Gunnison news-champion., 1913-07-25
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"Psraon me-" he said quietly. ~ the
too started back st his rather abrupt
entrance. but did not care to over.
hear your conversation. No doubt n
WAS intended to be private.
The woman stepped somewhat In
advance Of her companion, as though
to shield him from observation, in
stantly mastering her surprise.
Nothing ct all serious, Mr.. Ser.
geant Hamlin," she retorted scorni al
ly. Don't be melodra matte. please; II
gets on the nerves. II you must know,
! was merely giving our ranch fore.
man = few final Instructions, as he
leaves tomorrow. Have you objec
tions?"
"AssureGly not-your ranch fore.
man. you say? Met him before, I
think. You are the fellow / ordered
out Of this room. aren't you?"
The man growled something unintel.
ligible, but Mrs. Dupont prevented any
direct reply.
That's all right, John" she broke in
impatiently. you understand what |
want now, ana need not remain any
longer. have a word to say myself
10 this man."
She waited an instant while he left
the room; then her eyes defiantly met
Hamlin's.
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 is equivalent to .
confession. Dave" suddenly changing,
why should we quarrel, and raisjudge
each other? You cannot suppose
have forgotten the past, or am indifYer-
ent. Cannot you forgive the mistake
of q tboughtless girl? II 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 am willing enough to blot that
out. What l am Interested In is the
present. should like TO understand
your purpose here at Dodge"
Surely that Is sufficiently clear. I
am merely an exile from home, on &C
count of Indian depredations. What
more natural than that | should take
refuge in my unele's house."
you mean Major McDonald?"
"Certainly-he was my mothers
only brother"
Il think. have heard somewhere
that the Majors only sister married q
man named Counts"
She drew in her breath sharply.
Yes, of course-her first husband. :"
you were a daughter thea of her
nrst marriage?"
"Of course"
''But assumed the name of Carson
when she married AGAIN."
THAT was shen you met me-
The change was natural enough" !"
he went on. But Why did you also be-
come Vera in place OF Sarahg"
'-Oh, is that IL? Well. never attempt
to account for the vagaries of a girl. {"
she returned lightly, as though dis
missing the subject Il presume /
took fancy &c the prettier name. But
how did you know?"
Garrison rumor picks up nearly
everything. ara il is not very kind &C
you, Mrs. Dupont. ] hope am doing
you favor in saving this. Your rath-
er open filtration with Lieutenant Gas
kins IS common talk. even smsng en-
listed men, aHd have heard that yoLr
relations with Naio- Mcdonald are pc
culiar."
"1neeed,- with q rising infection OF
tie voice How Kind Of Won. and SO
dslicatsly EXPRESSED" She laughed
And poor Major McDouaIdt ReaEx-