The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1915-02-05

Girl cantrrel off aud stood staring after
her until she disappeared in the post
office. Then he turned to nc.
Nv YOU Know where Miss Frayne
Went this morning:' he inquired
tllouyh1fnlly.
Il met her coming down that side
road" | answered noncommittally.
pointing behind me.
Gilbert looked puzzled for a moment
and then snapped his fingers with vex-
alton.
"Of course..' he exclaimed. as though
to himself. II might have known it.
NO wonder she's provoked. Do YOU
know where she's going after she posts
her letter." he continued.
Home. l think" | answered,
She'll get caught in the rain if she
tries it," he muttered. glancing at the
distant bank of thunder clouds. "Where
are you off to-" he added suddenly.
I'm going with Miss Frayne as far
as Pollicet. and then on to Hefryville,"
| responded carelessly.
Gilbert glanced up at me with sur
prise, and | confess l enjoyed his evil
dent aStonishmcnt.
"Iou don't really mean it," he in
quired incredulously. after a pause.
Most assuredly.' / answered coolly.
"What is there SO surprising about it,
The prosecutor looked up sharply as
L answered. stared at me for an in
slant and then stood patting my horses
head.
why. l supposed he began, but
broke off suddenly.
Its not much of a trip if one is
accustomed to the saddle 1 volunteer
ed. II haven't ridden for some time,
though. so l expect to be rather stiff
tomorrow"
you'll be nothing less than a Grip
pie he asserted.
II can drive back if I'm too sore for
riding when l reach home.' l respond
ed. although I suppose it's more than
tempting fate TO bring another wagon
to Melton" l added smilinglv.
Don't you think the whole plan is
more than tempting fate, Mr.. Lam
bert he inquired, looking me souarely
i'll the eyes.
Il don't think 1 understand you," l
answered colby.
Il mean it's a little longer ride than
h law allows, Mr.. Lambert" he re-
sponded.
gazeu at the speaker in surprise,
What was he driving at: Was he
merely interested in having all the
jurors in good physical condition, or
was lie attempting to maneuve me
out OF s%upplanting him with Miss
I'raync?
ut doesn't strike me as Very RASH"
answered. II think | can stand it,"
well, | wouldn't risk it if were
in your place." he responded warn,
ingly.
l thought | detected a note Of men
ace In his tone, and instantly l was up
III arms. What kind of an ass did
the man take me for, that he pre-
sumed to volunteer advice about my
conlings and goings?
"Wouldn't your Qucriea. with a
smile of amusement.
NO; | would not" he answered
firmly.
The tone of the answer was decisive
almost peremptory-and l had diff.
Guilty in CURLING my resentment.
But, YOU see, you are not in my
place, Mr.. Gilbert l answered coolly
still 1t would be interesting to know
your reasons" | added.
Haven't l already given them. Mr.
I.ambcrt?" he laughed good naturedly
"Iollicet is Il long way from Melton
and IIefryville is even farther"
His laugh grated upon me even more
than his warming tone. The man was
making a fool OF himself by his trans
parent interest III my welfare. but
had no intention OF letting him fame,
he was making Il fool of me-.
II appreciate your solicitulc," re
spondcd. But I'm not at all afrait
OF eXhausting myself. and | hope yo,
won't give yourself any further anx
iety on my account"
y shade Of annoyance passed oye1
the prosecutors face, but when ht
looked up again he WAS as inner
turbable as ever.
Its useless for us to talk at eros,
purposes. Mr.. Lambert" he anuounc
ed. You know you've no right tt
make this trip, and | don't want yo,
to put me in an embarrassing posi-
ton
PUT you in an embarrassing posi-
tom l laughed. I'm sure don
know what YOU mean, and | don't care
to hear"
You heard what the judge said i,
court this morning, and that ought +,
be enough
Gilbert had suddenly dropped hi,
buntcring, .iocular manner. and his fac,
was stern und masterful as he ronpcf
out the retort.
Il heard him dismiss us for the DIV
if that's what you menn." | II swrred