The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1915-09-02


eyelids quiver! Quick! Bring some
water"'
The man leaped to his feet and, run
ming down to the pool, filed his SOM
brero with icy water. He was as
eager now to save his rival as he had
been mad to destroy him. Let me
help" he pleaded. But she would not
permit him to touch the body.
Again. while splashing the water
upon his face. the girl called upon her
love to return. He hears mel" she ex-
ulted to her enemy. HE is breathing
now! He is opening his eyesr'
The wounded man did, indeed, open
his eyes. but his look was blank.
uncomprehending stare, which plung-
ed her back into despair. He don't
know mer' she said. with piteous ac-
cent. She now perceived the source
Of the blood upon her arm. 1t came
from wound III the boys head which
had been dashed upon stone.
The sight Of this wound brought
back the blaze of accusing anger to her
eyes. See what you did," she said.
withs cold malignity. Then by sudden
shift she bent to the sweet face in her
arms and kissed it passionately. open
your eyes, darling. You must not die!
l won't let you die: Can't you hear
me? Don't you know where you are?"
He opened his eyes once more. quiet
ly. and looked up into her face with q
faint drowsy smile. He could not
yet locate himself in space and time,
but he knew her and was comforted.
Slowly the youths eyes took on ex-
preston. Are we still ON the hillT
he asked. -.
Yes. dearest," she assured him.
Then to Belden. He knows where he
isl
WayIand again struggled with real
ity. What has happened to met"
You fell and hurt your head"
He turned slightly and observed the
other man looking down at her with
dark and tragic glance. Hello, Bel
den." he said feebly. How came you
here? Then noting Berries look. he
added: Il remember. He tried to kill
me-" He again searched his antago-
nisrs face. why didn't you finish the
job?"
The girl tried to turn his thought
aside. Its all right now, darling. He
won't make any more trouble. Don't
mind him. don't care for anybody
now you are coming back to me-"
Wayland wonderingly regarded the
face of the girl. And you-are you
hurt?" -
mo, I'm not hurt am perfectly
happy now" She turned to BeIden
with quick. authoritative command.
''Unsaddle the horses and set up the
tent. We won't be able to leave here
tonight"
He rose with instant obedience. glad
of chance to serve her. and soon had
the tent pegged to its place and the
bedding unrolled. Together they lift.
ed the wounded youth and laid him
upon his blankets beneath the low can.
vas roof which seemed heavenly help.
full to Berea
There! she said caressingly. ''Now
rains or not"
He smiled. 1T seems I'm to have
my way after all. hope shall be
able to see the sun rise. I've sort OF
lost my interest in the sunset"
Nov, Cliff." she said as soon as the
camp was in order and fire started
Il reckon you'd better ride on
haven't any further use for YOU"
Don't say that, Berrie," he pleaded
Il can't leave you here alone with q
sick man. Let me stay and help"
She looked at him for q long time
before she replied. Il shall never bt
able to look at you again without hat
ing you." she said. Il shall always re
member you as you looked when yor
were killing that boy. So you'd better
ride on and keep a-riding. I'm goinl
to forget all this just as soon as l can
and It don't help me any to have yot
around. | never want to see you ol
| hear your name again."
"You don't mean that, Berrie!'
Yes, do" she asserted bitterly. 81
mean just that. So saddle up and pull
| out. All ask of you is to say nothin,
about what has happened here. iou't
better leave the state. Ii Waylane
should get worse it might go hard Will
| you"
He accepted his Punishment 'Al
/ r4<rtHk g.
But I'd like to do something for 20,
before go. iii pile up some wood
mo. Ill take care of that" Ant
without another word of farewell sh
turned away and re-entered the tent.
Mounting his horse with painful slow
ness, as though suddenly grown Old
the reprieved assassin rode away u
the mountain. his head bent low. hi
eyes upon the ground.