The Oklahoma miner. [volume] (Krebs, Okla.) 1912-192?, 1913-07-10

nection with GasbnS. Then II must
have been Mrs Dupont. That looks
reasonable. But she stays at your
home. does she not1"
she makes our house her headquar-
ters but is absent occasionally. Last
night she was here at this hotel. Well,
ve are getting this Strengthened out g
ntue-thAt is. II you believe me-"
OF course"
Then ] sp going 70 question you.
You spoke ot overhearing a conversa,
aou ."
Yes i was after Mrs. Dupont had
let- Captain Barrett came, and took
hs- away. was sitting here thinking
when two men came into the parlor."
who we're theyl DO you know"
'Ous Was the soldier who drives you
Ebout-Counors; the other a black
bearded, burly fellow called 'Reb.'"
M Dupont"
what, ls that Dupont? Lord! No
wonder she's gone bad. Why, !
thought her husband was a ranchman
down south somewhere! This fellow
IS & uu-hoTn"
He did run cattle once, years ago.
think he was quite well of, but drank
and gambled II away Papa told me
al about II, but ! found out he was
he man BY accident He's the one
an 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 known" he
asked What was It you expected of
me-"
She turned again. aroused by the
question
Yes, l must tell you as quickly as l
can before I am missed l did not
know about Mrs Dupont and Lieuten-
ant Gaskins. ! realized there was
something between them-a-a-slight
filtration, but scarcely gave that
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
CaTson?"
"Certainly; knew her family we'll"
She came here, and was received
into our family as a daughter Of my
fathers sister. II 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
fluence. There has been such a change
in him since she came; not all at
once, you know, but gradual. until now
he scarcely seems like the same man.
II do not dislike Lieutenant Gas
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, out without
reply.
You will not tell me? Then l will
tell you l shall say no! no! no! in
spite OF them; l 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 you certain of that?"
"Yes. cannot tell you how know;
perhaps It is all womanly instinct, but
do know that he is terrorized; that
| he dare not oppose her wish. l have
read the truth in his eyes, and | am
sure he is harsh to me only because
he is driven by some threat. What
can 1t be?"
you have never spoken to him Of
your suspicious? Asked him."
"Yes and no. l tried once, and shall
never forget the expression of his face.
Then he turned on me in a perfect
paroxysm Of anger. l 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 1t touched hers.
| NJ, CnArrprNrrrr,r