The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1913-05-01

between clenched teeth. Hell, man.
you startled me-"
80 1 see; nervous disposition, I
reckon. Well, are you going quietly,
or shall l hoist you over the rail?"
Il had an appointment here"
Cant help that, partner. This
porch is going to be vacant inside of
one minute, or there is a declaration
OF war. Your easiest way out is
through that window, but you can go
by rail if you prefer"
The black beard wasted half his al
lowed time in an effort to buster;
then, to Hamlin's utter disgust, skunk
through the open window and across
the darkened parlor.
"The pusillanimous cuss," the latter
muttered, hes worse han a cur dog.
Blamed if he wasn't actually afraid
Of me. A gun-fghter-pugh!" He
lifted his voice, as "Reb" paused in
the light of the hall beyond and
glanced back, a fist doubled and up
lifted. ooh, go on! Sure, you'll get
me? You are the brave boy, now"
and Hamlin strobe toward the door
threateningly. "Lope along, son, and
don't turn around again until you face
the bar"
He drew the door partially to again,
and sat down facing the opening.
where a stray beam Of light fell
across the floor. Thus far the adven-
ture had scarcely proven interesting.
The last encounter had been a distinct
disappointment. The dispersal of the
card-players was, as anticipated, easily
managed, but the reputation of "Reb"
as killer and bad man had given him
hope Of resistance. But instead he
had proven a perfect lamb. Hamlin
crossed his legs and waited, his mind
divided in wonder between what Miss
Mcdonald might want, and the COW.
ardice Of the fellow just driven out.
The man was actually afraid-afraid
to start a row. Yet he had got to his
feet with that intention; it was only
after he had looked into Hamlln's
face and asked his name, that he be-
gan to hedge and draw back. Could
he have recognized him? Could Mrs.
Dupont have warned him of danger in
his direction? That would seem i'm
possible, for the woman had not been
with him for even a minute since their
conversation. She had given him a
swift signal at the door of the dance
hall, but hat could scarcely account
for his present desire to avoid trouble.
An engagement? Probably with Mrs.
Dupont. But what was the use Of
specializing? Perhaps when the girl
came she would have some light to
throw on these matters. Surely her
sudden determination to see him pri-
vately must have connection with this
affair.
These thoughts came swiftly, for his
period of waiting proved to be but a
short one. He heard the laughter and
talk as the merry-makers came into
the hotel from the dance hall, crowd
ing the passage, and thronging in to
where the tables were set. Then a
rattle of dishes, and the steady shut
fling of walters rushing back and
forth. Occasionally he could distin-
guish a shadow out in the hall, but
eve changed his m%otionless posture.
or removed his eyes from the aper-
ture, until she slipped noiselessly
through and stood there panting
Slightly, her hand clasping the knob
Of the door. Apparently in the semi
darkness of the room she was uncer-
tain of his presence, while her white
dress touched by the outside relec-
ton made her clearly visible.
ut is all right, Miss Mcdonald" he
murmured hastily, arising. There is
nothing to fear"
you are here-alone?"
YES" smiling in memory. ""There
were occupants when l first arrived.
but they were persuaded to depart |
had a suspicion you might prefer it
that way"
Eyes," puzzled by his manner yet
softly pushing the door back SO as to
exclude the light. Il can see better
now. Are-are you sure no one can
overhear? l have something to tell
you-something important"
There is no n else here, yet some
one might stumble INTO this room.
1t is not private, you know. We shall
be safer on the porch outside. Will
you take my hand, and let me guide
you?"
She did SO unhesitatingly, but her
fingers were cold, and he could feel
the twitching Of her nerves.
you are frightened-not Of me,
surely?"
ooh, mol" a slight catch in her
voice, "but I am running such a risk
venturing here. IL had to pretend a
sick-headache to get away. You must
not condemn me until you hear why
I came"
Il condemn? Hardly, Miss Melon
aid. am merely a soldier receiving
orders; mine not to question why
Here is the window; now sit down on
this bench. I'll keep guard. and
listen" His voice sank lower, a little
touch Of tenderness in 1t impossible
to disguise. "Are you in trouble? Is
1t something ! car aid you to over.
Gomez"