The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1913-11-15

desert him instantly.
"Who-who says so?" and he
stepped back farther into the shadow
Il do, II you need to know" pleas
antly enough. Sergeant Hamlln, Sew
enth Cavalry"
Obi" the exclamation came from
between clenched teeth. Hell, man,
you startled me-"
so see; nervous disposition, /
reckon. Well. are you going quietly,
or shall hoist you over the rail?"
l had an appointment here"
cant help that, partner. This
porch is going to be vacant inside of
one minute, or there is declaration
OF war Your easiest way out is
through that window, but you can go
by rail II 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 ddrkened parlor.
The pusillanimous cuss," the latter
muttered, hes worse than n cur dog
Blamed If he wasn't actually afraid
OF me. A gun.hghter-pughl" He
4 lifted his voice. as "Reb" paused in
the light of the hall beyond and
glanced back, fist doubled and up
lifted. "Oh. 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 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 row. Yet he had got to his
feet with that intention; 1t was only
after he had looked into Hamlin'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 We. IAN had not been
with him for even minute since their
conversation. She had given him a
swift signal at the door of the dance
hall, but that could scarcely account
for his present desire to avoid trouble.
An engagement? Probably with Mrs.
Dupont. But what was the use of
specializing? Perhaps wher 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. ard thronging in to
where the tables were set Then q
rattle OF dishes, ard the steady shut
fling OF walters rushing back and
forth. Occasionally he could distin
guish shadow out in the hall, but
never changed his motionless posture
or removed his eyes from the aper
ture, until she slipped noiselessly
through and stood there painting
slightly, her hand clasping the knoll
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 refiec
ton made her clearly visible.
1T is all right, Miss Mcdonald" he
murmured hastily, arising. There IL
nothing to fear"
You are here-alone?"
YES" smiling in memory. "Ther,
were occupants when | first arrived
but they were persuaded to depart
had suspicion you might prefer 4
that way"
YES" puzzled by his manner, We
softly pushing the door back so as t.
exclude the light. 81 can see betteI
now. Are-are you sure no one cal
ove-hear? / have something to tel
you-something important"
There is no one else here, yet som,
one might stumble into this room
1t is not private, you know. We shall
he safer on the porch outside Wv"
you take my hand, and let me guild,
you"
She did so unhesitatingly, but he
fingers were cold, and he could fee
The twitching of her nerves.
you are frightened-not Of ne
surely%
"Oh, not" a slight catch in he
voice, "but l am running such a ris
yenturing here. IL had to pretend
sick-headache to get away. You mus
not condemn me until you hear VIII
| came"