Semi-weekly herald., 1911-07-24
He drew his breath sharply. -

round race rosy.
Then you have got to listen to ns
for I'm deadly In earnest. I'm An old,
rough. bald-headed fool that dean
know much about womeu--I never,
thought before I'd ever want to,-but
you can bet on one thing. I'm square.
Anybody In this town will tell you
I'm square. They'll tell you that
whatever l says goes. I've never run
around much with women; somehow
] never exactly liked the kind I've
come UP against. and maybe they did
mt feel any particular interest In me-.
| didn't cut much shine as a ladies'
man, but, | reckon now. It's only be-
cause the right one hadn't happened
along She is here now, though all
right. and knew II the very first umel
| set eyes on her. Oh, you roped and
tied me all right the first throw May
be did get you and that half-sister
mixed up a bit, but Just the same you
were the one really wanted. Hopes
all right: she's mighty fins girl, but
You are tho one for me, Christie
Could you-could you care for such
dunfer as | ann"
Her lips were smiling and so were
her eyes, but it was a pleading smile.
Il don't think 1t would be SO
very hard" she admitted. mot II you
really wanted me to-"
"You know what mean-that lovs
you-wish you to be my wife7"
II supposed that was it--that-thai
you wanted me"
Yes, and-and you will lover"
Her head dropped slowly. so slowly
he did not realize the Significance of
the action until her lips touched his
hand
81 do" she said; you are the best
man In the world"
Fairbnin could not move. could not
seem to realize what 1t all meant The
outcome had been so sudden, 30 sur
prising. that all power OF expression
deserted him. In bewilderment he
lifted her face and looked into bss
eyes. Perhaps she realized-with the
the mans perplexity. for instantly she
led his mind to other things.
But let US not talk OF ourselves
any more. tonight. There IL SO much
wish to know: so much that ought
to be done" She sprang to her feet.
why, 1t is almost shameful for us to
stay here. selfishly happy. while 9TH
ers are In such trouble, Have thsy
discovered Hopper"
NO; we secured the whole town
and found no trace Now they are out
side on the prairie. but there can be
little chance OF their picking up .
trail before daylight"
"And Hawley?"
'He has vanished also; without
doubt they are together. What DO
you suppose he can want OF her7 How
do you imagine he ever got her to
go with him? She isn't that sort Of .
girl"
She shook her head, shivering q lit
tie.
He must have mistaken her for
me-perhaps has not even yet disoov-
cred his mistake. But what 1t all
means, or how he gained her consent
to go with him. cannot conceive"
She stood with hands clasped, star
Ing out of the window.
There is a little light showing al
ready" she exclaimed, pointing. See,
yonder. Oh, | trust they will find her
alive and unhurt. That man. ! b.
lieve. is capable OF any crime. But
couldn't you be OF some help? Why
should you remain here with moi l
am In no danger"
you really wish me to 20. Chris
tie?"
mot that way-not that way" and
she turned impulsively, with hands
outstretched. "Of course | want you
here with me, but want you TO help
bring Hope back"
He drew her to him. supremsly hap
by now, every feeling OF embarrass-
ment lost In complete certainty of pos
session.
And I WILL" he said solemnly.
"Wherever they may have gone shall
follow. | am going now. dear. and
when come back you'll be glad to see
me?"
Shall II" her eyes uplifted TO his
own. and swimming In tears. II will
be the happiest girl In all the world,
reckon. Oh. what night this has
been! What a wonderful night It
has given mo q name. mother. and
the man ! love"
He kissed her. not in passion, but
in simple tenderness, and ~ he turned
away she sank upon her knees at the
window. with head bowed upon the
sill. At the door he paused and
looked back, and she turned and
smiled at him. Then he went out.
and she knelt there silently, gazing
forth into the dawn. her eyes blurred
with tears-facing 4 now day, and a
new life.
N~~ns ,