Arizona republican., 1922-05-10

had left behind.
The snowfall was lighter now; he
could find his way more easily
Black splotches against the snow,
two figures suddenly had come out
of the sweeping veil--a girl and a
man. Something akin to panic seized
Houston. The man was Lost Wing,
the girl was Medaine Robinette.
Medaine's eyes went with womanly
instinct to the bundle in his arms.
"A babyl" There was surprise in
her tone. Forgetting for the mo-
ment her aversion to the man him
self. she came forward, touching the
blankets, then lifting one edge ever
so slightly that she might peer be-
meath. Where did you find it?
Whose is it,"
Houston sought vainly for words
And the words seemed to come un-
bidden:
Does it matter?"
"Of course not She looked at him
queerly. Il merely thought l could
be of assistance"
You can. Tell me where l can
find a priest-the baby. is dead
oh" She touched the bundle ever
so softly. L didn't know" Then
with sudden thought but her
mother. She must need
only a doctor 1 win try to get
Ba'tiste to come out"
But couldn't To
I'm sorry" He felt that be was
miring himself hopelessly He want
ed to tell the truth, to ask her aid,
10 hn ho 81 fx,fr 10
the assistance of the stricken woman
there. But he could not frame the
request. Instead, IL can't tell you
I've given a woman my word. She
wouldn't understandable you went
there. With Ba'tiste. it is different
He is doctor. He has a right
Il"
Il understand" came quietly, and
in those two words Houston felt that
her opinion had been formed; that
to her he was the father; the quiet
form in his arms was his own child!
You are asking something almost
impossible The nearest priest is at
a settlement near Crestline."
"Crestline?" Houston instinctively
turned toward the hills. a bleak, for
bidding wall against the sky. will
you lend me Lost Wing to run an
errand? l want to get Ba'tiste-
for her"
Certainly"
She spoke to the Indian in Sioux
then and drew away. Houston,
pointing with is head, instructed the
redskin.
The Sioux started on, soon to be
engulged in the swirling veil of the
storm. Barry turned again to the
girl.
Just one more request: I can't
carry the child up there-this way.
Will you help strap her to my pack ?''
Silently she assisted him in the
grim task of mercy. Then:
do you know the pass?'
He shook his head. She tapped
one glove against the other.
1T is impossible then. YOU"
'Tll make it someway. Thank
you-for helping me-"
He started on. But she called him
back.
Its dangerous-to dangerous, !"
and there was a note of pity in her
voice. ITS bad enough on foot when
there's no snow--if you're not fa-
miliar with it. T."
Tell me the way. Perhaps |
could find it. It's not for myself. /
made a promise to the childs mother.
I'm afraid she's dying
A new light came into the girls
eyes, a light of compassion, of ut
most pity. Slowly she came toward
Houston, then bent to tighten the
fastenings of her snowshoes.
sT know the way came quietly.
II have been over it--in summer and
winter. / win show YOU"
"Youl Medaine! I--T-beg par
dom" The outburst had passed his
lips almost before he realized it.
Miss Robinette, you don't know
what you're saying"
Il know the way" she answered,
without indicating that she had heard
his remonstrance. II am glad to go
for the sake Of" She nodded slight
ly toward the tenderly wrapped bun