The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1913-01-16
CHAPTER XXI.
Molly DISAPPEARS.

Without an instants hesitation he
drew aside the curtain, and stepped in
to the room.
Pardon me-" he said quietly, as the
two started back at his rather abrupt
entrance, but l did not care to over
hear your conversation. No doubt it
was intended to be private"
The woman stepped somewhat in
advance of her companion, as though
to shield him from observation, in
stantly mastering her surprise.
Nothing at all serious, Mr.. Ser
geant Hamlin," she retorted scornful-
ly. Don't be melodra matte, please, it
gets on the nerves. If you must know
l was merely giving our ranch fore
man few final instructions, as he
leaves tomorrow. Have you objec-
tions?'
"Assuredly not-your ranch fore.
man, you say? Net him before, l
think. You are the fellow l ordered
out of this room, aren't you?"
The man growled something unirtel-
ligible, but Mrs. Dupont prevented any
direct reply.
That's all right, john she broke in
impatiently. You understand what l
want now, and need not remain any
longer. l have word to say myself
to this man."
She waited an instant while he left
the room; then her eyes defiantly met
Hamlins.
Il was told you had driven every one
out CT here" she said coldly. What
was the gamer"
This room was reserved"
"Pish! keep that explanation for
some one else. You wanted the room
for some purpose. Who have you got
out there?" she pointed at the window.
whether there be any one or not"
lie answered. leaning against the win
dow frame, and thus barring the pass
age. "! fail to see wherein you are
concerned
She laughed.
Which remark is equivalent to a
confession. Dave" suddenly changing,
why should We quarrel, aid misjudge
each other? You cannot suppose l
have forgotten the past, or am indiffer-
ent. Cannot you forgive TIE mistake
of thoughtless girl? Is there any
reason why we should not be, at least,
friendly?"
There. was an appeal in her voice.
but the mans face did not respond"
Lcf
ness over the past" he answered light
ly. Il am willing enough to blot that
out. What am interested in is the
present l should like tc understand
your purpose here at Dodge"
Surely that Is sufficiently clear. l
am merely an exile from honae, on ac-
count of Indian depredatioEs. What
more natural than that l should take
refuge in my unc!e's house"
You mean Major McDonald?"
"Certainly-he was my mothers
only brother
Il think l have heard somewhere
that the Majors only sister married
man named Counts
She drew in her breath sharply.
Yes, Ct course-her first husband"
"Ycu were a daughter then of her
first narriage?'
"Of course"
But assumed the name of Carson
when she married again?"
THAT was when YOU met me-"
The change was natural enough"
he went on But why did you also be-
come Vera in place of Sarah?''
"Oh, is that it? Well, never attempt
to account for the vagaries of GIRL"
she returned lightly, as though dis
missing the subject. II presume I
took a fancy tc the prettier name. But
how did you know?"
"Garrison rumor picks up nearly
everything, and it is not very kind to
you. Mrs. Dupont. l hope I am doing
you favor in saying this. Your rath-
err open Irritation with Lieutenant Gas
kins is common talk, even among en-
listed men, and have heard that your
relations with Major Mcdonald are Pc
culiar."
'1ndeed!" with a rising infection OF
the voice. How kind Of you, and SO
delicately expressed" She laughed.
"And poor Major Mcdonald! Really.
that is ridiculous. Gould you Imagine
my flirting with him?
II have no recollection of using that
term in this connection. But you have
strange influence over him: For some
reason the man is apparently afraid of
YOU" q
Afraid of me? Oh no! Some one
has been fooling you, Dave. j am
merely Major McDonald:s guest. i
wonder who told you that? Shall !
guess?" Az
Before he could realize her purpose
the woman took a hasty step forward,
and swept aside the curtain, thrusting
her head past to where she could gain
a view outside. Hamlin pressed her
back with one hand. planting himself
squarely before the window. She met
his eyes spitetully. *.
II was mistaken this time" she &c
knowledged drawing away, but I'd