The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
CHAPTER XIX.


 UT AM glad you came" she said
 simply, her voice trembling
 slightly. T--I have wanted to
 talk with you alone for three years-ever since | began to be a woman. But I have been afraid of you. Ever since was child have been taught that. and 1t is hard to break away. You are only like the rest of us-like Colonel Donald, like Judge Dunn-you were born into this feud, and have fought and hated be- cause you knew nothing else. want you to see this as I do. You have to think of noe as a friend. I want you % feel the same toward my friends.'
 "Who do yer mean. miss?"
 '@Those you have fought all your life -Jem Donald"-
 ssNot in thousan' yearsw Daniels interrupted hotly. dropping her hand as If 1t were a coal of Are and rais- fng his gaunt form from the chair "Ye're a woman, an somehow yer came at me jist right: but it's goin' ter take flghtin'. and plenty of it, afore Jem Donald an me settle our trouble. Thar's too many dead folks an burned houses atween us fer any sich foolishness. Ye've got us about wiped out: what was left afore ther war has been finished by these yere guerrillas lem Donald has turned lose in ther hills. I come back yere, an everywhar go it's a dead pan- iels; an' yer ask me ter be peacefulr' He strengthened up, his eyes hard. T tell ye want my wife an kids first. ain't got nuthin' special agin you, Miss Jean. reckon 'tain't your fault we're what yer are: but fer Jem Donald an thet young calf of Dunn, I'm layin' till either git lem CT they git me. Leftenant, I'm a-goin' ter git out O yere. feel like was caught in . trap"
 He took one step toward the door, then leaped backward, his knife out, and gleaming in his hand. Standing with back to the entrance. I neither saw nor heard anything, but Jeans face went instantly white, and her fn~'rs convulsively gripped the dress. CT. Then the knife dropped to tho floor and Daniels arms were elevated
 "I reckon yer got me- he said, the words sounding odd in the silence Donald stood in the doorway, his fac, like that of statue, the black mug zle of a revolver covering the noun taineer. Donald alone seemed cool. self possessed and capable of action.
 T hardly understand the nature oi this little gathering" he said slowly. s.and 1t may be am not welcome, bu. I am glad to see you. Bill Daniels, and I advise you to keep those hands up until say otherwise. Jean, what are you doing hereT
 These questions aroused her instant ly, the color flooding back to her cheeks. Her first feeling was evident ly that of indignation.
 ''1 refuse to answer" she exclaimed. standing erect before him, until you lower that revolver. Daniels is unarm- ed and here to meet me upon a mis sion of peace"
 Donald's face pictured his surprise but he made no attempt to question her word. I saw his eyes wander froI her face to that of the mountainee, Then he showed the gun back into h belt.
 ''Very well, little girl.' his tone care lessly good humored "You can dro. your hands. Daniels. only advise yot not to reach for the knife. Now, Jean do you mind explaining the meanin: of all this?''
 "Then first answer me one question Did you know Daniels cabin on Lost Creek had been destroyedy'
 The colonel's face sobered-
 "I did not"