The copper era and Morenci leader., 1912-03-01

they had made across the desert So far as eye could reach nothing moved, nothing apparently existed. Fronting again to the north he looked upon the same grim barrenness, only that far of. against the lighter background of distant sky. there was visible faint blur, bluish> haze, which he believed to be the distant sand dunes border ing the Arkansas. The intense dreari- ness of it all left 8 feeling ofdepress1on. His eyes turned and regarded the girl riding silently beside him. The same look of depression was visible upon her face, and she was gazing of into the dull distance with lack-luster eyes, her slender form leaning forward, her hands clasped across the pommel. The long weariness of the night had left traces on her young face, robbing 1t of some of it's freshness, yet Keith found it more attractive in the grow ing daylight than amid the lamp shad- ows of the evening before. He had not previously realized the peculiar clearness of her complexion, the rose tint showing through the olive skin, or the soft and silky f1neness of her
 
 ly becoming under the broad brim of the hat she wore, drawn low until 1t shadowed her eyes. It was not face to be easily associated with frontier concert halls, or any surrender to evil; the chin round and firm, the lips full, yet sufficiently compressed; tho whole expression that of pure and dignified womanhood. She puzzled him. and he scarcely knew what to believe, or exactly how to act toward her.
 Our friends back wonder should be turning out from the corral by now" he said finally, anxious to break the silence, for she had not spoken since he ended his tale. Tt will not be long until they discover Hawley's predicament, and perhaps the welkin already rings with profanity. That may even account for the blue haze out yonder."
 She turned her eyes toward him. and the slightest trace of smile ap- peared from out of the depths of their weariness.
 If they would only remain satisfied with that Will they follow us. do you think? And are we far enough away by this time to be safer"
 'It is hardly likely they will let us escape without a chase" he answered slowly. We possess too much infor- nation now that we have their rem dezvous located. and Black Bart will have a private grudge to revenge. l wonder if he suspects who attacked himi But don't worry, Miss Hope; we have miles the start, and the wind has been strong enough to cover our trail. Do you see that dark irregular ity ahead3"
 Yes; Is 1t a cloud?"
 tNo; the Arkansas sand dunes. am going to try to keep the horses moving until we arrive there. Then we will halt and eat whatever Neb has packed behind him, and rest for an hour or two. You look very tired. but I hope you can keep up for that distance. We shall be safely out of sight then"
 Indeed, am tired; the strain of waiting alone in that cabin, and all that happened last night, have tried me severely. But-but I can go through" I
 Her voice proved her weakness, al- IQOuSn It was QeLermluoQ enough, ana Keith, yielding to sudden impulse, put out his hand, and permitted it to rest upon hers, clasped across the pommel. Her eyes dropped, but there was no change of posture.
 Your nerve Is all right" he said, admiringly, you have shown yourself a brave girl. 'rs" .->'
 's'T could not be coward, and be, my fathers daughter" she replied, with an odd accent of pride fn her choking voice; but have been afraid, andAand T. am still" 's-'- ''
 '."tOf what? Surely, not that those fellows will ever catch up with us?"
 -''No, hardly know what, only there is a dread I cannot seem to shake oil. as if some evil impended. the coming of 'which'I can feel, but not see Have you ever experienced any such pre- mo1aftfou'e e''io> ';'.' '''~'''' - '''s'i
 He laughed, withdrawing his hand.
 .s'I think not. I am far too prosaio mortal to allow dreams to worry me. So far have discovered sufficient trouble in real life to keep my brain active. Even now cannot forget how hungry I ann
 She did not aiiiswer, comprehending how useless 1t would be to explain, and q little ashamed of her own H. defned fears, and thus they rode on in sflenceo He did not notice that she glanced aside at him shyly, marking | the outline of his .clear-cut features. rEs. IL-L :