Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1913-08-08

! have had opportunity-and rather
enjoy the excitement. O far would
your word go with Molly, do you
think? Or with the Maori.
THAT remains to be SEEN"
Does it? Oh, ] understand. O
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.
so 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 Hamlin
was not sure of It's effect, although
she drew a quick breath, and her voice
faltered.
"Shot-Lieutenant Gaskins?"
Certainly; you must be aware Of
that?"
"Oh, l knew he had some alterca-
you, did he not? But why bring us
llIO lIlG dldlT!
Because some oma was directly
concerned, in it. Whoever she may
be, the officers Of the tort are con-
vinced that she probably fired the
shot; that the Lieutenant knows her
identity, and is endeavoring to shield
her from discovery"
why Dc they think that? What
reason can they have for such a con-
c%lusion? Was she SEEM"
Her footprints were plainly Wis
ible, and the revolver used was a
small one-a '36'-such as a woman
alone would carry in this country L
have said SO to nc one else, but l saw
her, c%rouching in the shadow of the
barrack wall.
"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 p
81 have, Mrs. Dupont, but we will
not discuss 1t now. l merely wish
you to comprehend that If it is to be
war between us, I 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,
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 a 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 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 1t is nc
threat of yours which influences me,
1t does not even interest me to know
who sho. Lieutenant Gaskins. He is
a vulgar little prig, only made possible
by the possession of money. How
ever, wherI decide to depart, l shall
probably do so without consulting
your pleasure" She hesitated, her
voice softening as though in change
of mood. yet l should prefer part
Ing with you In friendship. In asking
you to meet me tonight / had no In.
t%ention 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 lash upon them,
revealing the figure OF a man In uni.
form.
Pardon my interruption" he ex-
planned. bowling, but you were gone
SO long, Mrs. Dupont. I feared some
accident"
She laughed lightly.
You are very excusable. No doubt
l have been here longer than sup
posed"
The officers ayes surveyed the
soldier standing erect. his hand lifted
In salute. The situation puzzled him,
Sergeant Hamlin. how are you
here? On leave?"
Yes. sir"
"Of course this is rather unusual,
Captain Barrett" said the lady hast
lily, tapping the astonished officer
lightly with her fan, "but / was once
quite well acquainted with Sergeant
Hamlin when he was a major OF the
Fourth Texas infantry during the late
war. He and my husband we're init
mates. Naturally / was delighted to
meet him again"
The captain stared at the mans
rigid figure"
Good Lord. / never knew that,
Hamlin." he exclaimed. "Glad to
know It, my man. You see," he ex-
planned lamely, 1--WE get all kinds of
fellows In the ranks, and are not in
terested in their past history. I've had
Hamlin under my command for two
years now, and hanged II ! knew any
thing about him. except that he was
= good soldier. Were you ready TO
go. Mr.. Dupontf"
"Oh, PES; We have exhausted All
our reminisosnces. 0oodby, Sergeant:
70 glad 70 have met you again.
She attended her unglovod hand. :
single diamond glitteri1g In the Hxht
i r. A~N~&kAA a. .m>.Ae- E2EE4SEE