The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1930-11-21
CHAPTER VII-Continued

3
He could not leave the subject on
that note. 1t was incongruous that all
the splendid life Of her should be SUBJ
merged in a shame born of an I'M
happy experience for which he did not
feel her to blame. He looked away
at broken line of the silhouetted hills
pushing their crests skyward. Pres
emily he said, as though the comment
were casual one, II wouldn't think
much of man who couldn't do some
thing foolish tiff he was fond Of
of some one"
''You mean of girl" she specified.
SAY of GIRL" he admitted, and the
color came again into his face. Never
before had he talked about such
things to woman.
sYes, but a girl is different. You
know that well enough. It's her place
to be modest and wait. She mustn't
show her feelings. If she's nice she's
not supposed to have any-not till
till"
O'Hara summoned his courage and
blurted out what was in his mind.
''You couldn't be anything but sweet
and good. / wish-I wish you wouldn't
talk that way. All you've done is
what I'd want you to do if-if-"
He stopped. The hot blood stained
his face from throat to forehead.
Barbara's soft and shining eyes
thanked him.
I'm glad you came here to live"
she said softly.
He did not let his eyes meet hers,
for he was afraid they might tell too
much She offered him only friend
ship, and already he knew that he
wanted more than that.
The Jefferson County war had be-
come more than local issue. Both
factions were justifying themselves in
i, long letters to the newspapers. The
territorial government favored Steel
man because of his business connec-
lions, and Sheriff Banks had been re-
moved from Office on technicality
connected with his bond Rumors of
the feud had even reached Washing
ton and there was talk of national
interference.
Ingram's warriors had Jumped
two Of Steelman's cowboys while they
were branding calf claimed by the
Diamond Tail. There had been a
fight and the two Hashknife riders
had been left dead beside their fire.
In reprisal the Hashknife forces had
captured HouclS, notorious gunman
from the Indian territory employed by
ingram, and had left his body in a
draw.
Smith-Beresford suggested COM
promise to Steelman.
''What say Garrett and l ride over
and have a cozy little talk with In
gram? Might make the fellow see
reason. Eth, what?"
Steelman reflected that it could do
no harm. Moreover, it would be a
good talking point later to be able to
say that he and his partners had tried
to arrange compromise. Also. there
was urgent need Of peace financially
If it could be brought about.
"Suits me, Lyulph," he said.
"Ouestion is about compromise.
What can we offer him?"
"What had you thought of offering?"
Steelman asked, flicker of cynical
humor in his eyes. He had not faith
in the success of this mission. Hell
think you've come to tell him we've
had enough an want to quit. But
have it yore own way. boys. Go talk
with him. Make yore proposition an
see what it gets you"
The three men talked terms while
Barbara listened. One thing Steelman
insisted upon. There could be no set.
Element of the trouble until Ingram
moved his men bag and baggage from
the Hughes place. If he would do that
it would be evidence that he really
wanted peace.
The three men drafted a letter and
sent 1t to Ingram by one of the Hash
knife riders. Word of what was in
the air spread and Bob Quantrell sug-
gested to O'Hara that he would be
glad to go to town with him to meet
Ingram.
"Much obliged, Bob, but 1 don't
thing that would be wise." O'Hara
told him promptly. "Since our latest
trip to town l expect you'd be like a