Eastern Colorado times., 1913-05-30

nousenold. And you propose tnterfer-
Ing. plan to drive me forth from this
pleasant birds nest. Really you amuse
me, Mr.. Sergeant Hamlin."
But / have not proposed anything
of that nature" the man said quietly.
rising to his feet. "It is, Of course.
nothing to me, except that Miss Nc
Donald has been very kind and seems
very nice girl. As I 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 to. tell herr"
mot unless 1t becomes necessary;
l am not proud Of the story myself"
Their eyes met, and there was no
shadow Of softness in either face. The
woman's lips curled sarcastically.
Really. you take yourself quite se-
riously. do you not? One might think
you still Major Of the Fourth Texas,
and heir to the old estate on the Bra
EOS. You talked that way to me
once before, only to discover that I
had claws with which to scratch.
Don't make that mistake again, Mr..
Sergeant Hamlin, or there will be
something more serious than scratch
ing done. have learned how to fight
in the past few years-Heaven knows
have had opportunity-and rather
enjoy the excitement. How far would
your word go with Molly, do you
think? Or with the Major?"
NThot - ~
Does it? Oh, I understand. You
must still consider yourself quite the
lady-killer. Well, let me tell you
something-she is engaged to Lieu
tenant Gaskins."
His hand-grip tightened on the rail,
but there was no change in the ex-
preston Of his face.
$50 I had heard. I presume that
hardly would have been permitted to
happen but for the existence Of Mr..
Dupont. BY the way, which one Of
you ladies shot the Lieutenant"
1t was a chance fire, and Hamlin
was not sure of its 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 1t. Whoever she may
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 that? 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 '36'-such as a woman
alone would carry in this country. 1
have said so to no one else, but l saw
her. crouching 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?"
II have, Mrs. Dupont, but we will
not discuss 1t now. merely wish
you to comprehend that If it 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. 1 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 McDon.
alds?"
She Strengthened up, turning her
eyes away.
Probably not for long, but it is no
threat of yours which influences me,
I