Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1917-04-26

/ IAOttbIS ClI IlN dCCOuUI.
1T may be natural, but it isn't nee
essary. I am in no trouble No one
here knows [ even know YOU"
! Excuse me for coming, then, I
| couldn't rest, Nan, without knowing
something I was here last night"
81 know you were.'
He started. "You made no sign"
why should I? I suspected it was
you. When YOU came again tonight I
| 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, Nan?"
| eff [ am, it will not be to talk with
Inc words were spoken deliberately.
De Spain was silent for moment.
| Not even to speak 70 me?" he asked.
'You must know the position [ am
! IN she answered. "And what a p0-
| sitiOn you place me in if / am seen to
speak to you. This is my home. You
are the enemy of my people"
Not because | want 20 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
people?" he asked evenly.
Il suppose [ must"
Don't you think you ought to count
all Of your friends, your well-wishers.
those who would defend you with their
lives, among your people?" She made
no answer. Aren't they the kind of
! people" he persisted, you need when
you are in trouble?"
you needn't remind me [ should be
grateful to you"
- he exclaimed.
"For [ am" she continued, unmoved.
But"
IT'S a shame to accuse me in that
way"
you We're thinking when you spoke
of what happened with Gale Oh Music
mountain"
Il wish to God you and I were on
Music mountain again! l never lived
or did anything worth living for. till
you came to me that day on Music
mountain. It's true I was thinking Of
what happened when l sp0ke-but not
to remind you you owed anything to
me. You don't; get that out of your
head"
Il do, though"
Il spoke in the way I did because I
wanted to remind you of what might
happen some time when I'm not near"
Il shan't be caught off my guard
again. | know how to defend myself
from a drunken man"
He could not restrain all the bitter
ness he felt. THAT man." he said de-
Iiberately. els more dangerous sober
than drunk"
when I can't defend myself, my
uncle will defend me-"
ASK him to let me help"
''He doesn't need any help. And he
would never ask you. if he did. | can't |
live at home and know you; that is
Why ask you not to come again"
He was silent. Don't you think, |
all things considered"-sh hesitated,
as if not knowing how easiest to put |
it-'yOu ought to be willing to shake |
hands and say Goodbye"
''Why, if you wish it," he answered. |
taken aback. And he added more qul-
city, eyes, if you say So"
Il mean for good"
81" he returned pausing, don't"
"YOu are not willing to be fair
Il want to be fair don't want to |
promise more than human nature will
stand for-and then break my word.''
Il am lot asking a whole lot"
"N0t a whole lot to you, I know.
But do you really mean that you don't
want me ever to speak to you again?"
'If you must put it that way-yes."
''Well''-he took a long breath
there is one way to make sure of that.
I'll tell you honestly ! don't want 10
stand il the way of such a wish, il
it's really yours. As you have said. it
isn't fair, perhaps, for Ine to go against
it. Got your pistol with you, Nan?"
NO
THAT is the way you take care of
yourself, is it,"
I'm not afraid Of YOU"
"YOu ought to be ashamed of your
self not to be. And you don't even |
know whom you'll meet before you can
ock the front door again. You prom
sed me never to 90 out without it.
Promise ne that once more, will you?"
She did as he asked her. NOW, give
ne your hand, please" he went on. ,
Take hold Of this !
What is it?"
1.-THE butt of my revolver Don't be
lfraid." She heard the slight click OF
he hammer with a thrill of strange ap-