The Lamar register., 1917-04-11

Spain kept his face down as much as
he dared, and his hat had been pulled
well over II from the beginning.
They were now almost abreast. The
very instructive knowledge that her
eyes were bent on his made him steal
"a glance at her in spite of himself. The
next instant he was shamefacedly
touching his hat. Though nothing
was lost on her, Nan professed not 10
see the greeting. When she spoke her
tone was dry with suspicion.
walt a moment, Sassoon. Where
are you going?" she demanded. Sas-
soon hitched with one hand at his
trousers band. He inclined his head
sulkily toward his companion. start
ing a man on the trail for Sleepy Cat"
stop" she exclaimed sharply, for
De Spain, pushing his own horse ahead,
had managed without being observed
to kick Sassoon's horse in the flank,
and the two were passing. SassoOn at
the resolute summons stopped. De
Spain could do no less; both men,
halting, faced their suspicious inquisi-
tor. She scrutinized De Spain keenly.
what is this man doing in the gap?"
HE came up from Thief river last
night" answered Sassoon mOnoton-
ously.
what is he doing here with your
persisted Nan.
Hes u cousin OF John Rebstock's
from Williams Cache" continued Sas-
soon. The yarn would have sounded
decently well in the circumstances for
which IL was intended, but in the
searching gaze of the eyes now con-
fronting and clearly recognizing him.
It sounded so grotesque that De Spain
would fully as lief have been sitting
between his horses legs as astride his
hack
That's not true, Sassoon," said his
relentless questioner. Her tone and
the expression of her face BODIED no
friendliness for either OF the two she
had intercepted.
De Spain had recovered his wits.
You're right" he interposed without
an Instant's hesitation. ut isn't true.
But that's not his fault; he is under
arrest, and is telling you what l told
him to tell you. l came In here this
morning to take Sassoon to Sleepy Cat.
He is prisoner. wanted for cutting up
one OF our Safeguards"
Nan, coldly skeptical, eyed De Spain.
-And do you try to tell me"-she
pointed to Sassoon's unbound hands
shat he Is riding out OF here, free
man, to go to jailT'
'T do tell you exactly that. He lie
my prisoner"
II don't believe either Of you" de
clared Nan scornfully. you are plan
ming something underhand together"
De Spain laughed coOlly. We've
planned that much together, but not,
assure you, with his consent"
II don't believe your stories at ALL
she declared firmly.
De Spain flushed. The irritation and
the serious danger bore In on him. I'll
you don't believe me it's not my fault,
he retorted. I've told you the truth
Ride on, Sassoon."
He spoke angrily, but this in nj
wise daunted Nan. She wheeled heI
horse directly In front of them. Don
you stir. Sassoon," she commanded
until / call Uncle Duke"
De Spain spurred straight at her
their horses coluded, and his knee
touched hers in the saddle. I'm go
ing to take this man out of here" hi
announced In a tone she never hac
heard before from a man. 1--WE n,
time to talk. Go call your uncle If yoJ
like. We must pass"
you shan't pass a stepT"
With the quick words Of defiance th'
two glared at each other. De SpaiI
was taken aback. BE had expected NJ
more than a war of words-a few
screams at the most. Mans fac,
turned white, but there was no symp
tom even of a whimper. He noticed
her quick breathing. and felt, instinc
lively. the restrained gesture Of hei
right hand as 1t started back to hel
side. The move steadied him. "ons
question" he said bluntly, "are yot
armedf'
She hated even to answer, and mel
his searching gaze resentfully, bu
something In his tone and manner
wrung a reply. IT can defend myself
she exclaimed angrily.
De Spain raised his right hand from
his thigh to the pommel Of his saddle
The slight gesture was eloquent OF his
surrender of the issue of force. 81