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

IeS-to rice with you, he went on,
hoarsely "That'd be like what you
too much. 1t would be terribly too
much. I'm only human"
Faint heart never won fair lady"
she whispered, averting her face and
Withdrawing her hand. Jim, believe
if were you I'd risk it,"
Jim gaZed down at the clear-cut
profile, at the Swallowed eyes. hair sill
vered in the moonlight; then, stricken
and mute, he rushed away.
Before dawn Jim had beaten his
vain and exalted consciousness into
conviction that the heaven Helen hint
ed at for him was the generosity of
woman'S heart. She could not yet be
wholly herself. He must not take ad-
vantage of that. But to reassure her
he decided he would conduct her to
Star Ranch, careful never to reopen
that delicate and impossible subject,
and after she was safely there and
all was well he would ride away in
the night, letting his silence speak his
farewell.
At sunrise Jim acquainted Tasker
with his desire to leave for Torrey.
At breakfast and in the hustle Of
departure he was sure Helen felt some
thing aloof and strange in him. and
he dared not meet her thoughtful eyes.
Soon they were on the way, Helen
comfortably settled in the back of the
two-Seated wagon and Jim riding be-
side Tasker in front.
A rancher. at whose place Tasker
stopped invited them to pass the night
at his house and next morning take
the road from there to Grand Junction,
which could be reached in a long days
drive. Jim accepted both invitation
and advice In the morning Tasker
babe them good-by and God-speed.
Thank you. Mr.. Tasker," replied
Helen. Il shall remember your kind
ness. And I'd like TO buy back the
two horses Jim traded you.
I'll fetch them. If you'll tell me
where" replied the rancher.
Star Ranch, north Of Grand juno
ton"
I've heard of tibet. Wal, you may
expect me some day, though l had
taken a likin' to your bay boss"
Jim drove off in the clear cold air OF
mountain Autumn morning before
the sun had come up.
Helen, you shouldn't have asked him
to fetch the horses" said Jim, reprov-
ingly. He'll find out I lied"
Lied" What about?"
Il told Tasker you were my wife"
"Oh, that" laughed Helen, and
turned away a scarlet face. 1T can be
explained easily-if necessary.
LOOK Ills SIOIlOuS county!
No. don't even want to leave it."
Somehow Jim gat through that long
ride of suspense, fear and thrills, and
when they reached Grand Junction just
after dark 1t was none too soon for him.
Fortunately he got Helen into the little
inn before she was recognized. and
then returned to put the tired horses
in the care Of a stableboy Jim did not
risk entering store or saloon. Hays had
had secret friends there. Yet Jim was
keen to hear the gossip about Star
Ranch. He was late for supper, having
taken time to shave and change his
shirt.
To his surprise he found Helen
radiant.
what do you think Bernie has
done?"
"Berniel" calculated Jim.
Yes. My brother. This good woman
told me- Jim. you are the richer
by ten thousand dollars ars,,,
Indeed. Bernie offered ten thousand
dollars for my safe return"
You know I wouldn't take dollar!"
flashed Jim.
well! What do you want. JIM"
she inquired. with a womans sweet
tantalizing mystery. However. never
mind that now. Listen. Bernie hired
all the riders available to hunt for me.
Also he found where Hays sold our cat
tie, and he forced the buyers to sell
back every head, at the price they paid.
He threatened to take the case to Salt
Lake City"
That's sure good news. 1t might
have a tendency to end rustling, at
least in wholesale punches. Did you
hear how badly your brother was hurt?"
She did not mention that. Anyway
it couldn't have been much, for Bernie
a aoing 0t to eat tan any supper? Oh, / shall
not sleep much tonight. And
what shall I tell Bernie?"
The query was arresting to Jim and
he FASTENED to direct her mind into
other channels. trying to make her feel
concerned that they had still SO miles to
cover.
Every moment of that ride next day
was a JOY and pang. 1t seemed as
short as the preceding one lad been
long Helen was gay, sad. thoughtful
and laxative by turns but she did not
infringe on the one subject that cruel
fled Jim.
1t CHANGED that as they surmou1tod
the pass that led down into Star Ranch
Valley the sun was setting out of q
glorious cloud pageant over Wild Horse
Mesa and the canyon brakes of the
Dirty Devil Jim judged of its beauty
and profundity by the sudden silence
1t enjoined upon his companion. She
never spoke another word until Jim
halted the team in front of the ranch
house porch. "Home!" she whispered
as if she had never expected to see it
again.
(To be continued)