The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1915-12-30
CHAPTER XIV.

wares house In the country. In the
course Of n few hours the reply came
that she had ALREADY started home to
Greer county, Tex. After reading the
message wilfrcd haunted the station.
not willing To let even the most un.
promising freight train escape observa
ton.
In crowd Wilfred was standing
when he first caught sight Of Lahoma
among those descending TO the jostling
platform from train. lie had not
known how she would look. and Ger
tainly she was much changed from the
girl Of fifteen. but he made his way To-
her side without the slightest hesita-
tion.
"Lahomar'
She turned sharply with a certain
ease Of movement suggesting fearless
freedom. Her eyes looked straight into
the young mans with penetrating keen
ness which instantly softoned TO pleas
ure. why. how glad ! am TO see
Jour she cried, giving him her hand
rs they withdrew from the rush. But
how did you know mer'
How did you known he returned
pleased and thrilled by her glowing
brown hair. her eloquent eyes. her
warm tinted cheeks. her form. rs erect
~ Of yore. but not so thln-as pleased
and thrilled as II all these belonged to
him How did you know mer he re-
peated.
"Oh." said I.ahomn. when I looked
into your face I saw myself as a girl
sitting under the cedar trees In the
cove with Brick and Bill"
Just you threef" demanded wilfred
wistfully. also smillngly.
"Ohor' exclaimed Lahoma. showing
her perfect little teeth as II about TO
bite. IN way that filed him with
fearful Joy. And 80 they showed you
that letter.
Just you threer' repeated wilfred
Just room enough In the cove for you
and Brick-and Billf"
listen to me. wilfred. aud I will
DO the talking"
"Wellr
She lowered her voice to a whisper.
Lean your head closer"
wilfred put down his head. lis this
close enoughY' he whispered. feeling
exalted. Men, women and children
circled about them; the air vibrated
with the shock OF trunks and mall
bags hurled upon the platform.
NO" said Lahoma. rising on tiptoe
Wilfred took OF his hat and got un.
der hers.
She whispered IN his ear: Red Kim.
ball came on this train. There he Is.
He hasn't seen me yet-was In another
coach"
well. 20 on talking. Lahoma. I'd
get closer II I could"
"s-h-h! lie knows me. for he was
porter In our hotel When he sees US
he'll know I've come home to warn
Brick. S-h-h! Then he'll try to keep
me from doing IT, Lookl Some Of his
gang are speaking to him. They've
been Waiting here TO meet him. They'll
60 with him. expect. Wen all DO In
the stagecoach togetherr'
"what do you want me TO do to 'em.
Lahomaf"
II want you to pretend that you
don't know me-and they mustn't find
out your name Is Compton, or they'll
think Mr. Edgerton got word TO you TO
Join me here. Be stranger till we're
safe In the cove"
"All right Goodbyl But suppose !
hadn't conner
"Oh. could have done without you"
said Lahoma, "or I think I could!"
"You could never have done without
mer wilfred declared decidedly.
IL can right nowr' She drew away
EN- get into the stage. Don't follow
too soon"
There were three stagecoaches drawn
up at short distance from the plat
form. and Lahoma went swiftly TO the
one bound for her part OF the country.
She was the first 10 enter She was
seated quietly In a corner when the
two long seats that faced each other
began filling up. The last to come
were four men-one. tall, slender. red
faced and red haired; two others OF
dark and lowering faces. who looked
upon the former as their leader and
the last Wilfred Compton. who had
unobtrusiyely Joined himself to this
remnant OF Red Kimball's gang.
The stage. which was built after the
manner OF the old fashioned omnibus
afforded no opportunity OF moving to
and fro In the selection Of seats. hence
when Red Kimball discovered Laho
mas identity-the exact moment OF the
discovery was marked by his violent
start-she was safeguarded from his
approach by her proximity 10 yer,
large woman danked by thin spin
ster These were two sisters. going Il
the evenings station where the coacl
would stop for supper, and Lahomu
discussed with them their plans ana |
hopes with bright cheerfulness and
reedy friendship.