The evening world., 1914-03-04
Story Full of the DASH Romance and Thrill of the West


gratifying feature Of her present life
was the belief that Essie Tisdale was
feeling keeniy her altered position in
Crowheart. Tho girl gave no out
wnrd sign. yet DIR. Harpc knew that IL
must be 40.
The change In people E.ssie Tisdaie
had known we'll was 80 gradual, %
elusive. so difflcult Of description that
In her brighter moments she told her
self that It was ina stnary and due
to her own supcrscnsitivcncss. But
II was not for long that she could 30
convince herself. for her intuitions
were too sure to admit Of her going
Ear nstray In her conclusions.
Van Lennop himself saw. since Es-
sic had made the situation clear to
him. the patroaiAing manner OF her
crstwhilc friends, the small discount
estes, the petty siights. and ne found
springing up within him a feeling OF
craftsmanship % vigorous as frequent
ly to surprise himself. Were they
really 10 ignorant, 10 blind, he asked
himself, as TO be unable to see that
the gfrl. regardless Of her occupation
or antecedents. had a dirtinction Of
never hope to achieve? or her parcn-
tage no knew nothing, for she sell
dom talked Of herself. but he felt
there was breeding somewhere 10 ac-
count for her clean. bright mind. the
shapeliness Of her hands, the slender
fert md ankles and that rare carriage
OF her head. Immigrant stock, no as
0ured himaclf. did not produce small
pink ears. short upper lips. and "A
grace as natural A. an antelope's.
But II was q small thing In itself
Il Is nearly always small thinhs which
precipitntc great oneS-that Mt last
stirred Van Lennop to his depth.
They were riding that afternoon and
tho saddle horses were at the long
hitching post In front OF the hotel
when Symes came down the street as
Essle stepped from tho doorway. She
bowed a. he passed. while Van Len
mop mechanically raised his hat. The
half burnt cigar stayed In the corner
Of Syme's mouth. his hands In his
trousers pockets, and his grud6ing nod
stops on he lifted his hat with =
sweeping bow TO Mrs. Aiva jackson.
Van Lennop's face Redeemed under
Its tan.
"Does hs--do that oftsn7" Hts
voice was quiet. but there was =
Often" Essis risdaie answered.
They gallOped out Of town In 81
lence. Tho incident seemed TO have
robbed the day Of it, brightness for
the girl and q frown rested upon
Van Lsnnop's usually calm face.
She Glanced at him sideways once
or twice and she saw that bis eyes
were narrowed in thought and their
6raynoss was steel.
When the town was lost TO sight
and their horses had dropped TO .
walk: on the sandy road which
turned IN her saddle and looked b..
hind her.
II wish We were never going
back!" she said impulsively. II hate
II ALI Wish ve were going on and
on-anywheSe--but back. II couldn't
DO. Of course: ! was only wishing.
hut you doa't understand quite
about things"
Iie spoke promptly
II think I do--far better than you
bslisve-and I've about made w my
mind to take . hand myself. I can
not well BE- less chivalrods. less loyal
than you"
She looked puzzled, but he did not
explain that no had ovegheard her
valiant defense Of himself to old
Edouard Dubois.
You're not vindictivs. are your
She shook her head.
II think not. but am what 10 Just
~ bad. psrhaps-tsrribiy unforgtv-
ing" go
She answered. They've heen very
unjust 10 YOU. but I didn't think
yoii'd noticed"
He laughed aloud.
''ro me? DO you think ia trouble
myself for anything they might SAY
Her eyes widened--
"You don't mean because Of"
tho best Of friends-ENsie Tisdals3 :"
The quick tears filled her eyes.
''Sometimes." she answered chok-
ingly. Il think You are my only
friend" She continued. "And that's
the reason I want you TO be careful.
Don't resent anything on my so-
count"
"rhat's the privilege Of friendship"
he answered with roassuring smile.
But why be oareful--of whom"
There was some curtness IN his voice.
"Symes1'
"Yes-of Symes."
You must remember that you ara
In q country where tho people are
poor and struggling. Money II
I'ower. and influence. and friends. I
appreciate your reasons. and am
more greatsful than I can tell you,
hut you would only hurt yourself.
ana Andy p. Symes cannot be-
reached: 10 that tho word?"
Van Lennop's lips twitched ever no
slightiy and he turned his head away
that she might not see the bstraying
twinkle which he felt was In his eyes.
when his face was quite Grave again.
hs replied:
"Yes, reached In the word. but
there are few of US who cannot DO
reached when II comes to that. for
somewhere there In some one who
has the long arm" Once more the
shadow Of smile rested upon his
lips. II still believe that Andy =.
Symes might be reached"
But" she argued. 1T In his privi-
lsge to withdraw his friendship. II he
likes" =
But not his privilege to treat you
with dlsrespoct--to insult YOU both
openly and covertly. like fair