The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1925-02-20
CHAPTER III-Continued

Shorty glared at him. "Say, what
kinda game are you playin, that's
what we want to known he demanded.
as this showdown or amt it?"
mot for me-" answered Lee.
''All right !" Shorty clambered on
his horse with an oath and cantered
back to where Pierre was standing.
cursing as he tried to tighten his
girth. colloquy ensued. The pair
rode up TO the girl. who was already in
her saddle There followed an ami
mated pantomime. with gesticulations
toward Lee. The girl seemed to sit
obstinately mute, as If she remained
neutral.
Suddenly Shorty wheeled his horse
about "Come long. Pierre, 1 guess
we've give the fool his chanst!" he
shouted. And, to Lees surprise. the
pair kicked their mounts in the ribs.
and in a moment were off at full gal
lop, along the trail leading into the
range beyond the valley.
The girl and Lee looked after them
till they were out of sight. Then she
rode slowly up to where Lee was sit
ting on his mount.
II understand that you insist on ac-
companying me-" she asked. DE
spite the fact that / have made it
clear do not require your company?'
I'm sorry you take my presence in
that spirit. l assure you have no de-
sire TO be troublesome. But under the
circumstances must ask leave to go
with you as far as your destination"
She bit her lip.
81 suppose you mean what you are
doing as a kindness" she said. "And
since you appear determined to ac-
company me, / suppose there Is no
use in our sulking with each other, is
there?"
81 wish we could be friends"
answered Lee, offering her his hand.
But the girls little hand did not
advance to meet his.
st Inean," she said, "if we are COM
panions, we may as well acknowledge
It, though 1 assure you, am a very
unwilling one. That does not imply
friendliness. 1 hope your persistence
will be properly rewarded"
LET me say once and for ALL" Lee
answered, that I have no desire TO
pry into your business. 1 don't even
know your name, or wish to ask it."
IF / dared TO let myself believe that
you have no other purpose in view
than just to protect me" she began.
'But 1t is impossible. Men aren't
1;l-n Tbov ORC xUolyQc fhQy arc
wolverines, treacherous, cunning, re-
morseless. Oh, If could believe you,
If / dared trust you"
81 would do anything on earth to
help and serve YOU" answered Lee.
IF you mean seriously that you find
It so difficult to make your decision be-
tween those men and myself don't
think it's conceit to say this. and, if it
is, this isn't the time TO think Of any,
thing like that-a man is said to bear
the stamp of his life and character on
his face. / don't know what impress
sion / give to others. but know what
impression those two men gave me.
Can't you read their faces? II you
can't trust me, can you, at least. say
'.But you-what are you-why-?"
She looked at him fearfully. ut isn't
that. 1t isn't-God forbid that /
think you capable of-of what you told
me about them. If 1t were simply a
matter of choosing between yourself
and them. I should put my trust in
you without the smallest hesitation.
But-Oh, can't say any more. It's
hopeIess-it is worse degradation than
death to me, and yet must keep up
my strength and resolution must"
The breakdown came upon her like
q lightning stroke. She seemed to
crumple up; she sobbed desolateIy into
her hands.
Lee moved to her side. "Do you
know" he said, 1--WE have to trust
people in this life, even If they de-
ceive us. 1t doesn't harm us to be
betrayed" But he was thinking of
Estelle as he spoke, and he wondered
how far that was true. Estelle's be-
trayal had changed the whole setting
of his life for him. "Trust me-" he
said
Let me help you Tell me where
you are going, and why, and what
those men are to you"
1t was full halt-minute before she
took her hands from her face, but she
did not reply. All that day they rode
together. But not until they had
pitched their tents again for the night,
did she refer to the men who had
threatened her.
'',yill you be frank with me?" she
asked. "WilI you tell me what you
are doing in the ranger
Il am not free to do So"
And am / free? Is any one OF us
free?" she cried. mo. it's impossible.
must just go on and ask God to give
me strength TO bear it, Don't speak
TO me for a few moments--there, I'm
sorry made such fool of myself!'
Shs smiled. AT any rate, we are
gong 20 acknowledge each others