The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1924-05-09
CHAPTE Err TX.
sheiIa's Secret.

of them was a woman. He watche
the pair with apathy he felt too Ill t
be interested in anything very much.
But liz a moment he was upon hi
feet. staring incredulously at the girl
| The blaze of moonlight upon her fac
| revealed to him-Sheila
The other man was a Hottentot. A
first he thought it was Bottlejohn
Then he perceived it was shorter
younger man. He was evidentl,
Shela's escort
But 1t vas Shella's appearance ever
more than her presence there that as
suit of khaki, with tan booes thai
reached TO the. edge of her snicker.
bockers. in her hair was a wreath OF
the pungent yellow flowers OF the arid
lands, her bare throat was encircled
with necklace of blue beads, and
there were bracelets of hammered cop
per upon her wrists.
She leaped from her horse and ran
to Winton. did he hurt your" she
cried.
Then, seeing the blood upon his face,
she uttered an exclamation of fear and
began to wipe it with "a handkerchief
that she drew from her pocket.
'You are wounded"
"a slight hit on the head-like that
other" said Winton. I'm all right.
think. Sheila-"
"rll tell you how came here. I
heard of the conspiracy. 1t was
planned by De Witt. He meant to get
the diamond so that you should NO: sell
1t and raise money. You would have
to go to the syndicate"
"Well, Van Worst has it all right"
answered Winton.
He was still looking in wonder at
the girl. Her whole demeanor had
changed. She seemed freer, more con-
fident, holder, Drawer.
''I'll tell you how / came here" the
girl repeated. 81 learned of the scheme.
Judge Davis Matched it through De
Witt They employed Van Worst, prom
Using him the diamond. Van Worst
wanted to get downcountry. He
agreed My father knew. They wished
him to have a hand in it, but he was
afraid. Oh, don't think it was loyalty
to you'll" she cried.
81 warned you from the beginning"
the girl went on. "You should have
left us alone. 1t was not for me to tell
father would do anything, betray any
trust rather than risk his life. That
man has bounded us, and some day he
will meet his deserts. But when l
heard Of the plan l rode in to warn
you. And have met you. That's ALL"
mo, Sheila," said Winton, looking
It her and feeling the old mad infatu-
ltion for her again, mingled with the /
I'D doubts and uncertainties. There /
s one thing you have not told me: I
low you came here, or from where
'ou have come"
"If l tell you, 1 must tell you what
do not want to tell you" she an
wered quietly. 81 have asked you,
n memory of the honor you did me
n the coach at Taungs to leave me,
nd to let me keep the truth from
ou. Isn't that enough?'
at would be enough if did not be-
eve that you are the victim of a
Sheila," Winton an
wered
"Then you shall know" cried the
irl I'm any event, you cannot ride
ack to Malopo tonight, wounded as
on are. 1t is eight miles away, and
is only five to my-my home"
here was bitterness in her voice as
ne spoke. IF you can ride, and will
de with me tonight, you shall know
that you want to know be-
IRE we part for the last time"
II can ride" answered Winton. 'And
wish to know, to prove to you that
hat seems so dreadful to you is a
life. something that we can laugh at,
bella"
The girls attitude was expressive of
he made no reply, but, turning to the
addressed him in his own
ngue. The man clicked in answer,
amounted from his horse, led 1t TO
inton, and, placing the reins in his
Inds, set off at an even jog across
e desert in the direction from which
ey had come.
Winton would have helped Sheila
to the saddle. but she vaulted in
rhout touching the stirrup. and sat
right on her mount. waiting for him
: clambered up. and they set off side
side.
The fresh breeze, blowing on Win
rs face, drove the last traces of
? chloroform away. The scalp
'und had ceased to bleed. Winton
gan 10 feel stronger. And he watched
ella, riding gracefully at his side
perceived that her saddle was of
; thinnest and most pliable leather,
: feet hardly touched the stirrups;
= rode like one of the centauresque
ures upon the Elgin marbles. Who
! what was she? He could not be
We that this girl was the child OF
old thief and drunkard who had
rayed him.
CTo BE coNTINUED.)
The Rioht Spirit