The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-09-02


Finally they gave over talking and
turned to contemplate the couple in the
lee OF the rock. Two strong figures
were they. silhouettes against the grey,
unlovely sky. defying the wind that
secured the cliffs.
Eric" said Mary, her lips close
to his ear, lis there really a resem-
blance, or Is my mind so full of Adam
Carr that can see no one else? Isn't
II odd that i should"
It's not fancy, Mary said he
gravely. without taking his eyes from
the two men. "The likeness is there.
It's real Now. maybe you can begin
TO understand"
But don't understand" she cried
on her. "Oh, Eric. you--you can't mean
that--that he"
See for yourself, dear, It's odd you
never noticed It before"
A low moan fell from her lips. She
hid her face against his shoulder blot
ting out the fantastic vision that smote
her so cruelty. 81
He was quick to comfort her. Moth
ing Is sure In this world, Mary darling.
and this may be a coincidence, a freak
OF nature"
Take me home, Eric" came in
smothered tones from his shoulder.
hr he glanced nee ,t toward the men on the
his hand in a friendly fashion, and an
instant later John Payson did the same.
Then, with seeming reluctance, he
turned to follow the older man. Side
by side, they turned away from the
edge Of Stone Wall, urged to swifter
strides by the wind at their backs. Not
once did they look behind.
They're going, Mary" said Eric.
She raised her eyes. Together they
watched the two men until they were
lost to sight among the rocks that
lined the distant roadway.
Il am afraid OF him, Eric" she
moaned. Il am afraid OF Jack now.
There was something terrible about
him. something I'd never seen before
never even dreamed Of"
III he isn't the son OF Ad--" .
Stop" she almost screamed. II don't
want you to say II. You may be wrong.
God may have played a trick on us, on
every one. I'm beginning to think that
God isn't hove small things like that.
No. mol We must never speak Of It.
1t hurts, Eric, oh, how II hurts"
"On my soul, Mary, I am sorry for
him. He Is q decent chap. l."
He Is man, ERIE, and love him.
love himl shall love him till die"
But you can see how impossible It
will be for you to-" .....
Haven't said I would give him
with her clenched hands. Don't ask
me to say anything more
Maybe it's all right, after ALL" he
began, but she stopped him.
IF it's all right, why should he be
out here today with that man7 No! He
stands with Adam Carr and he stands
for Adam Carr. He is against you.
There IL greater influence than my
love at work with him." ..
HE tried to come to you"
Then, what was II that held him
backT' she demanded fiercely.
He held her off, looking straight into
her eyes, and spoke steadily, even calm
ly.
He had Just been listening to Adam
Cars story OF the thing that lies out
there in the sea. That's why. He knows
about me, Mary. That's what held him
back" I
Eric" she said. after a moment, 81
think we'd better tell everything to I'm
YES" said he. I've made up my
mind to do It."
wait till tomorrow. dear"
why put II Off"
Please, Errie-just because I ask 1t
OF you.' ~.
A sharp exclamation fell from his
lips. The next instant he was pointing
in the direction Of Buds Rock. A man
was hurrying toward them. a distant,
wind fighting figure that came on
swiftly, regardless Of the rough, uneven
going and the crevasses. He held his
hand before his nose and mouth, to
breathe the better in the face of the
gale.
TITS Jacll" she cried eagerly
/ Her brothers arms dropped from her
shoulders, and muttered word OF ex-
ecration ground its way through his
teeth. Then, with no word of expla-
nation, he advanced to meet the oncom-
err, holding her tightly by the arm.
Half way across the bleak plateau.
John Payson stopped planting himself
ed until they came up. Eric would have
passed him by. with hoarse command
to Mary. but her lover shifted his posi-
ton, obstructing the way. w
What do you want?" demanded Eric
coming to a standstill and regarding
him with blazing eyes.
II want Marv." said Jack Payson res
olutely. You're beast. Eric to bring
her out here on a day like this. Do
you understand? A beast" ..-....
Mary swirled In front OF Eric, throw
ing herself on his breast, and clinging
to him. She did not utter a word but
the act was significant,
For a full minute her brother glared
at Payson. Then his anger fled before
justice and reason.
You're right, Payson," he exclaimed
miserably. "A selfish beast, Will you
come along with us? Help me to get
her back to the house."
Without a word, Payson sprang to
her side, clasping one Of her arms in
his. Together they half carried her
across the wild, open plateau, across
the i'll fated bridge and into the pro-
tected highway.
She was limp with fatigue and ex-
element, and the pain that was In her
heart. In the shelter Of the defile she
begged them to stop until she could re-
| cover her breath and her lost compo-
sure. .,.
Il couldn't stand It, Mary" Payson
was saying, a world Of anxiety in his
voice. II couldn't leave you out there.
Adam tried to keep me from coming
back. but T."
IT am so glad you came, Jack" she
cried. Il wondered why you went away
without" 80. ... 49,. ......0
Here, here!" expostulated Eric. Are
you forgetting what you said back
thereT' ~.
"No," she faItered: but can't help
saying this, Erie. Oh, I don't know
what am to do" II was q wall that
cut him like a sharp edged sword.
He turned upon Payson.
What were you doing out there with
Adam Carr" he demanded. - ..
I'm not answerable to you," retorted
Payson. .....E