The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1921-05-05
CHAPTER III-continued.

"Straight ter HI, l hope" the Buff
1Rlo Gap j. Z. burst out, forgetting
his clerical role In a sudden express
sion of feeling. whatever caused the
fool to butt inT
"Oh, he didn't intend nuthin. Tom
amt that kind. He just drifted long
ter see the fun. Yer can't blame him
cause the CURL took shine his way"
The two disappeared, their voices
still grumbling, and Shelby got to his
feet and moved along the edge of the
tent to where he could view the shack
better. Through the window on that
side an unobstructed blaze of light
staring at 1t the girl appeared fully
revealed In the glare and drew down
the curtain. He saw her clearly, like
q picture In frame, one round arm
uplifted to grasp the shade. He drew
a quick breath. almost Of astonish-
rnent- conscious Of the rapid beating
of his heart. BY heaven she was
actually pretty He had never thought
that before; but then, in that ruddy
light, the strange impression took pos
session as something entirely new.
And 1t served to strengthen his pur-
pose. He would not play the part Of
a coward; he would go In and ex-
plain; he would make her understand
exactly how matters were with him
and why he acted as he had.
Yet this was accomplished hesitat-
lngly and in doubt. He was at the
door twice before he found sufficient
courage to knock lightly. There was
no response and he used his knuckles
a trifle louder Intensely conscious of
n desire to turn and run away. But
there was no opportunity. The latch
clicked sharply and the light streamed
directly into his face, fairly binding
him.
"Oh. so IL Is you back againw she
asked coldly. "What did you wantT
"Just-just to have word with
you-privately," he explained lamely,
blinking his eyes. II thought may
De could explain"
explain what?"
"Why-why how this thing happen
ed. Miss" His confusion rendered him
almost incoherent. "You see. II
don't want you to think I'm that sort"
"Oh, you don't? Well. I'm not that
sort. either. Come along in, IL you
want to; I'll hear what you have to
say"
Shelby never felt quite so awkward
and impotent before in all his LIE, as
ne did standing there. fddling with
the hat In his hand, while the girl
carefully closed the door behind him.
Her own appearance Of ease, even or
enjoyment. only added to his deep EN-
barrassment.
For the first time ne really took
notice of the room, how plainly 1t wac
furnished; a deal table, two chairs,
che stove, few books on shelf, with
a small clock between. Everything
looked cheap, but Immediately Clean
and as his eyes wandered back to the
girl. that was what impressed MIN
most about her-cleanliness. 1t was
evidenced in face and hands, In the
dark skirt and white waist, In the
smooth strands Of hair.
"well," she said pleasantly, II reckon
you might as well sit down, as long
as you are here"
He found a chair and dropped into
Il. and she took the only other one
her hands clasped in her lap and her
serious eyes watching him with I'M
disguised curiosity.
81 didn't expect to see you again,
che broke, the silence which was De-
coming awkward. what was IL that
brought you back|
"Fact Is don't know" he explained
startled at the sound of his own voice.
sYou see IL sorter got an idea you
might be lonesome and-and DIT
mad at me, an so / thought maybe
I better drop In an tell you how IL
all happened. But 1t don't look ike
yen WAS mad"
mo. I'm not mad. I flared up for
a minute. but that's all over with.
amt botherin' none about that OUTFIT"
$50 see." somewhat more at ease
and crossing his legs. II reckon that's
about the right way to look at II.
whatever made you pick me?"
"Why, naturally, took the best
iookin gone I saw, Mister-Mister-'
"shelby. Tom Shelby; so you didn't
even know my Manner
"No idea Of what It was; I picked
zoo out because you didn't live here