Forest City press. (Forest City, Potter County, D.T. [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1916-05-03
CHAPTER TX.
REND1NG THE VEIL.

10 Jess Kilrain's surprise, when she
reached the ravine, the man who stood
there, apparently awaiting her coming,
was not Blass C%ardross. 1t was Earle
Worthing who came forward, and,
pacing his hand upon the reins, spoke
TO her, something OF a grave solicitude
in his manner.
VIII you get down, JESSE" he asked.
! nave waited here purposely to speak
with YOU"
He saw the quick look of compre-
henslon that leaped to her eyes He
saw, too, h troubled concern that
followed it. S
You need not have any hesitation"
ne assured her gently. II am sure we
shall be alone"
slrls race, and resentment made her
eyes hostile; but Workings calm re-
gard steadied her.
Il have known it for some time.
Jess" he said quietly, after he had
htched her horse and joined her on
lae 1allen tree h a lay spanning the
ped or the ravine. O course, there
are other Ways 1 might nave gone
ABOUT doing what brings me here to-
DAY. l might nave spoken to your
dather. might have gone to Cardross.
Ihere We're reasons why 1 preferred
coming to you."
Worthing hesitated for a lone mo-
ment. His task was not an EASY one.
ana ne did not want to blunder. Then
ne took MS courage and his good in
point.
Jess" he demanded, has Blass
Cardross ever asked you to be his
wife," $50
"Ah!" h cried, on a quick inward
breath. You should ha' gone to him
with that question! 1 won't answer
IF you wish me to go to him with
it. l SHALL" he responded gravely.
An what makes you think. Earle
Worthing" she cried. her flaring anger
u~ndlsguised, that l need you helm or
any mans in my own affairs?"
are times when the strongest
OF US, n L know you are strong, need
help. 1 was only seeking to save YOU
pain. Jess-the pain l have felt in find
ing Blass Cardross a disloyal friend"
An you seek to spare pain by givin'
1T, ts that your way?" she asked, irony
curling her lip.
Yes" he assented. "Sometimes that
u be the way"
The you've mistaken the way" she
told him, and rose from her seat, stand
ing before him, defiant, head erect.
I'm afraid | have replied Worth
ing, and he smiled a little wryly.
:, 1T was already twilight in the deep
rayine. High overhead against the
colorless sky a solitary flying crow
cawed ~raucously. Jess Kilrain had
moved toward her horse. Worthing
still sitting behind her. The evening
was almost without sound.
Along the path in the woods above
them. coming from the direction of
the Raccoon River ranch, the rythm Of
a horses galloping hoofs rang out.
The girl paused in her slow walk,
turning her body toward Worthing. Her
face had psled perceptibly. and her
eyes upon Workings asked q mute
question.
1T is C~ardross.' he answered, rising.
Il met him riding toward town. He
must have turned back. You need not
be worried, Jess"
He moved quickly for his horse. but
the galloping speed of the approaching
horseman forestalled his intention. Be-
fore Worthing could mount. but With
his horse united. Blass Cardross rode
into the little space.
He glanced from Jess to his former
friend. his first astonishment giving
quick place to . suspicion only too a..
ident to those who watched him.
AZ tAo spot WAS on Cardross' land,