The evening world., 1919-07-19
CHAPTER XIII.

TT came about. quite as matters
often do, that at the three-mile-
distant ranch headquarters II was
one who know comparatively lit
tie OF the ways OF this part OF the
world who was first 70 suspect that
all was not we'll with Judith Sanford.
To Pollock Hampton her failure TO
appear at dinner was Significant.
Hampton learned from Mrs. Stmp-
son that in the afternoon Judith after
a hurried lunch had taken her rifle
and ridden away. Where3 Mrs.
Simpson did not know.
Hurried lunch7" said Hampton.
"Took her rifle. did she7"
His eyes had grown very serious a.
he stared down into Mrs. simpsons
concerned face.
II am a little worried. Carson" said
Hampton, about Mise Sanford"
Huh " grunted the old cnttlenan.
Judith hasn't put In an appearance
and it's growing late" continued
Hampton hastily, I'm afraid"----
I'm real busy down at tho bunk
house, Mr.. Hampton" at last came
his quiet answer. where me an
Poker Face Is figuring out something
important. As for worrying about n
man like Bud Lee or a girl like Judy,
why, just amt going TO do II a-tRll.
Most likely II you'll call up the Lower
End
"I've done III" whirlinE in his i'm
patient stride across the room. Hamp-
ton came swiftly 10 Cars6n's side.
They're not there. They left the
Lower End this afternoon and came
on here. Then. both armed. they rode
away again at I or 5 o'clock. tell
you, man, something has happened 10
them"
Carson was so oheerfully certain,
80 amused at the thought OF Bud Lee
and judith Sanford requiring any
body'S assistance, 30 confident con-
cerning the methods OF outlaws, that
finally Hampton sent him away, half
amused, and went himself To his
friends in the living room.
lie let half an hour slip by in rost-
less inactivity. For, no matter what
Carson might say or these people In
here do, Judith had not yet come In.
When Marcia addressed "A bright re-
mark to him no started and stam-
mered, II beg your pardon"
No longer TO be restrained. Hamp-
ton left them and went to his room
for a rifle and cartridge belt He in
tended to slip out quietly. feeling that
| he would get from Farrls and Rogers
only the sort OF disbelief he had got
| ten from Carson. Marcia met him
In the hall; she had heard his quick
steps and guessed that he WIS going
out Now clearly. though she was
| frightened, she was delighted with
him. lie had never thrilled her like
this before. She had never guessed
that Pollock Hampton could be 80
stern faced. 80 purposeful. She
whispered an entreaty that he be
careful, then as no went out, ran
back to the others. her eyes shining
Hampton passed swiftly through
tho courtyard He saw the light OF
the bunk-house cleaning brightly
on his way down the knoll he came
upon Tommy Burkitt.
"IH II Mr.. HAmpton7" asked
Tommy coming close In the dark
meas TO peer at him.
"Yes. What Is 1T Who are your
"I'm Burkitt, Tommy Burkitt, you
lknow-.Bud Lees helper. IL am
afraid something has happened. Lee
hasn't come In yet: they tried "a
pick him on once already you
"Nelther has Miss Sanford come
IN" said Hampton quickly, sensing
here at last fear that was fellow
TO his own. "They rode toward tbs
Upper End. You know the way
Purkitt?"
He moved on toward the corral
Burkltt turned and came with him.
Sure | know the trail" mutterec
Tommy. you're goin' to see whats
grong with 'cm? Miss Judy, too
NJ God"
Bring out a couple OF horses,
Hampton commanded crisply
We've lost time enough already"
In the blackness which lay alonI
the upper river Hampton gave hi
horse free rein and let II follow u
Tommy's heels.
''Now which wuY:" whispere
Hampton. his voice eloquent Of sup