Farmers' champion. (Elgin, Okla.) 1912-1922, 1913-08-07

crss asi1s tie curtain, AID BtsiD@t Il
70 the room
-Parcon ne hs said quietly. - the
tro started hack q. his .x.hsr abrup;
eatrancs. -sgi I did rot care 70 over-
hear your eonversatson- No eoah, I,
vas intended &c Be private
The WOMAN stepped somewhat II
advance Of her companion, a. though
! TO shield Nm from obserTation. In
stan-y mastering her surprise.
Nothing al ali serious, Xr. Ser
seant Hamlin," she retorted scornful
~. Don't be nelodramAttc, please; IL
ges cn the Esrves. II you must know
] was merely giving our ranch fcre-
man few final Instructions, a. he
leaves tomorrov. Have you obiec-
tions7'
Assurecly not-your ranch fore
man. you say! Met him before. I
think You are the fellow ordered
out OF this room. aren't your
The man gro~led something unintsl-
lisibie. but Mrs. Dupont prevented any
direct reply.
That's all right. John" she broke in
impatienuy. You understand what
want nov. and need not remain any
longer have . word To say myself
TO this man"
She waited an instant while hs left
the room; then her eyes defAnuy met
Hamlins
Il was told you had driven every one
out OF here" she said coldly. What
was the gamer"
This room was reserved
"Pish! keep that explanation for
some one else. You wanted the room
for some purpose. Who have you got
out there" she pointed at the window.
Whether there be any one or not"
he answered. leaning against the win
dow frame. and thus barring the PASS
age. Il fail to see wherein you are
concerned"
She laughed.
Which remark 10 equivalent 10 q
confession. Dave" suddenly changing
why should We quarrel. and nistudge
each other? You cannot suppose
have forgotten the past. or am indifier
ent Cannot you forgive the mistake
OF thoughtless girl, Is there any
reason why we should not be. at least
friendly?"
There was an appeal In her voice
but the mans face did not respond
Il cannot say that feel any bitter
ness over the past" he answered light
ly. Il an willing enough to blot thai
out What / am interested In IL the
present should like to understan nc
your purpose here at Dodge"
Surely that IL sufficiently clear.
am merely an exile from home, on &C
count of Indian depredations. Wha
more natural than that should take
refuge In my uncle's house"
you mean Major McDonaid?"
"Certainly-he was my mother
only brother"
Il think ! have heard somewher,
that the Majors only sister married 4
man named Counts"
She drew In her breath sharply.
Yes. OF course-her first husband.
You were a daughter then Of hel
first marrtage7"
"Of course"
But assumed the name Of Carson
when she married againi"
THAT was when you met me-"
The change was natural enough,
he went on. But why did you also be
come Vera In place OF Sarah"
"Oh. is that It? Well, never attemp
TO account for the vagaries OF a girl.
she returned lightly. as though dis
missing the subject. Il presume
tosk fancy &c the prettier name. Blu
how did you known
Garrison rumor picks up nearl,
everything, and II IL not very kind tt
you. Mrs. Dupont. ! hope I am doin,
you a favor In saying this. Your rath
or open irritation with Lieutenant Gas
lkins is common talk. even among en-
listed men. and have heard that YOU
relations with Major Mcdonald are pc
culiar."
J Indeed" with rising infection o
the voice. How kind OF you, and st
delicately expressed" She laughed
} And poor Major Mcdonald! Really
that Is ridiculous. Could you imagin,
my flirting with him.
Il have no recollection OF using tha
term IN this connection. But you have
strange influence over him For som'
reason the man Is apparently afraid Q
you"
Afraid OF me- Oh. no! Some on
has been fooling you. Dave. ! an
merely Major McDonald's guest
wonder who told you thati Shall
gusss"
Before hs could realise her puspool