The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1913-01-02

"Will You Deny 1t Now?"
terness, why did you come here? VIII.
consent to meet me again."
my yielding was to q second i'm
pulse. At first I decided to ignor,
your note; then came the second con
sideration-Miss Mcdonald"
"Oh," and she laughed, cat last
! read the riddle. Not satisfied will
saving that young lady from savages
you would also preserve her youthful
innocence from the contamination O.
my influence. Quite noble of you
surely. Are you aware of our rela
tionship?"
II have heard it referred to-gar
rison rumor."
Quite true, in spite of your source
of information, which accounts, in &
measure, for my presence here as
we'll as my intimacy in the Mcdonald
household. And you propose interior
ing, plan to drive me forth from this
pleasant birds nest. Really you amuse
me, Mr.. Sergeant Hamlin."
"But l have not proposed anything
of that nature" the man said quietly
rising to his feet. ut 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. I thought
perhaps you might realize how much
better it would be to retire grace
fully"
"You mean that as a threat? You
intend to tell herr"
mot unless it becomes necessary;
Lam not prouI of the story myself
Their eyes met, and there was nc
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
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. l have learned how to fight
in the past few years-Heaven knows
I have had opportunity-and rather
enjoy the excitement. How far would
your word go with Molly, do you
think? Or with the Major?"
THAT remains to be SEEN"
Does it? Oh, 1 understand. You
must still consider yourself quite the
lady-killer. Well, let me tell you
something-she is engaged to Lieu.
tenant Gaskins."
His hand-grip frightened on the rail,
but there was no change in the ex.
preston of his face.
$50 l had heard. 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"
1t was chance fire, and Hamlin
was not sure of its effect, although
she drew quick breath. and her voice
faltered.
"Shot-Lieutenant Gaskins?"
Certainly; you must be aware OF
that?"
"Oh, l knew he had some alterca
ton, and was wounded; he 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 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" IL
'Why do they think that? What
reason can they have for such a con,
clusion? Was she SEEM"
"Her footprints were plainly Wis.
ible, and the revolver used was
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
oarrack wall.
'You-you saw herr Recognized
her?",
yes"
"And made no attempt at arrest!
Have not even mentioned the fact to
others? You must have reason?"
II have, Mrs. Dupont, but we will
not discuss 1t now. merely wish
you to comprehend that II 1t Is to be
war between us. am In possession Of
weapons."
2he had not lost control Of herself.
Dn.Was that about her hesitan-
IliQk breathing,