The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1916-05-04
CHAPTER VI-(Continued.)

That afternoon Jess saddled her pony
and rode along the path she had walked
with her father upon the night he
had gone forth to seek her. 1t had
become the path she usually took, lead
ing across the rolling plains to the dis
tant woods, in which lay the Skunk
Hollow, with its wild and tangled ra-
vine.
Tacitly 1t had come to be the spot
where Cardross met her almost daily,
and Jess knew she would meet him
there this noon.
He was waiting for her when she
reached the little basin Of the ravine,
and moved forward to tie her horse by
the side of his own. She saw at once
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 to
her. =.
AN is it so much for you to wait
It's so much less than waiting with
you, Jess"
yet that seems to be what you want
-waitin'."
You child"
She avoided his attempted caress.
Il amt a child, Blass. Don't treat
me like 1 was one"
He put his arm about her.
Sweetheart" he murmured, I'll
treat you like the dearest girl you are
IL 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. Let's 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 I amt an enemy. I think ia
Their made q 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 I amt willin'
to have him, Blass. I'm goin' to man
age this business, myself, hear!"
"You!" Cardross exclaimed.
Sure" she said; but no one but
you 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 truth he was not sorry to have
the excuse Of hunoring her to delay
his own action.
The shadows heightened in the woods
above them. In the deeper obscurity OF
the ravine the dank odors Of the ap-
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.
You are happy, JESSE"
why else should l be here, Blass? ?"
But she started at the indistinct
sounds Of horses tread somewhere in
the forest above them, standing with
her hand tight upon Cardross's arm
until 1t had died away. The man, too
had Strengthened as he listened, the
echoing call of the horses rider COM
inE 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 I hate
him worst" muttered Cardross. I'm
wisely, he added: Don't trust that
man, Jess. His tongue should be cut
out"
The girl drew away, a revulsion she
did not seek to comprehend Selling
her.
why SnOulu rear BUCK braInOn
or any man." she asked, a proud
scosn in her voice. what has he
said to you bout me, Blass?"
Too late he saw his error, protest.
ing Vainly that she misunderstood;
that Buck had said nothing about
them.
Jess would not be treasured.
He's right, he's right" she cried
passionately. why does you make me
steal out here to meet you so, Blass ?"
Gould you come to my house?" he
asked. Can go to yours as things
are with me on Earle Workings
place? Steal here, Jess! Have we not
q right to our love that all the world
must be asked its favor?"
Jess shook her head.
AT least" she said, after a mo-
ment, I'm goin' to tell your sister,
Blass."
Not If you really love me-. Jess"
he 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
trNst me, Jess, to managed best until
the right time comes? Do you doubt
my love-"
He drew her to him, kissing her on
the mouth, murmuring the incoheren-
cies that were yet so eloquent, holding
her to him until abruptly he himself
released her and stood back, fearful
Of himself. white and breathless.
Jess CROPPED her way blindly to her
horse, her breath like sobs in her tense
throat. Blindly she got into her saddle
and rode away nor did Cardross seek
to call her back.
Could she doubt his love!
Could she trust her own!