The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1924-10-24

- ANA'NAN
cattle kate Cathrsws riders
sSsritf PriSs ssiucea S''' Th az sheriff
A. shot gotttng away and lies uncan-
seiaua AZ hts ranch without giNlns
hia Information hatr has tried 90
drive Nance Aills0n and her tamlfa
from thc Namricss River country
Nance loves brand taiE tall stgan-
ser who has been on Hates trail
fNn years. NnaEiCk loses N head ~
steere hatcs riders come 90 town
and hessick fisht SUD proyine
lito hy malming SKY Line rider
who was about 70 shoot Rosslck in
the fighl Fair tells BVsslvk AN he
knows. Nance, sitting beside Fair,
about 90 lose him lt seems a dark,
sNirllng ia me shadow,
Now co ON WIN rnE STORY.
But presently Fair spoke and she
shook on he furebotiugs
Nance, he said softly. 50 low that
his deep voice was scarcc more than
a whisper, Il have wanted 90 ten YOU
more ~ my life and Sonns for a long
time, but somehow it seemed too bad
10 add anothers burdens 90 those
which you already bear even tho
Ncariously However. the time seems
nearly ripe for mr. 90 reap the re
ward. one way OF another. Of those
years OF effort and hardship which I
have spent running Kate Cathrew 90
earth, What this reward VIII be ]
don't know. OF course. No ono can
foretelL Tho men Of sky Line are a
hard bunch. criminals and worse.
They'll never be dug out Of that nest
Of theirs without fight and hard
one. Somebody's going 20 be killed,
that's certain
He heard the Girl catch her breath
IN a little gasp, and shifting Sonney,
he put his arm around her.
However Il does come out. there's
one thing want 70 tell you. pack.
sge l want 10 give you for safckeep.
Ing. VIII you listen. Nanceg"
The bis girl nodded dumbly Her
heart was throbblng painfully. the
breath laborcd In her lungs. 4 trcm'
bling SGT up along her muscles, and
the stars seemed 10 dance on the
black velvet % the sky.
She was more conscious Of that
arm on her shoulder than she had
ever been of anything in all her life.
It's magnetic touch thrilled her 20 her
fingertips.
Gently Fair leaned down until his
face was against her cheek. frightened
his clasp.
Il have been all over this land OF
ours" he said presently. and In
some several others I have met
many womcn-of many classes. I
have been no saint and no great
sinners But always In my secret
heagt there has been a place an swept
and Furnished and empty, Nance.
THAT place holy spot, q srhiue
II you will-most men would know
what / mean-has been waiting
cmpty-all my lifc-becauso / never
found the woman who fitted Il. For
its light there was no face 10 shine
on. for It's cool spaces no eyes 20
look down. for It's marble floors no
white feet 10 adore. Can you see what
I mean. Nance. dear? IL was the
inner core OF my heart. the veritable
altar Of my soul without a priestess.
"Since the day In Blue Stone can.
yon when I first beheld you rocking
the child in your lap-thig secret
place has been gloriousiy full. Nance
Nance have been like a worship
per without. laying my forehead 10
the sill. All the things have
dreamed OF find In you-the
strength. the sweetness, the courage.
You are beautiful as few women IN
this world are beautifuI-and you arc
too good for any man. But I--have
dared 10 love you"
He ceased and turned his lips
against her cheek
For Nance Allison the stars we're
singing together az the dawn Of ere.
alton. the glory Of the spheres had
appeared before her.
Answer me. girl, said Brand Fair
tremulous.y. tell me what's in your
heart"
Il" said Nance. 'T-think It
Is the light from the open gates OF
ParadIse-the smile OF God himself
because 1 am 50 happyr'
Sonny. old timer said Fair.