The Lamar register., 1923-01-24
CHAPTER TX
An INTERRUPTED siesta.

cheeks and arch eyes. indeed sne
looked rebellious.
Dick was Inclined to be rebellious
himself. Bedding had kept the rangers
In of the line, and therefore DICK
had been Idle most OF the time, and'
though he tried hard. he had been
unable TO stay far from Nelis vicinity
He believed she cared for him; but
he could not catch her alone long
enough to verify his tormentlng hope
He had long before enlisted the loyal
Mercedes in his cause; but In spite OF
this Nell had been more than match
for them both.
Gale pondered over an Idea he had
long revolved In mind. and which now
suddenly gave place to decision that
made his heart swell and his cheek
burn. He went in search OF Mrs. Bel
ding, and found her busy in the
kitchen.
The relation between Gale and Mrs
Belding had subtly and Incompetent
slvely changed He understood her
less than when at first he OWNED an
antagonism In her. If such thing
were possible she had retained the
antagunism while seeming TO yield to
some Influence that must have been
fondness for him. Gale hnd come TO
care greatly for Nell's mother. Not
only was she the comfort and strength
of her home. but also OF the inhabi'
tunts Of Forlorn River. Indian, Mex-
can, American were all the same to
her In trouble or illness; and then she
WIS nurse. doctor, peacemaker, helper.
She was good and noble, and there was
not child or grownup In Forlorn
River who did not love and bless her.
But Mrs Belding did not seem happy.
She seldom smiled, and never laughed.
There was always soft, sad, hurt
look in her eyes. Gale often won
dered II there had been other tragedy
In her life than the supposed loss OF
her father In the desert.
Mrs. Belding heard Dicks step as
he entered the kitchen. and. looking
up. greeted him.
Mother" began Dick. earnestly.
Beldlng called her that and so did
Ladd and Lash. but II was the first
time for Dick. "Mother-I want TO
speak to you"
The only Indication Mrs. Belding
gave of being startled was in her
eyes. which darkened Swallowed with
multiplying thought.
81 love Nell" went on Dick. simply
"and | want you to let me ask her
to be- my wife"
Mrs. Belding's face blanched to =
deathly white. Gale. thinking with
surprise and concern that she was
going 10 faint, moved quickly toward
her took her arm.
Forgive me. | was blunt. {.
But thought you knew
ave known for long time, replied
Mrs. Belding Her voice was steady
and there WAS no evidence of agita-
tIon except ia her pallor. Then YOU
you haven't spoken 10 Nellr'
Dick laughed. i've been tr! Ing to
get chance TO tell her hayent
had II yet. Bm she knows. ! hope.
almost believe Nell cares little for
me"
i've known that. too. for long
time" said Mrs Bedding, tow almost
rs whisper.
You know" cried DICK. with a
You'n give her To me-
She drew him Ia The light and
looked with strange piercing Intent
ness into his face Gale had never
dreamed ,gumnns eyes could hold
such world of thought and feeling
1t seemed all the sweetness Of life
was there. and all the pain.
Dick Gale. you want uIy Nellf You
love her just as She is-her sweet
ne>s-her goodness Just herself.
body and soult There's moth
ing could change ynu-nothlngf"
Dear Mrs Belding. | love Nell for
herself II she loves me IN be the
hnpplest Of men. There's absolutely
nothing that could make any differ
ence in me-
But your people; oh. Dick. YOU
come Of proud family. | can tell.
You've become ranrer. You love
the udventure-thr wild life. That
won't Inst. Perhaps yUu'll settle
down to rnnrhing | know You love
the West But. Dick. there's your
family"
If you want to know anything
about my family. I'll tell you,' inter
rupted Dick. with strong feeling. i've
no secrets about them or myself. My
future and happiness are Nelrs To
-. sItI.