Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1924-03-08
By VICTOR ROUSSEAU
Copyright By W. 6. Chapman

"1hat was a good run" called De
Witt Miss Sheila and have hooked
in fifty pounds ON Little Boy"
Winton did not answer him, but fixed
his eyes on Shella's face. He knew
now that his dreams had been a de-
fusion, that the girl was not to blame;
that she was a worthless woman who
had become nothing to him.
He met her look grayely, and then,
through the smiling mask, he seemed
to penetrate to the girls tortured soul.
He read the hopelessness, the shame
beneath her smile
"Why are you here?" he asked.
De Witt, who was half drunk, turned
to him In maudIin rernonsJ rance.
Il tell you why she's Erre," he hic-
cuped, Because she likes me. Seer
Likes me and dOn't care 1bout you
eh, Sheilaf'
lie placed his arm about her. and
the girl, shrinking in his grasp, yet did
not seem 10 resent the familiarity.
"Sheila," said Winton, IF you came
here out of affection for that mar,
Heaven knows it's no business of mine.
III 90 away. But if you came here
because he threatened you by means
OF the power he has over your father,
Heaven help hint"
De Witt leaned forward and clutched
the whip. You 90 to the devil! !" he
roared.
"Shella, asked you why you are
here" said Winton with patient OBJ
stinacy.
The girl smiled mIrthlessly. Il am
here with IA gentleman, Mr. Garrett
she answered. surely that Is answer
enough DO l look as IL ] had been
dragged here against my willP
ner lips qulvered, but she was com
posed enough No." answered Win
ton. And there was nothing more to
say. A few OF those about the carriage
were beginning to look al the trio Gu
riously. Then the start OF a race drew
away their attention, and the course
was pandemonium of yelling spec
tators us the horses ran by.
Winton turned and began to make
4 his way homeWard. lie had been on
/ the point Of making a fool of himself
/ for the third time that day; but his
/ tragedy had turned into a sordid
drama. He felt that he did not want
to see Sheila again.
lie took q circuitous road back to
4 Malopo. 1t was nearly sunset when
he arrived. He meant to 60 to the
claim. but somehow an impulse made
him linger in the town long after the
stream Of vehicles with their shouting
occupants had returned from the race
/ track
He watched the scene bitterly, the
rlotous groups that peryaded the mar
/ ket square. gathered about the sleeps
/ Of the hotels and filling every saloon.
! He hated Malopo more bitterly than
he could have thought possible Some
4 how 1t seemed like a concrete enemy,
a soulless monster that ground men,
body and soul, as 1t had ground Sheila.
And in spite Of himself the memory
Of the girl came back to him. and with
ii great terror, A sense of danger
to her set his feet along the mean
street that led to the sordd brick
houses.
Sheila, alone in Malopo, and De Witt,
hot after his prey! Sheila, helpless !
II was growing dark as suddenly as
darkness falls n the low ATTITUDES.
Wmton FASTENED until he saw the
squalid court before him. and the pump
tn the center. There was light in
the girls room. and the dog-cart was
drawn up at her door--no, not the dog
cart, but Cape cart, with pair OF
horses. such as Ia used for travelling.
And in it sat De Witt, amid a pile Of
small pieces Of baggage.
AS Wlnton drew near We saw Sheila
standing in the doorway She wore
her hat and travelling cloak De Witt
bent down and spoke to her; he gave
her his hand, and, hesltantly. the girl
went forward.
Then Winton Sprang out OF the shad-
ows between them. And there was no
need 10 ask any questions.
De witt ieaped to the ground; but
before the men came TO the graphic
SheJla had caught with eager hands
at Winton's appraised arm.
stop" she cried For my sake.
stop You don't understand 20
Hen understand soon enough -
snarled he witt. beside himself with
rage y Won't fight him. You aren't
worth il I've been patient and waited
to the limit. now you send the fool
away. or your father can swlngl'
Go" whispered Sheila. and. releas-
ing Winton, she put her hands to her
head and looked at De witt in terror.
Where are you taking her7' de-
handed Winton
Where l choose. answered De Witt.
You ID lighting fool. meddllug
in other peoples business. I'm going to
ten You something now You've
crossed my path in every possible way.
and you're going 10 hear the truth.
Her fathers life is in my hands when
ever l choose to give him up 70 the