The Crittenden press., 1920-08-13
CHAPTER lV-Continued.

8
Bryce could see that she was the
little daughter -. some large rich
man. The SparSr! If jewelry end
TIC r.,n simplicity of her attire proved
that. and moreover she was accom-
panied by a French maid 10 whom
she spoke in French in manner
which testified that before acquiring
custody of French nurse. She pos
sessed p0ise. For the rest, she had
wonderful jet-black hair, violet eyes
and milk-white skin, correct nose
but a somewhat generous mouth.
Bryce guessed she wis twenty or
twGnty-one years old and that she had
a temper susceptible Of being aroused.
The fact that this remarkable
young woman had also left the train
at Red Blun further interested him,
for he knew ned Bluff and while CIV
ing credit TO the many lovely damselS
"
hni a suspicion that no former Red
Bluff girl would dare to invade the
old home town with n French maid.
He noted, as further evidence of the
correctness Of his assumption. that
the youthful baggage smasher ut the
station failed to recognize her and
was evidently dazzled when, followed
by the maid. struggling with two
sult-cases, she approached him and In
pure though alien English inquired
,he location Of the best hotel and the
hour and point of departure Of the
automobile stage for San Hedrin.
The youth had answered her first
question and was about 10 answer the
second when George Sea Otter, In all
his harbaric splendor, came pussy
footing around the corner of the sta
tion in old man Cardlgan's regal
tourinp-cnr.
The Hignest Living Authority, fol
lowing the gaze OF the baggage
smoshcr, turned and beheld George
Sea Otter. Beyond a doubt he was Of
the West westward. She noted the
rife-stock projecting from the scab.
bard. aud a vision Of stage hold-up
flashed across her mind. All. yes, of
cOurse--the express messengers weap-
on, no doubt And further to clinch
her instant assumption that here was
the Sequoia motor-stage, there was
the pennant ad0rnlng the windshield
DIsmisslng the baggage with
gracious smile, the Highest Living
Authority approached George Sea
Otter, noting. the while, further evil
dencr THAT this car was public con-
veyauce. for the young man who had
been her fellow-passenger was head
Ing toward the automobile also. She
heard him say:
Hello, George, you radiant red
rascal! I'm mighty glad to see you
boy. Shake!"
They shook. George Sea Offers
dark eyes and white teeth flashing
pleasurably. Bryce tossed his bag In
TO the tonneau: the half.breed opened
the front door; and the young master
had his foot on the running.board ant
was about 10 enter the car when {
soft voice spoke at his elbow:
Driver. this Is the stage fol
SeQuola, is II noti"
George Sen otter could scarcel,
credit his auditory nerves "Thii
carr" he demanded bluntly, "thls-th,
Sequoia stagel Take look, lady
This here's Napier imported auto
mobile. It's private car and be
longs 10 my boss here"
bryce turned and lifted his hat.
"Quite naturally. you thought II wa
the SeQuoln stage" He turned
smolderlng glance upon George SCI
Otter. George" he declared omI
ncusly. hu. win a sly wink that DIRE,
the sting from his words, ~ your
nnxinus to hold down your job. III
mex, time lady speaks TO you an
asks s0u simple questloi- you M
swei res or no and refrain from sa,
! castle remarks Don't let your er
: thusiasm for this cur run away wit
. you" lie 'nccd the girl again. "WN
3 IL your Intention to 20 to ScQuola q
, the next trip Of the stngcf"
: She nodded.
"Thnt means YOU will have 10 VIZ
!. here three days until the stage r,
turns from Scquoln." Bryce replied.
A shade ~ annoyance passed ov,
! the clnsslc features of the illghe
} Living Authority. "oh. dear" n
complained. how fearfully awkwnrr
Now shnll have 10 take the ne'
train to san Francisco and book pa
sngr On the steamer 10 Seauola-nr
. Mnr,elle is such u poor sailor. o
dear"
Bryce had nm inspiration and haste
! ed ~ reveal II.
"we nre about 10 start for Seauo
, now, although the lnteness Of our stn
win compel us to put W tonight
the rpt.house On the south fork
trinity river and continue the journ,
N the morning. However. this ~,
I. house Ia eminently respectable al