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


moan which filed the mans heart with
a new and exalted sorrow. YOU'RE
right" he said. II was crazy. I de-
serve killing"
But Berrie was now too deep in her
own desolation to care what he said
or did. She kissed the cold lips of the
still youth, murmuring passionately, II
don't care to live without you; I shall
go with your
BeIden's hand was on her wrist be-
fore she could raise the weapon.
Don't, for Gods sake; don't do that!
He may not be deadp'
She responded but duly to the sug-
gestion. mo, no. He's gone. His
breath Is gone"
maybe not. Let me see."
Again she bent to the quiet face on
which the sunlight fell with mockln.5
splendor 1t seemed all a dream till
she felt once more the stain Of his
blood upon her hands. It was all so In.
credlbly sudden. Only just now he
was exultlng over the warmth and
beauty Of the day-and now
How beautiful he was. He seemed
asleep. The comics crying from their
runways suddenly took on poignant
pathos They appeared to be grIeylng
with her, but the eagles spoke Of re-
venge.
A sharp cry, note of joy sprang
from her lips. "He Is alive! saw his
eyellds CULVER! Quickl Bring some
waterw
The man leaped to his feet and, run
ming down TO the pool, filled 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 eyes!"
The wounded man did, indeed, open
his eyes, but his look was blank,
uncomprehendlng stare, which plung-
ed her back into despair. "He don't
know me" she said, with piteous ac-
cent. She now perceived the source
Of the blood upon her arm. 1t came
from wound in the boys head which
had been dashed upon a stone.
The sight of this wound brought
back the blaze Of accusing anger to her
eyes, "See what you didw she said,
with cold malignity. Then by sudden
shift she bent TO the sweet face in her
arms and kissed 1t passionately. "Open
your eyes, darling. You must not die!
| 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
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 hillY'
he asked
Yes, dearest" she assured him.
Then to Belden, ''He knows where he
lsI'
Wayland again struggled with real
ity. What has happened to me?"
You fell and hurt your head"
He turned Slightly and observed che
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 XIII
me-" He again searched his antago.
nists face. "Why didn't you finish the
job2"
The girl tried to turn bis 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 wonderlngly regarded the
face Of the girl. "And you-are you
hurt?"
mo. I'm not hurt. am perfectly
happy now" She turned to Belden
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
or chance TO serve her, and soon had
the tent pegged to its place and the
bedding unrolled. Together they lift
cd the wounded youth and laid him
upon his blankets beneath the low can.
vas roof which seemed heavenly help
ful TO Berea.
"Therer she said caresslngly. snow
YOU are safe, no matter whether II
rains or not"
He smiled. ut 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"
Now, Cliif," she said as soon rs the
camp was In order and fire started !
81 reckon you'd better ride ON. /
haven't any further use for YOU"
Don't say that, Berrie," he pleaded. |
81 can't leave you here alone with
sick man. Let me stay and help"
. She looked at him for long time
before she replied, II shall never be |
able to look at you again without hat.
ing you." she said. 81 shall always re-
member you as you looked when YOU
were killing that boy. So you'd better