The diamond drill., 1920-02-07

iyuChiuk Uy the hfkutnthtS ol Donhr7
began TO resent his activity. Flandrat
was their prisoner. wasn't he? NJ
use going on half-cocked. Some OF
them were discovering that they were
not half so anxious to hang him as
they had supposed.
The girl turned TO her friends and
nelghbors. II oughtn't TO have talked
TO you that way. but you know how
worried I am about dad" she apollo
gixed with a catch in her breath. I'm
sure you didn't think or you would
never have done anything TO trouble
me more just now. You know didn't
half mean it" She looked from one
TO another. her eyes shiny with tears.
81 know that no braver or kinder men
live than you. Why. you're my folks.
I've been brought up among you. And
SO you've got to forgive me-"
Some said "Sure." others told her 70
forget II. and one grass widower drew
a laugh by saying that her little spiel
reminded him OF happier days.
I'm so glad you've changed your
minds. / knew you would when you
thought II over" she told them chat
tliy and conndentially.
She was taking their assent for
granted. Now she waited and gave
them chance TO chorus their agree
ment. None of them spoke except Ma
ioney. Most of them were with her In
sympathy but none wanted to be first
In giving way.
She looked around from one TO an
other. still cheerful and sure OF her
ground apparently. Two steps brought
her directly In front OF one. She
caught him by the lapels OF his coat
and looked straight into his eyes. "You
have changed your mind. haven't you,
Jake7
The big Mlssourian twisted his hat
In embarrassment.
"Sure. whatever's right suits me-"
swell. you know what is right, don't
your"
II expect"
"Then you won't hurt this man. our
prisoner?"
II haven't thing against him II you
haven't"
"Then you won't hurt him7 You
won't stand by and let the other boys
do it7"
"Now, Miss Kate"
She burst into sudden tears. u
thought you were my friend, but now
I'm In trouble you--you think only OF
making II worse"
Jake gave in Immediately and the
rest followed like flock OF sheep.
Two or three of the promises came
hard. but she did not stop tin each
one individually had pledged himself
The young man she had saved could
not keep HIS eyes from her. He would
have liked TO kneel down and kiss the
edge Of her dress and put his curly
head in the dust before her. The ice
In his heart had melted In the warmth
OF great emotion. She was standing
close TO him talking 60 Buck when he
spoke In low voice.
4
I'm obliged to you. miss"
She drew back quickly as II he had
been a snake about TO strike. her hand
gathering her skirts so
that they would not brush against him
II don't want your thanks" she told
him, and her voice was like the drench
OF an icy wave.
But when she saw the hurt In his
eyes she hesitated. Perhaps she
guessed that he was human after all,
for an impulse carried her forward TO
take the rope from his neck. While
his heart beat twice her soft fingers
touched his throat and grazed his
check. Then she turned and was gone
from the room.
II was a long time before the hunk
house quleted. Curly. faint with weari-
ness. lay down and tried 10. sleep His
arm was paining a good deal and he
felt feverish. The men OF the Circle
and their guests sat down and
argued the whole thing over. But aft
er time the doctor came In and had |
lhN HHAANlA tuiAit1 w tnt iiVhNts Ait |
was put In a good clean bed and his |
arm dressed again.
The doctor brought him good news.
'Cullison Is doing fine. He ought TO
make Il all right"
Curly thought about the girl who
had fought for his life.
You'll not let him die. Doc" he
segged
Hes too tough for that. Luck Gull
ison Is"
Presently Doctor Brown gave him
sleeping powder and left him. Soon
lfter that Curly fell asleep and
ireamed about a slim dark girl with
Inc long-lashed eyes that could be
10Th tender and ferocious.