The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-10-22
THE DANGER TRAIL
JAMES OLIVER CURWOOD

eAhN 6iOAAOuo WI ia AIlCu Will q
promise that stirred his blood like
sharp wine. He crushed her hands
once more to his breast as he had
done on the Great North Trail,
holding her so close that he could
feel the throbbing of her bosom
against him. He spoke no word
and still her eyes pleaded with him
to go. Suddenly he freed one of his
hands and brushed back the thick
hair from her brow an dturned her
face gently, until what dim light
came down from the stars above
glowed in the beauty of her eyes.
In his own face she saw that which
he had not dared to speak, and
from her lips there came a soft lit
tie sobbing cry.
mo, have not promised-and l
will not PROMISE" he said, holding
her face so that she could not look
away from him. Forgive me for
-for-doing this" And before
she could move ne caught her for
moment close In his arms, holding
her so that he felt the quick beat
ing of her heart against his own,
the sweep of her hair and breath
in his face. This is why l will
not go back" he cried softly. ut
is because I love you-love you"
He caught himself, choking back
the wards, and as she drew away
from him her eyes shone with a
glory that made him half reach out
his arms to her.
You will forgive mel" he beg
ged. Il do not mean to do wrong.
Only, you must know why l shall
not go back into the SOUTH"
From her distance she saw his
arms stretched like shadows
toward her. Her voice was low, so
low that he could hardly hear the
words she spoke, but its sweetness
| thrilled him.
thing for me. You will go tomor-
row."
And your"
"I?" He heard the tremulous
culver in her voice. Every soon
you will forget that you have
| ever-seen-me."
From down the path there came
the sound of low voices. Excited
ly the girl ran to Rowland, thrust
ing him back with her hands.
60! Co." she cried tensely
Hurry back to the cabin! Lock
your .dOOr-and don't come out
again tonight Oh, please. If you
love me, please, go"
The voices we're approaching
Rowland fancied that he could dis
tinguish dark shadows between the
thinned walls Of the forset. He
laughed softly.
| Il am not going to run, little
girl" he whispered. "SeH" He
drew his revolver so that ii
cleaned in the light Of the stars.
With a frightened gasp the girl
pulled him into the thick bushes
beside the path until they stood a
dozen PAGES from where those who
were coming down the trail would
pass. There was silence as How
land slipped his weapon back into
its holster. Then the voices came
again, very near, and at the sound
of them his companion sharnk close
to him, her hands clutching his
arms, her white, frightened face
raised to him in piteous appeal. His
blood leaped through him like fire.
He knew that the girl had recog-
nized the voices--that they who
were about to pass him were the
mysterious enemies against whom
she had warned him. Perhaps they
were the two who had attacked
him on the Great North Trail. His
muscles grew tense. The girl
could feel them straining under her
hands, and could feel his body grow
rigid and alert. His hand fell
again on his revolver; he made a
step past her. his eyes flashing. his
face as set as iron. Almost sob.
bling. he pressed herself against
his breast. holding him back.
| (COntinued.)