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


| Does itP oh, understand. You
must still consider yourself quite the
ladykiller. Well, let me tell you
somethtng-shs 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 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 a chance fire, and Hamlin
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, l knew he had some alterca-
ton, and was wounded; he accused
you. did he not? But why bring US
into the affair?'s
Because some woman was directly
concerned in 1t. Whoever she may
be, the officers of the fort are con-
WINGED that she probably fired the
shot; that the Lieutenant knows her
Identity, and is endeavoring to shield
her from discovery"
why do they think that? What
reason can they have for such con.
clusion? Was she seem"
Her footprints were plainly Wis
lble, and the revolver used was
small one-a '36'-such as woman
alone would carry In this country.
have said 30 to no one else. but | saw
her, crouching in the shadow of the
barrack wall.
'You-you saw herY Recognized
herr"
"Yes"
"And made no attempt at arrest?
Have not even mentioned the fact to
others? You must have a reason?"
81 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"
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 It 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 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. 1t is a
trick OF the plains. Do you still con-
slider 1t 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 nc
threat of yours which influences me
1t does not even interest me to know
who shot Lieutenant Gaskins. He is
a vulgar little prig, only made possible
by the possession OF money! How.
ever, when ! decide TO depart, / shall
probably do so without consulting
your pleasure" She hesitated, her
voice softening as though in change
Of mood. "Yet / should prefer part
ing with you in friendship. In asking
YOU to meet me tonight had no in
tention of quarreling; merely yielded
to an impulse of regret for the past
The heavy curtain draping the win
dow was drawn aside, permitting the
light from within to fash upon them
revealing the figure of a man in uni
form.
v Pardon my Interruption" he ex
planned, bowling, "but you were gone
!. so long, Mrs. Dupont, l feared some
a accident"
!. She laughed lightly.
you are very excusable. No doub
r I have been here longer than ! sup
!, posed"
The officers eyes surveyed tn,
i soldier standing erect, his hand lifted
. In salute. The situation puzzled him
Sergeant Hamlin, how are you
: hereG On leave?"
Yes, sir"
"Of course this ia rather unusual
Captain Barrett" said the lady hast
lily, tapping the astonished office
Q lightly with her fan, "but !. was one,
d quite we'll acquainted with Sergean
Hamlln when he was major of tn
u Fourth Texas infantry during the lat
+ war. He and my husband were int
5 mates. Naturally was delighted t