Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1923-04-06

but perfectly modelled though calloused
with work. A well-made creature
big, tall rather. She must top him
by full inch, though he stood near
six feet. CHANGING reverently along
her gracious lengths, he saw faint
stirring Of breath. Instantly his flask
was to her lips, its contents trickllng
gently down her throat, the while her
head was pillowed in the hollow Of his
arm.
So she lay for minutes-they seemed
years to Moran. Blood began to flow
through her deathly pallor. Presently
with gasping sigh she sat up, saying
simply, almost apologetlcally: "Jest
in time you come. I'd put all had
In holdin'."
How longT' Moran asked hushedly.
Ever since there was need" the an
swer came.
"Tell me why you did ltT' Moran
asked, still lower.
She flashed upon him the lightning
Of the deepest blue eyes, saying: "My
Pap never believed In murderln'-no
more do l. Happen he'd lived, this
wouldn't a-been."
"YOu know who did It'll" from Moran.
She nodded, her brows drawing to-
gether.
"Tell mel You must" he de-
manded.
She sprang upright, shaken with
white anger. SOS you and the law
can do nice, safe job O. murderin
and get paid for IL See you damned
firsti"
"You-you don't mean that--you
are above such criminal connlving-'
Moran began.
She cut him short with a scOrnful
laugh and made to dart away. In ter
strides he overlook her. She was still
unsteady on her feet.
"YOu have done the noblest thing
ever knew |" he cried. II can't let you
spoil 1t. Tell what you know; It may
be the means Of ending all this bitter
trouble"
AT the foot of the gallowsT the
girl flung at him, her eyes flashing
blue sparks. young fool, I'd ruthel
not hurt We; but unless ye listen t.
reason I'll have to-
"What do you meanT
She smiled almost compassiOnately
''I'm giving you chance" she said
you ought to do as much fOr-th'
other boys. Hold right still-let 1t bt
thought the rock fell jest by itself. NJ
word passes, therell be no mure secf
devil traps. Say you agree to forgi
all you saw and done-and let II 81
at that. Is 1t bargainT
mol" Moran cried, Selling hold o
her arms. 81 hate to take advantag
Of my mans strength, spent as yol
must be. But you must come with m
and speak the truth to my father. II
was on that train When he know
he owes you his life you can ask o
him almost anything"
death," the girl said quietly. BRA
gin of mans strength. Look An
feel !" clutching him around the mit
die and swinging him upon her shou
der. ''Ef you boiler, I'll have to brea
your neck before ! drown we. cOul,
do 1t for most any mountain man
you play football, I've heard telI--bu
what held back that old rock cas
work its will o. you
A minute. two. five, Moran writhct
and strOve. He could not free himself
manhood forbade striking even Thu
amazon, who had shown so rare s
conscience. He said smotheredly. ili,
words coming hard: 81 agree buI
listen. For what you did today
shall do my best to see the strike set
tied without more hurt TO anybody II
that happens--when that happens
am coming back to find you-thougll
don't ask your name"
"'Twouldn't do you any goOd-I'm
changing II mighty shortly" the girl
said with slow smile. "YOu quIct
things down the right way and III
give we bid to the weddin'. VIII you
cOmeT
Sure" said Moran. adding to him
self: IF for nothing else than TO see
the man brave enough to marry you