The Oklahoma miner. [volume] (Krebs, Okla.) 1912-192?, 1913-06-26

me, Mr.. Sergeant Hamlin."
But ] have not proposed anything
Of that nature" the man said quietly,
rising 10 his feet Z is. Of course,
nothing 10 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 a threat? You
intend 10 tell herr"
Not unless Il becomes necessarv;
! an not proud q the story myself"
Their eyes met. and there was no
shadow Of softness IN either face. The
Eomans 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 10 the old estate on the Bra
zos. You talked that way TO me
once before, only TO discover that
had claws with which 10 scratch.
Don't make that mistake again. Mr.
Sergeant Hamlin, or there will be
something more serious than scratch
ing done. I have learned how to fight
in the past few Heaven knows
l have had opportunity-and rather
enjoy the excitement How far would
your word go with Molly. do you
think? Or with the Maori"
That remains to be seen"
Does it? Oh, ! understand. You
must still consider yourself quite the
lady-killer. Well. let me tell you
something-she is engaged to Lieu.
tenant Gaskins."
His handgrip tightened on the rail, |
but there was no change in the ex-
preston OF his face.
SO l 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?
1t was a chance fire, and HamIin |
was not sure of IT'S effect, although |
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
into the AFFAIR.""
Because some woman was directly |
concerned in It. Whoever she NAV
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 that7 What |
reason can they have for such a con.
clusion? Was she seem"
Her footprints were plainly Wis.
ible. and the revolver used was a /
small one-a '3G'-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 all.
'You-you saw her? Recognized
herr"
Yes"
And made no attempt at arrest?
Have not even mentioned the fact to
others? You must have a reason ?"
Il have, Mrs. Dupont, but we will /
not discuss il now. / merely wish /
you to comprehend that II II is to be .
war between US, am I'm possession of /
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 this
discovery. 1t told him that he had
played a good hand, had found a
point Of weakness in her armor. The
mystery OF II remained unsolved. but
this woman knew who had shot Gas
kins; knew, and had every reason to
guard the secret He felt her eyes
anXiously searching his face. and
laughed d little bitterly.
You perceive, madam, he went on.
encouraged by her silence, Il am not
now exactly the same unsuspecting
youth with whom you played SO cas-
lily years ago. ! have learned some
OF life's lessons since; among them
how to fight fire with fire. II is a
trick OF the plains. DO you still con
slider It necessary for your happiness
to remain the guest OF the Melon
alds?"
She Strengthened up, turning her
eyes away.
Probably not for long, but II is no
threat OF yours which Influences me
Ii does not even interest me to know
who sho: Lieutenant Gaskins. He is