The Holbrook news., 1921-05-06
CHAPTER III-continued.


 falo Gap J. P. burst out, forgetting his clerical role in a sudden expres- sion of feeling. Whatever caused the fool to butt in?"
 ''Oh. he didn't intend nuthin'. Tom ain't that kind He just drifted long ter see the fun. Yer can't blame him cause the gurl took a 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 poured forth, but even as he stood staring at it the girl appeared fully revealed in the glare and drew down the curtain. He saw her clearly, like a picture in a frame. one round arm uplifted to grasp the shade. He drew a quick breath, almost of astonish- -ment. 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 it 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- ingly 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 trif1e louder, intensely conscious of a desire to turn and run away. But there was no opportunity. The latch clicked sharply and the light streamed directly into his face. fairly blinding him.
 .'Oh. so it is you back again?' she asked coldly. 'What did you want?"
 "Just-just to have a word with you-privately," he explained lamely blinking his eyes. IT thought may be I could explain"
 Explain what?"
 "Why-why how this thing happen ed, Miss" His confusion rendered him almost incoherent You see, Fl don't want you to think I'm that sorf.''
 .Oh. you don't? We'll. I'm not that sort, either Come along in, if you want to; I'll hear what you have to say"
 Shelby never felt quite so awkward and impotent before in all his life, as he 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 of enjoyment. only added to his deep em- barrassment.
 For the first time he really took notice of the room. how plainly it was furnished; deal table, two chairs. the 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 him most about her-cIeanliness. It was evidenced in face and hands. in the dark skirt and white waist, in the smooth strands of hair.
 Well" she said pleasantly. "I reckon you might as well sit down, as long as you are here"
 He found a chair and dropped into it. and she took the only other one, her hands clasped in her lap and her serious eyes watching him with un- disguised curiosity.
 'I didn't expect to see you again" she broke the silence which was be- coming awkward. "What was it that | brought you back?"
 "Fact is I don't know" he explained, | startled at the sound of his own voice. | You see Fl sorter got an idea you might be lonesome and-and a bit | mad at me, an so I thought maybe I better drop in an tell you how it | aiI happened. But it don't look like | you was mad"
 -'No. I'm not mad. I f1ared up for | a minute, but that's all over with. I ain't botherin' none about that outfit"
 "So I see," somewhat more at ease and crossing his legs. 'T reckon that's l about the right way to look at it. Whatever made you pick me?"
 "Why. naturally, I took the best sookin gone I saw, Mister Mister"
 Shelby. Tom Shelby; so you didn't 1 even know my name?"
 "No idea of what it was; I picked | you out because you didn't live here that's why, if you really want to know
 "Then you did know meY
 ''No, ] didn't. I saw you at the | funeral an I knew you want no Ponca man. I didn't care who you was or where you came from, just so | you gave me a chance to get out O this hole. I would marry an Indian to get out"
 ''Then that was why you took me so as to get out O hereT'
 She nodded.
 That's bout the size of it. I didn't | take no stock in what the preacher Baid, for I ain't no weeping willow, 1