The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1923-11-16
THE BRANDING IRON

was holding himself steady. But I'm
used to uncertainty. There amt no
uncertainty that can keep me from
seekin after the person | want" He
paused, the eyes still fixed upon Mo
rena, who, uncomfortable under them,
yelled himself thinly In cigarette
smoke. II want TO see this Jane"
Pierre ended gently.
Nothing easier, Lands. I'll give
you ticket to The Leopardess.' She
Is acting the title part. She Is my
leading lady and very extraordinary
young actress. OF course, it's none Of
my business, but In a way l am Miss
Vests guardian"
miss West?"
"Yes. That Is James name-Jane
West. You think it is an assumed
one?"
Pierre stood up. "rm not thinkin'
on this trip he said; I'm hopin'."
II am sorry, but l am afraid you're
on the wrong track. There may be
resemblance, there may even be
marked resemblance, between Miss
but-again please forgive mel am In
the place of guardian to her at pres
ent and l should like to know some
thing Of your business, enough Of 1t.
that is, to be sure that your sudden
appearance, If you happen to be right
In your surmise, won't frighten my
leading lady out of her wits and send
her off to Kalamazoo on the next
train"
Pierre evidently resented the fash
ion of this speech. I'm sorry" he said
with dignity, mot to be able to tell
you anything. I'll be careful not to
frighten Miss West. / can see her
first from distance an then"
Certainly. Certainly"
Jasper rang and directed his man to
get an envelope from an upstairs table.
When it came, he handed it to Pierre.
THAT is ticket for tomorrow
nights performance. It's the best seat
l can give you, though 1t is not very
near the stage. However, you will GER
tainly be able to recognize your-Jane,
If she is your Jane"
Pierre pocketed the ticket. THANK
you" he murmured. His face was ex-
pressionless.
Jasper was making rapid plans "Oh,
by the way" he said hurriedly, IF you
should stand near the stage exit to-
night, say at about twelve O'clock, you
could see Miss West come out and get
into her motor. That would give you
a fairly close view. But even If you
find you are mistaken, Lands, be sure
to see The Leopardess.' It's well
worth your while You're going? Won't
you dine with me tonight?"
"No, thank you. wouldn't be carin'
to tonight. IL reckon I've got this
matter too much on my mind. Thank
you very much, Mr.. Morena."
Before you go, tell me about Hol-
liwell. He was a good friend of mine"
'.He was good friend to most every
one he knowed. He was more than
that to me-"
"Then he's been success out
there?"
Pierre medhated over the words.
Success? Why, yes, 1 reckon he's
been all of that"
"A difficult mission, isn't it? Try
ing to bring you fellows to God?'
Pierre smiled. II reckon we get |
closer to God out there than you do |!
here. We sure get the fear of Him
you fight winter an all outdoors an
come near to death with bosses an
why / guess you're gettin'
close to somethin' not quite to be ex-
planned. Holliwell, he's a first-class
best l ever knowed."
Moreno laughed. He was beginning
to enjoy his visitor. "Sin-buster?"
That's one name fer a parson.
Well, sir, guess Holliwell is plumb /
close to bein' prize devil-twister."
Tell me how you first met him. 1t
ought to be good story"
But the young mans face grew
bleak at this. 1T amt a good story,
SIR he said grimly ut amt any
hing like that. l must wish you
yoodby, an thank you kindly"
"But you'll let me see you againf
Where are you stopping7 Holliwell's
friends are nine"
Pierre gave him the address Of a
mall, downtown hotel, thanked him
gain, and, standing in the hall, added,
If I'm wrong in the notion that
brought me to New York, I'll be goin'
Jack again to my ranch, Mr.. Moreno.
IN goin' back to ranchin' on the old
I've got it fixed up" He
eemed to look through Jasper into an
normous distance. Moreno was al
most uncannily aware of the long, long
Quincy by which this mans spirit had
rodden, of the desert he faced ahead
f him IL the search must fail. Was
wrong to warn Jane? Ought this
nan to be given his chance? Surely
ere stood before him James mate.
asper wished that he knew more of
he history back of Pierre and the girl.
. man could do little but look out for
is own interests, when he worked in
he dark. Which would be the better
ian for Jane?-this Jane so trained,
D educated, so far removed super