The Ozark spectator., 1917-05-09
CHAPTER Xv-Continued.

but iouR DelUEe Dull IuSe TeuClleu Calabasas that day De Spain had act ed. When he left Bull at the bridge he started for Calabasas, took supper there, ordered saddle horse for one o'clock in the morning, went to his !. room, slept soundly, and, shortly after he was called, started for Music noun tain. He walked his horse into the gap and rode straight for Duke Morgans fortress. Leaving the horse under q heavy mountain pine close to the road, De Spain walked carefully but directly around the house to the east side. The sky was cloudy and the darkness al- most complete. He made his way as raised the soft, grooming note of the desert owl.
 After while he was able to distin- guish the outline of her easement, and, with much patience and some little skill remaining from the boyhood days, he kept up the faint call. Down at the big barn the chained watchdog tore himself with q fury of barking at the intruder, but mountain lions were com mon in the gap, and the noisy sentinel gained no credit for his alarm. h. decd, when the dog slackcned his fierceness, De Spain threw stone over his way to encourage a fresh outburst. But neither the guardian nor the in- truder was able to arouse anyone within the house.
 Undeterred by his failure. De Spain held his ground as long as he dared. When daybreak threatened he with drew. The following night he was in the gap earlier and with renewed de- termination. He tossed n pebble into Mans open window and renewed his soft call. Soon Il light fickered for an instant within the room and died out. In the darkness following this. De Spain thought he discerncd q figure outlined at the easement. Some min utes later door opened and closed. He repeated the cry of the owl, and could hear footstep; the next mo- ment he whispered her name as she stood before him.
 "What is 1t you want?" she asked, so calmly that 1t upset him. "Why do you come hereT
 Where he stood he was afraid of the sound of her voice. and afraid of his own. "To see you" he said. collecting himself. Come over to the pine tree."
 Under its heavy branches, where the darkness was most intense, he told her why he had come--because he could not see her anywhere outside.
 "There Is nothing to see me about" she responded. still calm. "I helped you because you were wounded. l was glad to see you get away without fghting-I hate bloodshed."
 ''But put yourself in my place a little, won't you? After what you did for me, isn't 1t natural I should want to be sure you are we'll and not in any trouble on my account?"
 "It may be natural, but 1t isn't nee essary. l am in no trouble. No one here knows even know you"
 Excuse me for coming, then. l couldn't rest. Nan, without knowing something. l was here last night"
 ''I know you were"
 He started. You made no sign."
 "Why should I? l suspected it was you. When you came again tonight knew should have to speak to you at least. to ask you not to come again"
 "But you will be in and out of town sometimes, won't you, NanT
 ''If am, 1t will not be to talk with you"
 The words were spoken deliberately. De Spain was silent for a moment. "Not even to speak to me?" he asked.
 You must know the position I am in." she answered. And what a po- sltion you place me In If nm seen to speak to you. This Is my home. You are the enemy of my people,"
 "Not because want to be-"
 ."And you can't expect them not to resent any acquaintance on my part with you"
 He paused before continuing. Do you count Gale Morgan as one of your pcople?" he asked evenly.
 "I suppose l must"
 Don't you think you ought to count al of your friends. your well-wishers. those who would defend you with their li9e9. among your people?" She made ra8 answer. Aren't they the kind of I hple." he persisted, you need when yt sare in trouble?
 Yoa ncedn't remind me should be grateful to you"
 "Nan" he exclaimed.
 For nm," she continued, unmoved. "I;nt---"
 'it's shame to accuse me in that wuy." "you were thinking when you spoke