The Ozark spectator., 1917-05-23
CHAPTER XIX.
A Trv.Out.

A Try.Out.
 Sleepy Cat Is not so large place that one would ordinarily have much trouble in finding a man in it if he searched we'll. But Duke Morgan | drove into town next morning and had | to stay for three days waiting for a chance to meet De Spain. Duke was not man to talk much when he had anything of moment to put through, and he had left home determined, be- fore he came back, to finish for good with his enemy.
 De Spain himself had been putting off for weeks every business that would bear putting off, and had been forced .at length to run down to Medicine Bend to buy horses. Nan, after her uncle left home-justly apprehensive of his intentions-made frantic efforts to get word to De Spain of what was impending. She could not telegraph n publicity thnt she dreaded would have followed at once. De Spain had expected to be back in two days. Such letter as she could have sent would not reach him at Medicine Bend.
 As 1t was, a distressing amount of talk did attend Dukes efforts to get track of De Spain. Sleepy Cat had but one interpretation for his inQui- ries-and a light If one occurred be- tween these men, 1t was conceded, would be historic in the annals of the town. Its anticipation was food for all of the rumors of three days of sus- pense. For the town they were three days of thrilling expectation; for Nan, isolated, without confidant, not knowing what to do or which way to turn. they were the three bitterest days of anxiety she had ever known. 1 Desperate with suspense at the close of the second day-wild for scrap of news, yet dreading one-she saddled her pony and rode alone into Sleepy Cat after nlghtfall to meet the train on which De Spain had told her he would return from the east. She rode straight to the hospital. instead of going to the livery barn. and leaving her horse, got supper and walked by way of unfrequented streets downtown to the station to walt for the train. | When the big train drew slowly. al- most noiselessly, in, Nan took her place where no incoming passenger could escape her gaze and waited for De Spain. But when all the arrivals had been accounted for, he had not come.
 She turned, heavy-hearted, to walk back uptown, trying to think of whom she might seek some information con- corning De Spain's whereabouts. when her eye fell on a man standing not | ten feet away at the door of the bag | gage room. He was alone and seemed to be watching the changing of the engines, but Nan thought she knew him by sight. The rather long, straight, black hair under the broad d-brimmed hat marked the man known and hated in the gap as "the Indian" Here, she said to herself, was n chance. De Spain, she recalled. spoke of no one Oftener than this man. He seemed wholly disengaged.
 Expressing her nervous timidity, Nan walked over to him. Aren't you Mir. Scott?" she asked abruptly. Scott. turning to her. touched his hat as if quite unaware until that mo- ment of her existence. "Did Mir. de Spain get of this train?" she asked. us Scott acknowledged his identity. 'I guess he didn't come tonight" Nan noticed the impassIve manner of his speaking and the low. even tones. II was kind of looking for him my self"
 ''Is there another train tonight he l could come on2"
 "I don't think he will be back now before tomorrow night"
 Nan. much disappointed. looked up | the line md down. 'I rode in this | afternoon from Music mountain espe- cially to see him."
 Sect, without commenting, smiled | with understanding and encourage ment. and Nan was so filled with anxi- ety that she welcomed chance to talk to somebody. i've often heard him speak of you" she ventured, searching the dark eyes, and watching the open. kindly smile characteristic of the man. Scott put his right hand out at his side I've ridden with that boy since he was so high.r
 Il know he th.nks everything of you"
 II think lot ef him"