Eastern Colorado times., 1913-06-13

nection with Gaskins. Then 1t must
have been Mrs. Dupont. That looks
reasonable. But she stays at your
home, does she not?"
"She makes our house her headQuar'
ters, but is absent occasionally. Last
night she was here at this hotel. Well
we are getting this Strengthened out
little-that is. If you believe me-"
"Of course"
Then I am going to question you
You spoke Of overhearing converse.
tion?"
"Yes; 1t was after Mrs. Dupont had
left. Captain Barrett came, and took
her away. I was sitting here thinking
when two, men came into the parlor.'
who were they? Do you know"
"One was the soldier who drives you
about -Connors; the other black.
bearded, burly fellow called 'Reb.'"
"Mr. Dupont"
What? Is that Dupont? Lord! No
wonder she's gone bad. Why, I
thought her husband was a ranchman
down south somewhere! This fellow
is tin-horn."
HE did run cattle once, years ago.
think he was quite well of, but drank
and gambled it away. Papa told me
all about it. but l found out he was
the man by accident. He-is the one
I am really afraid Of"
She stopped, her eyes deserting his
face, and stared out into the darkness
He waited, feeling vaguely that he had
not heard all she intended to say.
What more do you know? he
asked. What was 1t you expected of
me?"
She turned again, aroused by the
question.
"Yes. I must tell you as quickly as
can before I am missed. l did not
know about Mrs. Dupont and Lieuten.
ant Gaskins. I realized there was
something between them-a-a-slight
Irritation, but scarcely gave that q
thought. What brought me here was
much more serious matter, yet this
new information helps me to compre-
hend the other-the motives, l mean.
Mrs. Dupont's maiden name was Vera
Carson?"
Certainly; knew her family WELL"
"She came here, and was received
into our family as daughter of my
fathers sister. If true, her maiden
name would have been Sarah Counts.
Papa had no reason to suspect the de-
ceit. He does not now, and l doubt If
even your word would convince him,
for he seems thoroughly under her in
f11nnNo Thnro hoc hoayo ri,
in him since she came; not all at
once. you know, but gradual, until now
he scarcely seems like the same man.
IL do not dislike Lieutenant Cas-
kins; he has been pleasant and atten-
tive. but do not care for him in any
other way. Yet papa insists that
marry the man. Lately he has been
very unkind about it, and-and l am
sure she is urging him on. What can
do? 1t is all so unpleasant"
Hamlin shook his head, but without
reply.
You will not tell me? Then I will
tell you l shall say no! no! no! in
spite Of them; I shall refuse to be
sold. But how does that woman con-
troll my father?" she leaned closer in
her earnestness, lowering her voice.
"She has not won him by charms; he
is afraid Of her."
Afraid? Are u-certain Of that?"
"Yes. cannot tell you how know;
perhaps 1t is all womanly instinct, but
l do know that he is terrorized; that
he dare not oppose her wish. l have
read the truth in his eyes, and l am
sure he is harsh to me only because
he is driven by some threat. What
can it be?"
you have never spoken to him of
your suspicious? Asked him?"
"Yes and no. / tried once, and shall
never forget the expression Of his face.
Then he turned on me in a perfect
paroxysm Of anger. / never even
dared hint at the matter again."
The Sergeant stared out into the
street, not knowing what to say, or
how to advise. Almost unconscious of
the action his hand stole along the
rail until it touched hers.