Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1916-05-04
CHAPTER TX.
RENDING TIE VEIL.

GISINlDlANG LII V ELL.
To Jess Kilrain's surprise, when she
reached the ravine, the man who stood
there, apparently awaiting her coming,
was not Blass Cardross. 1t was Earle
Worthing who came forward, and,
placing his hand upon the reins, spoke
TO her, something of a grave Solicitude
IN his manne
VIII you get down, Jess ?" he asked.
L nave waited here ~purposely to speak
with you"
He saw the quick look of compre-
hension that leaped to her eyes. He
saW, too, the troubled concern h a
followed it.
you need not nave any hesitation"
ne assured her gently. II am sure we
shall be alone"
Slfls race, n resentment made her
eyes hostile; but Workings calm re-
gard steadied her.
! have known it for some time.
Jess he said quietly, after he had
h,tched her. horse and joined her on
the fallen tree hat lay spanning the
bed of the ravine. "Of course, there
are other ways L might have gone
about doing what brings me here to-
day. I might have spoken to your
rather. | might have gone to Cardross.
1here We're reasons why l preferred
coming to you"
Worthing hesitated for a long mo-
ment. His task was not an easy one,
and he did not want to blunder. Then
ne TOOK his courage and his good in
tent in his hands, and spoke to the
point.
Jess he demanded, has Blass
wife 2"
"Ah!" she cried, on a quick inward
breath. You should Ia CONS to him
with that question:! 1 won't answer
it,"
IF you wisb me to go to him with
1t, l SHALL" he responded graveIy.
An what Elake you think, Earle
Worthing," she cried, her flarisg anger
undisguised, "tuat l need your help or
any mans in my own affairs"
There are times when the strongest
Of US, and l knew you are strong. need
help. l was only seeking to save you
pain, Jess-the lain l have felt in find
ing Blass CardrQss a disloyal friend"
AN you seek 20 spare pain by givin'
1t, is that your Nay?" she asked. irony
curling her lip.
Yes" he asselted. Sometimes that
must be the way
Then you've mistaken the way" she
told him, and rose srom her seat, stand
ing before him, defiant. head erect
ing, and he smiled q little wryly.
1t was already twilight in the deep
raVlne. High ovelhead against the
colarless sky a SOLITARY flying crow
cawed ~raucously. less Kilrain had
toward her horse. Worthipg
still sitting behind ger. 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 o.
a horses g%alloping hoofs rang out.
The girl paused in her slow walk,
turning her body toward Worthing. Her
face had paled perceKtibly, and her
eyes upon Workings asked a mute
question.
IT i* 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 foe his horse, but
the g~alloping speed Of tae approaching
horseman forestalled his intention. Be-
fore Worthing could mount, but with
his horse united, Blasa Cardross rode
into he little space.
He glanced from Jesa to his former
friend, his first ~astonishment giving
quick place to a suspicion only too ev-
ldent to those who wat.,hed him.
AS h spot was on cardross' land.
Worthing felt at a ceExain disadvan-
tage. 10 spare the girl, he said with
what affability he could:
Il was Just On the Yoint Of going,
Cardross. l had inferred by presence
would not be an intrusioa today"
Cardross swung himself off his
horse.
For one who Is so highly sensitive
about trespassing," he said coldly, "it
is rather odd that you SHOULD be here
at ALL" He faced the other more
.s.quarely. You speak OF an intrusion.
An intrusian upon whatt
Worthing had flushed at the first
words.
Shall I say pon your land?" he
answered, his voice pitched low.
Jess Kilrain stepped f,rward. She
was not insensible Of Wo.thtngs dell
cacy of motive. To profit, by it stung
her pride. lnstinctively, 500, she felt
that Cardross' question had been of the
nature of evasion. She put one herself
which checkmated all eva2Ion.
NJ Worthing,' asked "how was
you aware that Mr.. Cardlass met me
in this ravine?"
Surprised, Worthing h~es,tated. An
expression he caught in Car1ross' swift
glance at the girl as h spoke de-
cided him.
because many weeks age, as I rode
along the path above there, yheard YOU
talking in here with Blass Cardross"
CArdross wheeled upon him with no
uncertain anger.
And was that a deliberate intru-
sion?" he demanded hotly.
Worthing scorned to answer beyond
the steady rebuke Of his eyes.
and doubtless you listened to what
we said!" cried C%ardross. his voice
shaken now by the force OF q passion
he GOULD not master.
Worthing grew taller with the breath
he took.
II head what was said, Casdro.s T.
brought me here today-thar and an.
other thing ! have heard-to warn less
Kilrain against you"
Cardross turned with vehemence m
on the girl.
Since when has this man BACON.
your protector" he asked.
Jess looked at him, a curious pene.
tration in her clear eyes, an odd and
battling smile twisting her mouth.
Does you admit the need OF nh nro-
tection?" she said, her voice 40 low
that Worthtng scarce caught tha
words. Tell him, Blass, that I am to
be your wife, an you needn't taIk then
Of his protection"
With an ugly laugh, Cardros1 sten-
ped back.
CONTINUED next weekly.