Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1916-02-05

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She looked again into the face of the
mountaineer, the feudist. of the vi.d
creature turning to stand at bay.
For moment they remained mo-
tionless, and her fingers rested on
his arms and felt the strain on his
tautened biceps.
Cod" he muttered almost in
audibly.
What is ft?" she whispered. but
he replied only with a warning shake
of the head
Once more he stood listening, then
gently turned her so that his body
was between her and the outside
world. He thrust her back into the
open door and followed her inside
What is it, Anse? What did you
hear out there?" Her face had gone
pallid and she chung to his arms with
grip that indicated no intention of
release.
'Nothin' much. Just the crackin' of
a twig or two; just some steps in the
bush that was too cautious to sound
honest; little noises that wouldn't
mean much if didn't know what they
do mean They weren't friendly
sounds. They're after me-"
Who? What do you mean?"
Her voice came in low panic of
whispering, and even as she spoke the
man was listening with his head bent
toward the closed door,
He laughed mirthlessly under his
breath.
L don't know who they've picked
out to get me. 1t don't matter much,
does it? But 1 know they've picked
tonight. I've been lookin' for it, but
it seems they might have let me have
tonight" His lips smiled and for
an instant his eyes softened again %
tenderness. This was my night
our night
Suddenly he wheeled and caught
her fiercely in his arms holding her
very close, and now her heart was
beating more wildly than before-beat-
ing with sudden and sickening ter
rOr.
He bent low and covered her tenn
pies and cheeks and lips and ewes
with kisses.
God knows, when l came here to-
night he declared. talking fast and
passionately. Il didn't aim to ever go
away again without We. Now I've got
to go, but if l come through, an there's
a breath or a drop of blood left in
dearest. if l live
Her answer was low moan.
He released her at last and went
over to the gun-rack.
Standing before her shrine of guns,
In her temple of disarmament, he
said slowly: Dearest, | was about
the last man to leave my rifle here.
an reckon I've got to be the first
a E0
you give it to me IT must / take it
without permission? ?"
She came slowly over. conscious
that her knees were trembling and
that ice-water seemed to have taken
the place of hot blood in her veins
If you need it," she faltered, take |
it, dear-nothing else matters Which |
enc shall l give you?"
My own," His voice was for the |
instant imperious. 1t was almost as
if someone had asked Ulysses what |
bow he would draw in battle. Il
reckon my own guns good enough for |
me- 1t has been till today
She withdrew the rifle from the !
rack herself, and he took it from her
trembling hands. but when he had |
accepted it she tP-w her arms about !
him again and chung to him wildly.
her eyes wide with silent suffering
and dread
The crushing grasp of his arms hurt |
her and she felt a wild Joy in the |
pain. Then she resolutely whispered: |
Go. dearest. go, Time is precious |
now. God keep you,''
Juanita." he said slowly. Il have |
refused to talk to you in good speech
have chung to the rough phrases and |
the rough manners of the hills, but
want you to know always. most |
dear one. that l have loved you not /
only fiercely. but gently too. No ten
derer worship lives in your own world
II l don't come back. think of that !
God knows / love you"
Don't, Ansei" she cried with a /
smothered Sob Don't talk like {. soft
lowlander, Talk to me in
your own speech. 1t rings of strength.
and God knows"-her voice broke, and
she added with fierce tenderness. God
knows, dear. eagle-heart, you need all
the strength of wing and talon TO-
night"
Then she opened the back door very
cautiously on the shadows that crept
into inky blackness. and saw him slip
away and melt instantly into the
murk-
CHAPTER XIV