The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1916-05-04
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CHAPTER vI-(Continued.)

That afternoon Jess added her pom,
and rode along the path she had walked
with her father upon the night h,
had gone forth to seek her. 1t hat
become the path h usually took, lead
ing across the rolling plains to the dis,
tant woods, in which lay the Skunk
Hollow, with its wild and tangled IA,
vine.
Tacitly it had come to be the spo
where Cardross met her almost daily
and Jess knew she would meet hin
there this noon.
He was waiting for her when she
reached the little basin of the ravine
and moved Onward to tie her horse BY
the side of his own. She saw at once
that his mood was clouded, and he
turned to her with somewhat of re-
proach.
Il began to think you were not com
ing he told her. Il used always to
find you here"
Oddly his reproach was not sweet tc
her.
An is it so much for you to wait
for me, Blass?"
It's so much less than waiting with
you. Jess"
Yet that seems to be HI you want
-waitin'.'
You child"
She avoided his attempted caress.
Il amt q child, Blass. Don't treat
me like [ was one"
He put his arm about her.
Sweetheart" he 'Ill
treat you like the dearest girl you are
II You just won't be cross with me.
Things have gone badly with me to-
day. Be good to me"
Yes" she said, releasing herself
from his embrace. Lets talk about
that. Blass. What does you mean to
do?"
He smiled. There was much that was
endearing about Blass Cardross.
You are in the camp of the enemy,
Jess"
But 1 amt an enemy. I think ia
Their made a mistake in what he done.
He thinks so himself"
Cardross' face hardened. He misun-
derstood the admission she made.
He will have to abide by it."
He is willin' to, but 1 amt willin'
to have him, Blass. I'm goin' to man
age this business. myself, heart"
You! Cardross exclaimed.
Sure" she said: but no one but
o must know it."
He watched her, a generous admira-
ton kindling in his eyes.
But how, sweetheart
Never mind how. Just give me.
just give me till tomorrow"
OF a truth he was not sorry to have
the excuse of humoring her to delay
his own action.
The shadows heightened in the woods
above them. In the deeper o~bscurity of
the ravine the dank odors of the APP
preaching evening stole about them.
heavy weighted, lulling, touched with
mystery.
So still they were that the wild
things of the woods, curious squirrels.
and sensitively shifting rabbits, crept
out from cover, Drawing the human
presence.
'fVnII 20 to INV Joz. or,
why. else should I be here. Blass pr
But she started at the indistinct
sounds of a horses tread somewhere in
the forest above them, standing with
her hand tight Upon Cardross's arm
until it had died away. The man, too.
had straightened as he listened, the
echotng call of the horses rider COM
ing to them family as he galloped on.
Buck Brannon." said Jess, and the
shadow in her Eyes was not happy.
OF all the men of the Loop / hate
him worst" muttered Cardross. I'm
he added: Don't trust that
man. Jess. His n should be cut
out"
The girl drew away, a revulsion she
did not seek to comprehend Selling
her.
Why should I fear Buck Brannon
or any mann" she asked. a proud
scorn in her voice. What has he
SteNs W oo oodL ftlS, IJlaSS .HEEH As I
Too late he saw his error. protest.
ing vainly that she misunderstood;
h a Buck had said nothing about
them.
Jess would not be treasured.
Hes right. he's right" she cried
passionately. why does you make me
steal out here to meet you SO. BIass?"
Could 0 come to my house? ~ he
asked. Can l go to yours as things
are with me IN Earle Workings
placer Steal here, Jessi Have we not
a right to u love that all the world
must be asked it's favor?"
Jess shook her head.
AT least" h said. after a MOI
ment, I'm goin' to tell your sister,
Not If you really love me, Jess."l
pleaded. Nance is fond of YOU. but
she Is terribly jealous of me. See how
she has turned against even Earle
Worthing, whom she loved! Can't YOU
trust me, Jess. to managed best until
e right time comes? Do you doubt
love."
He drew her to him, kissing her on
the mouth, ~murlnuring the incoheren-
tnat Were vet SO eloquent, holding
her 70 him until abruptly he himself
released her and stood back fea rs,i
himself, white and breathless.
Jess CROPPED her way blindly to her
horse, her breath like sobs in her tense
hroat- Blindly she got into her saddle
ana rode away, nor did Cardross seek |
to call her back.
could she doubt his love.
Gould she trust her own.
CHAPTER VIZ (