The state herald., 1918-05-24

Macdonald. the color famed into the
cheeks of the Irish girl, but as the
story progressed. the blood ebbed
even from her lips.
With a swift movement Of her fin.
gers she flashed on the hall light. Her
gaze searched the brown, shiny face Of
the little chnp. She read there an af-
fidavit Of the truth Of his mothers
tale. It was impossible to see him
md not recognize Colby Macdonald re-
incarnated.
"What is your nameT' asked Sheba
suddenly.
The youngster hung back shyly
among the folds Of the Indian womnn's
skirt. "Colmac." he said at last softly.
"Come" Sheba flung open the door
Of the living room and ushered them
in.
Macdonald. pacing restlessly up and
down the room during her absence,
pulled up In his stride. He stood frown-
Ing at the native woman. then his eyes
passed to Elliot and fastened upon
him. The face Of the Scotsman was
grim a. that Of hanging Judge.
Gordon started to explain. then
stopped with a shrug. What was the
user The man would never believe
him In the world.
"T'll remember this" the Alaskan
promised his rival. There was a cold
glitter In his eyes, a sudden flare Of
| tho dovf1 that vr,oa hvool rhl11tnD
"Its true. then" broke in Sheba.
you're a-squaw man. You belong
to this woman"
"Nothing Of the kind. That's been
ended for years."
"Endedf" Sheba drew Colmac for
ward BY the wrist. "Do you deny that
this is your boyr
The big Alaskan brushed this aside
ms Of no moment. IT dare say he is.
Anyhow. I'm paying for his keep. What
OF III That's all. finished and done
with"
How can 1t be done with when
when she's the mother Of your child
your wife before Godr Standing there
straight as an aspen, the beautiful
bosom rising and falling quickly while
the storm waves beat through her
blood. Sheba O'Neill had never made
more appeal to the strong. lawless
man who desired her for his wife.
"You don't understand" Macdon-
aids big nsts were clenched so saw.
ngely that the knuckles stood ont
white from the brown tan Of the flesh.
This 70 q mans country. It's new
close b nature. What he wants he
tnkes-if he's strong enough. I'm ele-
mental. Il"
"You wanted her-and you took her.
Now you want me-and I suppose
you'll tnke me too" Her scornful
words hne ,se sting Of q whiplash.
"rvs lived az all men live who have
red blood In them. This woman was
an incident. I've been aboveboard.
She can't say ! ever promised more
than I've given. I've kept her and the
boy. It's been no secret. II you had
asked. I would have told you the whole
story"
Does that excuse your"
II don't need any excuse. I'm a
man. That's excuse enough. The ono
big fact you want to set your teeth into
now Ii that I love you. that there isn't
another woman on Gods earth for me.
and that there never will be again" !"
Her eyes flashed battle. 'The one
big fact I'm facing N that you have
insulted me-that you insult me again
when you mention love with that won.
an and boy In the room. You belong
to them-go to them-and leave me
alone. I hate the sight Of you. Why
don't you go-all Of you-and leave
me In peaccf'
II was q cry Of bruised pride and
wounded love. Elliot touched the In.
dian woman on the shoulder. Metcetsc
turned stolidly and walked out Of the
room. still leading Colmac BY the hand.
The young man followed.
Macdonald closed the door behind
them. then strobe frowning up and
down the room. The fear was grow.
ing on him that for all his great driv.
Ing power hs could not shake this
slim girl from the New to which she
clung. his relation with Aeteetss
had been natural enough. He believed
that he had acted vsry honorably 10
her. Many Q man would have left
her In the lurch to take care Of the
youngstcr By herself. But he had &C.
knowiedged bis Obligation. He was
paying his debt scrupulousiy. and be.
cause Of II the story had risen to con.
front him. He felt that Il was an nm.
Just blow Of fate.
He knew TINT no must Justify him
self before shcba or losc her. Az hs
stood In the dusk 30 tnll and rigid, he
knew her heart was steel to him. Her
finely chisclcd face bad tho look Of
race. Never had tho spell Of her been
moro upon him. He crushed bnck q
kccn-cdgcd desire to tnkc her supple
young body Into his nrms and kiss her
I'LL tho scarlet run Into her checks