The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1923-07-06

knowledge. the girl vertured through
the great open door of the stable, and
began CROPPING her way forward
searching the stalls. The first was
empty, and, as she started to advance
| toward the second, she came to a sud-
den pause, with heart leaping into her
! throat-there had been a sound at her
left, rustling of straw, as though
something had made quick move
ment She listened intently, drawing
breath of relief at the succeeding
silence. No Goubt it was a horse STIR
ring, or possibly rat. Then a voice
spoke sternly not three feet away.
"Put up your hands Who are your
What are you doing in here?'
She obeyed instinctively, too fright
ened to even speak, dropping the bag
to the floor, forgetting completely the
revolver buckled about her waist.
A hand reached forward out Of the
darkness and gripped her appraised
arm; she was conscious of the close
presence Of man, yet for the instant
retained no power of movement
'Why don't you speak?' said the
same voice, impatiently, evidently an
gered at her silence. "What are you
sneaking about in here for? Well, I'll
be DID," his tone changing, eff I
don't believe it's woman"
1T is a woman" she managed to
reply falteringly. "But-but does that
make any difference?'
He laughed, certain relief evil
denced in the sound. although he did
not in any way relax his vigilance.
swell, confess it might" he adj
mitted, "for you are most unusual
discovery in this section. was look
ing for almost anything else. You be-
long with this outfit?'
ITO the Meager ranch, you mean?
Yes-that is, have been employed
here. You-you are not q Mexican,
are your"
II should say not I belong north
of the line, if that's any relief to you.
\ And what's more, if you want to be
square with me, I'll play fair on my
side. You believe that?"
II shall have to; it wouldn't do me
any good to lie."
with who are you?"
Deborah Meredith" she explained,
rather eagerly. "I-I am a profess
sional nurse; my home is in Chicago.
Tom Meager employed me to come out
here and take care of his wife. Are
| Won friopd Of rnh AToo
The man chuckled, and she knew
he had put away the weapon he had
held in his hand.
"Well, he's got an idea that 1 am.
We've run about together bit, I adj
nit; which confession maybe is no rec
ommendation to you"
mo, it is not"
81 thought likely it wouldn't be- So
you and Bob are not good frends?"
Il despise and hate him; he is a
drunken brute"
Granted freely; but if you feel that
way, why did you remain here on the
ranch?'
Because I have had no chance to
| get away since his father died.
could not desert my patient, and be-
sides, had no reason to suppose Bob
would come back and take possession.
He was fugitive from justice; his
father had lost all faith in him, and
and had reason to believe he had
been shut out from all right to this
property"
| You had reason to believe? What
reason? I am not asking merely from
curiosity; want to understand the
entire situation. l already have an
idea what this means; you are en-
deavoring to escape alone?"
1T seemed my only chance" she
confessed. "But am talking with a
stranger; perhaps trust you too
much. You are not employed here?"
mo; just blew in last night"
"What is your name"
Daniel Kelleen."
"You are not cow-puncher surely?
You-you have education"
He laughed spontaneously.
Nevertheless, i am quite accus-
toned to cow-punching. Perhaps I've
had trife more schooling than some
of the boys. Now let me have the
straight Of this affair, and then well
get busy. Tell it to me from the first"
Deborah stared at the mans dim
outline through the darkness If she
could only see the expression of his
face. And there was no choice left
her-she must trust him blindly, alb
solutely he could defend or betray her
at his own will. So clear was this
situation she scarcely hesitated.