Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-10-29

trail Bob found himself confronting
beautiful dark eyed young woman. who
leveled pistol at him with each
steady hand.
She was the most beautiful creaturs
he had ever seen; Bob was sure OF
that-jet black hair waving about
shell pink ears. creamy skin. pair of
wonderful eyes sometimes black. &C.
casionally almost green. She wore
riding skirt of khaki and a white shirt
waist Her head was bare.
We'll" asked Bob pleasantly. lis it
my money or my life:'
The girl laughed nervously. and then
tears filled her eyes. u
Its neither one. II you will only 60
away" she answered in a pleading
tone.
"Of course. If You wish it. only am
looking for stray steer. Perhaps you
have seen such n one. 1t has the
twin star brand
He stopped short. for the girls face
had turned scarlet ans then white. The
hsnds that held the guns wavered.
I've seen It," she said at last in a
rather shaky voice
Where Is it?' he asked quickly.
The girls face went very white. and
she leaned against tree for support.
the pistols hanging Imply from her
hands.
'It's-deadw she said at last.
| "Dead?" he echoed. puzzled by her
| agitation.
I'VE killed It. We needed II for
food. l suppose we will hang for it,
she said. with desperate attempt at
calmness, although Bob could see that
she was panic stricken.
! He sat down on a stone and clasped
i his sun Drowned hands around his
knee. His broad hat lay on the
! ground, and the wind rufiled his crisp,
| fair hair.
u hope you will pardon me. I'm
/ not a bit curious. but | can see that
! you are in trouble OF some sort. This
! Is a lonesome country to he in when
old man Trouble hikes along. so per-
| haps l can help you ont. You may
place perfect confidence in me-"
The girl studied his face with her
wonderful changing eyes. Then. with
little catch of the breath. she said:
'If tell you you must never betray
my confidence"
"You may trust me-" said Bob.
The girl drew sharp breath.
my father lies hidden in the hut
yonder. He is fugitive from justice. I
He killed a man. 1 came with him.
Bob smothered an exclamation.
What can l do to help your" he
asked quickly.
Keep every one away and help me-
to get some supplies. Father is almost
crazy with grief and remorse, and he
is anxious TO return and give himself
up: but" she ended fiercely, II have
told him he must not-now. In the
eyes of God he is innocent. and he
should not be punished
Thank you for the confidence you
repose In me. ! will do what can to
keep others away. Give me a Int OF
things you need. and will pack them
here tonight"
Fifteen minutes later Bob Deering
mounted his patient horse and sped
about his business for the Red Star
ranch.
After supper that night he rode over
to Red Spider postoffice and astonlsh-
ed Dan Cox by purchasing large
quantity OF supplies. including some
fine cigars ana a number OF magazines
and newspapers.
Bob read the papers while he waited
for his packages. and when he finally
turned into the trail along the creek
his face was n study of mingled pleas
ure and regret.
4 The trip along Zigzag trail in the
moonlight. with his supplies for the
needy strangers. was no easy matter.
and Bob was quite breathless when he
reached the sheep herder's hut.
Good news. Miss Greyson.'' be said
after he had received her thanks and
those of her aged. careworn father.
Good news for us?" she asked in
credulously.
He nodded and. pulling a newspaper
from his pocket. held il to the light
streaming from the doorway and read
paragraph that turned the current OF
their lives.
1t appeared that the man whom
James Greyscn lad struck In self de-
Tense had recovered and every effort
was being made to discover the where
abouts OF the missing fnancier and bis
beautiful daughter.
Bob Deering shared In their rejoic-
ing, and 1t was he who helped them
get away.
When they parted James Greyson
held the young mans hand In his.
THE best ranch in the Country for
you whenever you say the word. Deer.
ing. Maybe you'll be getting married
some day and settle down"
Maybe" said Bob dreamily. for he
was holding Helen's hand in his.
Maybe
His eyes met the splendid ones OF
the girl he had learned TO love. and he
read in them that there was no IN.
certainty before him.
He would be married some dag. and
to her.
And Hamp Tetlow never guessed
why It was that Bob Deering nick.
named him Cupid"