Orange County observer., 1913-09-18


well as my intimacy in the Mcdonald
household. And you propose interfer-
ing, plan to drive me forth from this
pleasant birds nest. Really you amuse
me, Mr.. Sergeant Ham1in.
But l 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
@.You mean that as threat? You
intend to tell herr"
'Not unless it becomes necessary;
l am not proud of the story myself"
Their eyes met, and there was no
shadow Of softness in either face. The
woman's lips curled sarcastically.
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
EOS. You talked that way to me
once before, only to discover that i
had claws with which to scratch.
Don't make that mistake again, Mr..
Sergeant Hamlin, or there will be
something more serious than scratch
ing done. have learned how to fight
in the past few years-Heaven knows
have had opportunity rather
enjoy the excitement How far would
your word go with Molly, do you
think? Or with the Major?"
THAT remains to be SEEM,
Does it? sOh, I understand. You
must still consider yourseH-quite the
lady-killer. Well, let me tell you
ething-she is engaged to Lieu
tenant Gaskins."
Ills hand-grip tightened on the rail-
but there was no change in the ex-
preston of his face.
i so I had heard I presume that
hardly would have been permitted to
happen but for the existence of a Mr..
Dupont. By the way, which one Of
you ladies shot the Lieutenant"
It was chance fire, and Hamlin
| IL,
she drew quick breath, and her voice
faltered.
"Shot-Lieutenant Gaskins?"
Certainly; you. must be aware of
that ?''
"Oh, knew he had some alterca-
ton, and was wounded; he accused
you, did he not? But why bring us
in.o the AFFAIR.""
Because some woman was directly
concerned in it. Whoever she may
be, the officers Of 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 were plainly Wis.
ible, and the revolver used was a
small one-a '36'-such as a woman
alone would carry in this country.
have said SO to no one else, but saw
her, crouching in the shadow of the
barrack wall.
"You-you saw her? Recognized
her?"
"Yes."
"And made no attempt at arrest
Have not even mentioned the fact tc
others? You must have reason p
Il have, Mrs. Dupont, but we viii
not discuss it now. merely wisl
you to comprehend that if it is to bt
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
5discovery. 1t told him that he ha,
played good hand, had found
point-of weakness in her armor. Th
mystery of it remained unsolved, bu
this woman knew who had shot Gas
kins; knew, and had every reason t.
guard the secret. He felt her eye
7 anxiously searching his face, an
laughed a little bitterly
: "You perceive, madam, /" he went or
2 encouraged by her silence, .1 am no
: now exactly the same unsuspectin
youth with whom you played so eas
| lily years ago. / have learned som
a of life's lessons since; among the1
J., how to fight fire with fire. 1t is
j trick of the-plains. Do you still col
f slider it necessary for your happines
|, to remain the guest of the McDo1
/ alds?"
i She Strengthened up, turning he
: eyes away.
Probably >not for long, but it is n
g threat Of yours which influences m,
a It does not even interest me to kno'
s who sho... Lieutenant Gaskins. He