Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1915-10-30

IA came curious to know precise.
I ly what had taken place, but
A n be did not feel free to ask
her. "She will tell me If she wishes
me to know" That she bad van
quished Belden and sent him on his
way was evident, although he had not
been able to hear what she had said
to him at the last. What lay between
the enemy's furious onslaught and the
aid he lent in making the camp could
only be surmised. 81 wonder If she
used her pistol?" Wayland asked him.
self. Something like death must
have stared him in the face"
That she loved him with the com.
plete passion Of her powerful and SIM
pie nature he knew, for her voice had
reached through the daze Of his semi
unconsciousness with thrilling power.
The touch Of ber lips to his. the close
clasp OF her strong arms were of ever
greater convincing quality. And yet
he wished the revelation had come in
seme other way. His pride was abrad-
ed. His manhood seemed somehow
lessened. 1t was a disconcerting re
versal Of the ordinary relations be-
tween hero and heroine, and he saw
no way of re-establshing the normal
attitude Of the male.
Entirely unaware of what was pass
Ing In the mind Of her patient Berrie
went about her duties with a cheerful
ness which astonished the sufferer in
the tent She seemed about to hum
a song as she set the skillet on the
fire, but a moment later she called out,
in a tone Of irritation. Here comes
Nashw
I'm glad of that" answered Way.
land; although he perceived something
of her displeasure.
Nash, on his way to Join the super
visor, raised a friendly greeting as he
saw the girl and drew rein. 81 en-
pected to meet you farther down the
hill" he said. "Touy phoned that you
had started. Where did you leave the
supervisory"
"over at the station waiting for. you.
Where's your OUTFIT"
"Camped down the trail a mile or
so. thought I'd better push through
tonight. What about Norcross? Isn't
he with your
She hesitated an instant. Hes in
the tent. He fell and struck his head
on a rock, and had to 90 into camp
here"
Nash was deeply concerned rs that
so? Well, that's hard luck. Is he bad
ly hurtY'
"Well, he had a terrible fall. But
he's easier now. l think he's asleep"
MAY I look in on him?"
II don't think you'd better take the
time It's long hard ride from here
to the station. 1t viii be deep night
before you can make it,
Don't you think the supervisor
would want me to camp here tonight
and do what could for your If Nor.
cross is badly injured you will need
me-"
She liked Nash aud she knew he
was right, and yet she was reluctant
to give up the pleasure of her lone
vigil. Hes not in any danger, and
well be able to ride ON In the morn.
ing"
Nash, thinking Of her as Clifford Bel.
den's promised wife, had no suspicion
of her feeling toward Norcross. There
fore he gently urged that to go on was
quite out of order. ~ can't think of
leaving you here alone-certainly not
till | see Norcross and 6nd out how
badly he is hurt"
She yielded. II reckon you're right"
she said. an so see if he is awake"
He followed her to the door Of the
tent, apprehending something new and
inexpllcable in her attitude. In the
music Of her voice us she spoke to the
sick man was the love note of the
mate. "You may come in," she called
back, and Nash. STOPPING, entered the
small tent.
Hello, old man! What you been
doing with yourself? Hitting the high
spotsp
Norcross smiled feebly. mo. the
hill flew up and bumped me-"
How did 1t all happenT
Il don't exactly know. II all came
of sudden, had no share in it. |
didn't 80 for to do It,"
whether you did or not, you seem
TO have made good job Of it"
Nash examined the wounded man
carefully, and his skill and strength in
handling Norcross pleased Berrie,
though she was Jealous of the warm
friendship which seemed to exist be.
tween the men.
She had always liked Nash, but she
resented him now, especially us he in.
sisted on taking charge Of the case,
but she gave way finally and went
back TO her pots and pans with penslve
A little later. when Nash came ont
to make report, she was not very gra'
cious In her manner Hes pretty bad. !
ly hurt" he said. "rhere's an ugly
cash In his scalp and the shock has
produced Il good deal OF pain and con
fusion in his head, but he's going to be