Farmers' champion. (Elgin, Okla.) 1912-1922, 1913-07-17

hh't "ls ctIetuut lttultlN
but | have not proposed anything
OF that nature" the man said quietly.
rising TO his feet. 1T is OF course.
nothing to me. except that Miss Nc
Donald has been very kind and seems
very nice girl. As | knew some
thing OF you and your past. thought
perhaps you might realize how much
better It would be to retire grace
fully"
Itu mean that rs a thrsati You
!lteul /, III herr"
not unless II becomes necessary:
| am not proud OF the story myself"
Their eyes met, and there was no
shadow OF sottnsss In either face. The
womans lips curled sarcas,icslly.
Really. you take yourself quite Sc
riously. do you not' One might think
you still Major OF the Fourth Texas.
and heir TO the old estate on the Bra
zos. You talked that way TO me
once before. only to discover that
had claws with which 70 scratch.
Don't make THAI mtstaks again. Mr..
Sergeant Hamlin. or there will be
something more serious thar scratch
ing done. | have learned how 10 nght
in the past few yesrs-Hsavsa knows
| have had opportunity-ard rather
enjoy the excitement. How Far would
your word 20 with Molly. 90 you
think Or with the Na.cr'-
That remains % be seen
Does tt, Oh. I u1tsrscact You
must still consider Yog-ssl, quite the
ady-hller WsIL let n tel you
scmeChing-sha - Engaged 20 Leu
tenant GasERs.T
His hani.grip 4ghraneG "a he rail.
but there was 10 change = he e1-
preston N iis facs.
so I had heard Z presume cha,
/ hardly vcuid have Ieen permitted 20
happen but for the aziIreucs Q. Mr.
Dupont. By the WY. which one OF
you ladies' shoe the LizQtenaut:"
Il was a chance fire. and Hsmlin
was not sure 0: ia effect, although
she drew quick breath, and her voice
! taltered.
"Shot-Leutsaant Gsskins1-
Certainly; yo1 must be aware of
that1"
"Oh. kneE be had some alterca-
ton, and was wounded: be accused
you. did he not' But Why bring US
into the affair"
Because some woman was directly
concerned In It. Whoever she may
be. the officers o. the fort are con.
vinced that she probably fired the
shot: that the Lieutenant knows her
identity, and Is endeavoring TO shield
her from discovery
"Why do they think that What
reason can they have for such con.
clusion? Was she seem"
Her footprints we're plainly Wis
lble, and the revolver used was q
small one-a '36'-such as a woman
alone would carry In this country
have said 80 70 no one else, but saw
her, crouching In the shadow of the
barrack wall.
'You-you saw her' Recognized
herr"
yes"
And made no attempt at arrest
Have not even mentioned the fact tc
others? You must have a reason?'
IL have, Mrs. Dupont. but we will
not discuss It now. | merely wisl
you to comprehend that it It is to b.
war between us. | am in possession o
weapons"
She had not lost control OF herself
yet there was that about her hesitan
cy OF speech, her quick breathing
which evidenced her surprise at thi
discovery. It told him that he ha
played a good hand. had found
point OF weakness In her armor. TIL
mystery OF II remained unsolved, bu
this woman knew who had shot Ga.
kins; knew, and had every reason t
guard the secret He felt her eye
y anxiousiy searching his face. an
laughed little bitterly.
l. "You perceive, madam. he went OF
e encouraged by her silence, Il am nj
l. now exactly the same unsuspectin
youth with whom you played SO ca
| lily years ago. | have learned SON
h OF life's lessons since; among the
5. how to fight fire with fire. It Is
IL trick OF the plains. DO you still CO
" slider II necessary for your happinel
u. to remain the guest OF the McDo
a. alds!"
She Strengthened up. turning h
r. eyes away.
Probably not for long. but It 10
co threat OF yours which influences m
q II does not even interest me to knC
- who shot Lieutenant Oaskins. Ho