The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1913-08-27

1t was in perfect keeping with the
luck of things that Miss Blake should
enter at the moment. She had come
with Jack and his sister to inquire
regarding the fitness of her champion
and to nerve him for the contest. and
stood aghast. Chaplin stepped for
ward with q look of suspicion. tnquir.
Ing:
whats going on heref"
Miss Blake spoke brightly, tinklins
Ice in her voice.
There's no necessity for an expla-
congratulations."
"Oh, sec here nowi Mrs. Heaps
really engaged to Culver. you know"
"Culver!"
"Culveri"
Both the young ranchman and his
sister stared at the chaperon with
growing horror, while she undertook
to explain; but the blow had fallen
80 swiftly that her words were inco.
herent, and in the midst Of them her
hostess turned and ned from the
room.
Nov don't begin to aviate until
you understand the truth" Speed con-
tinued. while she's engaged to that
broken-toed serpent, she doesn't love
him, do you sect" He smiled.
II do not seei"
ut was simply . habit Mrs. Keap
had got into-I should say 1t was an
impulsive engagement that she has
repented Of"
mo doubt she was repenting when
We interrupted you." said Miss Blake.
bitterly.
Then Chaplin added. helplessly:
But Culver il engaged to my sister
Jeani"
"Jeani" Mrs.. Keap exposed her
tragic face. "Then-he deceived me!
Oh-hi What wretches men are!"
The widow commenced to sob.
Outside came Miss Chapin's voice:
80 here you are. Mr.. Covington!"
And the next moment she reappeared.
dragging the crippled champion be-
hind her. Thrusting him toward Ro-
berta, she pouted: There. Mrs. Keap!
l give him hack to you"
Perhaps you'd better 60 ON with
your explanations" Chaplin suggested.
coldly, to Speed.
How can l whom you won't listen
to met Hear -! Hear yei Culver
vas engaged to marry Mrs.. Keap, but
she discovered what . rsprobats he
is"
There was indistinguishable dissent
Of some sort from Mr.. Covington.
and she learned to detest himi"
Mrs. Ksap likewise disssntsd In 20
cents mumed.
well. she would have learned 10
detest him In . short time. because
she's in love with Jack Chaplin: %
she came to old Doctor Speed In her
troubles. and he promised to NJ It all
up. Now I guess you four can DO the
rest Of the explaining. II you ever
get In trouble. come to the match
making kid. I'll square II"
They vsre four happy young people.
and they lost no time In escaping
elsewhere. When they had gone.
their benefactor said TO Miss Blake:
Wouldn't you like to make that .
triple weddingf We might get club
rates"
For answer Miss Blake hurried to
tho door and was gone.
Over at the Centipsde there was .
great activity and yet . certain IDLE
moss also. ~ II It had been = holiday.
The men hung about in groups listen
ing to the peripatetic photograph. A
dosen or more outsiders had ridden
over from tho post-of1os to witness
the contest. Out by the corral. which
stood close to the first break Of the
foothills, Skinner was experimenting
the laying out Of a course. selecting
. stretch of level ground worn smooth
and hard by the tread Of countless
hoofs.
Makes . pretty good track. ehf"
he said to Gallagher. Il wonder how
fast this Teller isf Ever heardf''
They seem to think he's . whirlin'
ball of fire, but that don't worry you
none, does it?" Gallagher bent his
lead-blue eyes upon the cook. who
shrugged carelessly. and Gallagher
smiled; he was forced to admit that
his man did not appear to be one cas-
lily frightened. SINNERS face was
hard. his lips thin. his jaw was not
that of a weakling. He had dressed
early. then wrapped . horse-blanket
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