The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-11-11
Continued From our Last Issue)

CHAPTER III
Stormont followed, entered
clineh's quarters, and presently
came downstairs again, carrying
Clinch's snow-shoes and q basksL
pack.
He seated himself near Oar
ragh. After silence: Your wife
is beautiful Jim /. Hor
character seems to be even more
beautiful. She's like Gods
own messenger to Eve And
you're rather wonderful your
self"
"Nonsense," said Darrash.
i've given my wife her first
American friend and I've done q
ehrewd stroke Of business in nab
bling the best business associate ]
ever heard Of"
you're crazy but kind I
hope I'll be some good. One
thing;Tll never get over what
you've done for Eve in this
Thereu be NO crisis, jack.
Marry. and hook up with ME IN
business. That solves everything.
Lordl-what a life Eve
has hadl But You'll make It all
up TO hor. all this loneliness
and shame and misery Of Cllnch's
stormont touched his arm n
caution: Eve and Ricca , came
down the staIrs-the former now
in gray wool snowshoes dress, and
carrying her snow-shoes, black
gown, and toilet articles.
Stormont began to stow away
her effects In the basket pack;
Darragh went over TO her and
took her hand.
I'm SO glad we are TO be
friends" he said. at hurts a ht
to know you held me in contempt.
But / had to so about 1t that
way"
Eve nodded. Then, suddenly re-
collecting: "oh," she exclaimed.
reddening, ~ forgot the jewel
case! It's under my pillow"
She turned and sped upstairs
and reappeared ALMOST instantly,
carrying the jewel-case.
Breathiess, flushed, thankful
and happy in the excitement OF
restitution, she placed the leather
case in Ricca's hands.
MY jewels!" cried the girl, as
founded. Then, with a little cry
of delight, she placed the case
upon the table, stripped open the
emblaEoned cover, and emptied
the two trays. All over tho table
rolled the Jewels, flashing, scin-
tillating, ablaze with binding
light.
And at the same instant the
outer door crashed open and
Quintana covered them with OAR
ragh's rifle.
"Now. by Christi" no shouted,
who stirs a finger shall go 20
God In one jump! You, my gem
dnrme frien'-you, my frien'
Smith--turn your damn backs
HAMS up high!-tha's the way!
now, ladiesl-back away there
get back or kill!-sure, by
Jesus, l kill you like l would
some white little micei-"
With incredible Quickness he
stepped forward and swept the
Jewels into one hand-filled the
pocket OF his trousers, caught mp
every stray stone and pocketed
them.
"You gendarme," he cried in a
menacing voice, you think you
shall follow in my track. Yes? ]
blow your damn head OF II you
stir before the hour After that
well, follow and be damn!"
Even as he spoke he stepped
outside and slammed the door
and Darragh and Stormont, leap
ed for 1t. Then the loud detona.
ton Of Quintana's rifle was echo
ed by the splintering rip Of bullets
tearing through the closed door:
and both men halted in the face
Of the leaden hail.
Eve ran to the pantry window
and saw Quintana In somebody's
stolen lumber-sledge. lash a big
pair Of horses to gallop and 80
Laundering past into the Ghost
Lake road.
AS he speed by In a whirl Of
snow-he fired five times at tile
house then, rising and swinging
his whip, he flogged the frantic
horses Into the woods.
In the dining room stormont.
red with rage and shame. and
having found his rifle in the cor
rldor outside Ewes bedroom, was
trying to open the shutters for a
shot; and Darragh ,empty-handed,
searched the house trantically for
a weapon.
Eve terribly excited. came
from the pantry:
Hes gone!" she c~!ed furious
ly. Hes in somebody's lumber
sledge with a pair OF horses anil
he's driving west like the deYil!"
Stormont ran to the tap-roon.
telephone cranked It, and warned
the constabulary, at Five Lakes,
rGood God!H he exclaimed,
turning to Darragh. scarlet with
modification, what q chastity
businessi l never dreamed he was
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