The Arvada enterprise., 1924-03-06
THE BRANDING IRON

tainty."
"Yes. SIR" Pierre did not smile. He
was holding himself steady. But I'm
used to uncertainty. There amt no
uncertainty that can keep me from
seekin' after the person I 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.
"Nothins easier, Lands. I'll give
you a ticket to The Leopardess.' She
is acting the title part. She Is my
leading lady and Il very extraordinary
young actress. OF course, its none OF
my business, but in a way l am Miss
Vests guardian"
"lliss Wcst?"
"Yes. That Is James name-Jane
West. You think it Is an assumed
one?"
Pierre stood up. I'm not thinkin'
on this trip he said; I'm hopin'."
~ am sorry. but | am afraid you're
on the wrong track. There may be a
resemblance, there may even be
marked resemblance, between Miss
West and the person you want to find,
but-again please forgive me-l am in
the place of guardian to her ut pres
cnt and 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. l 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 a ticket for tomorrow
nights performance. It's the best seat
can give you, though 1t Is not very
near the stage. However, you will GER
tainly be able to recognize your-Jane.
II she is your Jane"
Pierre pocketed the ticket. THANK
you" he murmurcd. His face was ex-
pressionless.
Jasper was making rapid plans. "Oh.
by the way" he said hurredly, III 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 tOnght?'
EMO, 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-
llwell He was Il good friend OF mine. !"
"He was good friend to most every
one he knOwed. He was more than
that to me-"
''rhen he's been a success out
there?"
Pierre medstated over the words.
success? Why, yes. l reckon he's
been all OF that"
"A difficult mission. isn't It? Try.
Ing to bring you fellows to God?"
Pierre smiled Il reckon we gel
closer to God out there than you do
here. We sure get the fear Of Him
even II We don't get nothin' else. When
you fight winter an all outdoors an
come near to death with hOsses an
what-not. why. ! guess you're gettin
close to somethin' not quite to be ex'
planned. Holllwell. he's tirst-clasi
sin-buster. best l ever knowed."
Morena laughed. lie was beginning
to enjoy his visitor. ''Sin-buster?"
! "That's one name fer Il parson
Well, sir. guess Hoiiwell Is plumt
close to bein' n prize deviltwlster."
Tell me how you first met him. II
ought to be II good story"
But the young mans face grew
bleak ut this. ut amt good story
sir" he said grimly. at amt any
thing like that. must wish yor
goodby, an thank you kindly"
But you'll let me see you again
Where are you stopping? Holliwell'i
friends are nine"
Pierre CAV. him the address Of I
small. downtown hotel. thanked hin
again, and. standing In the hall. added
III I'm wrong in the notion thu
hrorsh; me to New York, I'll be goln
back again to my ranch. Mr.. Morcna
I'm goin' back to ranchIn ON the ole
homestead. I've got II fixed up" II,
seemed to look through Jasper into NJ
enormous distance. Morena was nj
most uncannlly aware Of the long. lon,
journey by which this mans spirit ha,
troddcn, OF the desert he faced ahcnt
of him IL the search must fail. Wa!
II wrong To warn Jane? Ought thl.
man to be given his chance. Surel,
| a A.