithful and too trusting. but I'm not--unmaidenly. You see. I've never been like other girls, and he was so fine, so different, he made me love him. It's,part of as soldiers training. I suppose. It was so sweet to be near him and to hear him tell of himself and all the world he knows. just Let myself drift. I'm afrald-rm afraid I listened too we'll and my ears heard more than he said. My head is so full of books. you know"
 "He should have know dat, too." said Poleon.
 "Yes." she fared up. "He knew I was only an Indian girl"
 The only color In Doret's face lay now in his cheeks, where tho sun had put 1t, but he smiled at her-his warm, engaging smile-and laid his great brown hand upon her shoulder softly.
 "rve look in bees eye an I'm al- ways t'ink he's good man. I don never t'ink he'll mak' fun of poor little gal"
 But he has. Poleon. That's just what he has done." She came near to breaking down and finished pathetical- ly, 'They're telling the story on the street, so Runnion says"
 "Dat's easy ting for feex," he said. "Runnion she don spread no more story lak' dat"
 "I don't care what they say. want the truth. 1 want to know what he means, what his intentions are. He swears he loves me, and yet he has never asked me to marry him. He has gone too far. He has made fool of me to amuse himself, and-and couldn't see 1t until today. He's laugh ing at me, Poleon; he's laughing at me now! Oh. 1 can't bear itr' The Frenchman took up his wide hat from the counter and placed 1t care fully upon his head, but she stopped him as he moved toward the door, for she read the meaning of the glare in his eyes.
 "Wait till you rnderstand-wait. I say, He hasn't done anything yet"
 "Dat's de trouble. I'm goin' mak in do somet'in'."
 "No, no: It isn't that It's these doubts that are killing me. I'm not s,ire"-
 q hear plaintee," he said. "Dere's no tam for monkey roun'."
 T tell you he may be honest" she declared. "He may mean to marry me. but I've got to know. That's why I came to you. That's what you must find out for me"
 "Tm good trader. Necia," said the Canadian nfter moment. 'I'll mak' bargain wit you now. If he say yes he'll marry you I don' ask no more, but If he say no you geeve i'm to me. Is 1t goY'
 She hesitated, while he continued musingly. 'I don see how no man on all dis worl' could lef' you go." then to her, "Waal. Is 1t bargainT'
 "Yes," she said. the Indian blood speaking now, but you must learn the truth. There must be no mistake. That would be terrible"
 "Dere ain goin' be no mistak'."
 "If he should refuse I--I'll marry some one quick l won't be laughed at by this camp. won't be a joke. Oh, Poleon! I've given myself to him just as truly as if-well. he--he has taken my first kiss"
 Doret smote his hands together at this md began to roll his head back ward from side to. side as If in some gre1t pain. but his lips were dry and silent. After moment the spell left him. the fire died down. leaving only dumb agony in It's place. She came closer and continued:
 "I'l never let them point at me and say, There goes the squaw that-he threw away"
 You mak' dis very hard ting for me-" he said wearily.
 "Listen," she went on. flashing her. self with pity and scorn. You say, Father Barnum will be here on Sun day. We'll. I'll marry some one. donsk no xx,hnyt frl,ov. xx,,&I ..,lIx-