The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1914-01-30

not loiter, and already he had heard
enough to strengthen Ben Evans as
sertion that there was something
wrong-that the girl who had been in
his mind day and night since he had
glimpsed her on the bench under the
cottonwood tree. and Spiser's usual
women guests, were not of an ilk.
Mans appetite was gone. Dismay,
apprehension, angry resentment had
taken 1t entirely. She felt that she had
been tricked, but for what purpose
she, as yet could not clearly see. She
was too accustomed to respect and
Difference to believe that Spiser or any
other person would dare to offer her
serious offense.
The unresponsive GOODNESS with
which she met Spiser's gaiety seemed
to disturb him not at all as he ate and
drank with keen enjoyment, stopping
occasionally to regard her with broad
satisfaction.
Looks pretty good to me to see
you settin' Their opposite. How does
1t seem eh?" Lighting cigar he set
tied back in his chair and regarded
her comfortably.
"It seems a most unpleasant posi-
ton for me-" returned Nan with en-
phasis. " You've treated me most I'M
fairly, Mr.. Spiser. l don't understand
it."
"Oh, yes, you do" he contradicted,
good naturedly. Don't waste your
breath telling any pretty little femi-
nine fairy-taies like that. Any woman
only half as smart as you could see
I've been crazy about you ever since l
first saw you"
Nan flushed hotly
Doesn't it occur to you, is 1t not
possible for you to understand the
light in which you have placed me?
That you have done contemplate
thing in getting me here through
falsehood, for 1 am convinced that
you had no notion of allowing your
sister to come
.Come, come, little girl, don't make
a fuss and spoil a pleasant evening"
he urged imperturbably. you women
are all alike; you pretend you don't
like high hand, but you do.
Haven't you learned yet that when
a mans in love he'll do most any
thing. I'm in love, and I'm the kind
that takes what he wants In any way
he can get it, in love, or business or
politics.
"At this particular moment'-he
showed his chair from the table
more than anything else in the world
I want to kiss those scornful red lips
of yours. The more you fight"-his
short laugh was not agreeable-"the
better I'll like it. I'm master hand
with broncos and women"
How dare you'll How dare you in
suit me so--in your house-your
guestr Mans eyes blazed into his as
she sprang to her feet at his advance.
"Yours, my dear-yours so long as
you will have it."
LET me out! Let me go!" Even
with the imperious demand she real
lied hopelessly that he had no inten-
ton of doing either as he purposely
stood between her and the door.
"Where?" He smiled in cynical
amusement.
Somewhere on this ranch there
must be gentleman she cried
furiously.
my handsome foreman, perhaps ?"
"Yes-your foreman, them" she
flashed defiantly.
"My foremen do not interfere in my
affairs-new ones are too easy to get
Come little girT'-his tone took on a
conciliatory note-"cut 1t out, this
tragedy business, and let's be friends
You're here. You've got to learn that
Henry T. Spiser is boss. Boss of the
T.. x. outfit-boss of Hopedale county,
and as much farther as the l.. X.
brand runs. Be sensible"
He came toward her until his out
stretched hands all but tuched her
shoulders.
Nan struck him a singing blow
across the face.
Spiser turned white with fury.
ooh, if that's your style"
He grasped her wrist in grip of
steel.
A horse coughed, and then the I'M
mistakable sound of hoofs on the
hard-trodden doorpard.
"Someone-please-