Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-06-05

ldlQ OIL Tie DeQ. OIlc was
so exhausted that she could not
~ speak. but she smiled at Jim. Her
plight was evident. Then Jim
Strengthened up to look at the man.
His swift gaze. never so penetrating,
fell upon a sturdy individual of middle
age-a typical pioneer, still-faced and
bearded The instant Jim looked into
the blue eyes, mildly curious. he knew
that whoever the man was he had not
heard of the abduction Of Herrick S
sister.
"Howdy, stranger"
my names Wall" said Jim in reply,
slowly seeking for words.
Mines Tasker. Whar you from?"
Durango . My-my wife and I
got lost She wasn't strong. She gave
out. I'm afraid she's in bad shape"
She shore looks bad. But the Lord
is good. It's only she's tuckered OUT
What place is this?"
Blue Valley. I've stuck 1t out. But
I'll be givin' up soon. No use tryin' to
fight tibet Dirty Devil River. Five years
Blue Valley has a story friend-'
lone I'd be glad to hear" interrupted
Jim. will you help me? I have money
and can pay you"
Stay an welcome, friend. An keep
your money. Me an my women folk ask
nothin fer good will toward those in
need"
"Thank-you." Jim replied, huskily
will you call them to look after my
my wife?"
Helen was staring up at Jim with
wondering. troubled eyes.
rs everything all right?" she asked,
family.
yes, If to find friends an care is
that" replied the rancher kindly Then
he stepped to the door to call within
Mary. this rider was not alone. 1t was
his wife he was carryin'. They got lost
in the brakes an she gave out. We
must take them in
That night, after the good ranchers
assured Jim that Helen was just worn
out, Jim went to sleep under the cot
tonWoods and never moved for II hours
Helen sat up the second day. white
and shaky, indeed. but recovering with
promise that augured well. Her eyes
hung upon jim with a mute observ-
ance.
Next morning while the women were
at work in the fields and Tasker was
away someW here, Jim approached Helen
on the porch. Her hair, once again un-
der care, shone like FURNISHED gold.
Well, you look wonderful this morn
ing" he said. we must begin to think
of getting away"
"Oh. I'm able to start"
I'VE mustn't overdO it. Tomorrow
perhaps. And then, If we're lucky, in
three days you'll be back at Star
Ranch. And /"
His evident depression. as he broke
/ off, checked her vivid gladness.
You will never go back TOTO your
old life?" she questioned, quickly.
No SO help me God! This l owe tC
you alone. Helen. 1t will be possible
now for me even to be happy. But
enough of myself. I have traded two
OF the horses for Tasker's light wagon
will take you to the stage line and
soon you will be at Grand Junction"
Jim ceased. Her hands slipped from
her eyes, to expose them wide. filmed
With tears through which shone that
which made him flee.
"Wait-please watt" she called after
him, as he made with giant strides fol-
the gate. But he did not go back
In a moonlit hour that night. late
when the good Taskers had gone tc
well earned rest. Jim heard his name
called. He ran with swift, noiseless feet
to Helens bedside.
You did not come back" she whis-
pered II cannot sleep. There is
something want to say"
He sat down upon the bedside and
clasped her hand in his.
rs your real name Jim Wall?" she
asked, with more compOsure
No. I will tell it if you wish"
Are you a free mani"
Free. What do you mean? Yes
free-of courSe!"
You called me your-your wife tc
these kind people"
Il thought that best. They would be
less curious"
Il was not offerded-and I under
stood. I want YOU TO go back tc
Star Ranch with me-"
You ask me-that!" he exclaimed
incredulously.
Yes. I do"
But you will be perfectly safe
Some one will drive you from Grand
| Junction"
Perhaps. Only I'll never feel safe
| too great a shock. jim I suppose one
of your Western girls could have stood
! this adventure. But this was my first
rough experience. 1t was "a little
| too much"
II can never go back to Star Ranch, .
he replied. gravely.
why not? Because YOU are-you
were member of a robber gang? l
had an ancestor who was a robber
! baron"
That's not the reason" he said.
"What is it-then?"
IF I leave you now-Soon as I've
placed you in good hands, can ride
| off in peace-go to Arizona, or some
where and be a cowboy-and be happy
| in the memory of having served YOU
that having turned my back on the old
| Efa P11t II Wpnt h1Ck IN