The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-03-14

darker for the sad resignation. he had sacrificed his love to save Thirys father, and therefore her, from ignominy The thing coul1 not have been helped. It had from the very first, that day in the cor ral here at Wagontongue, been fixed, and as fateful as the beauti- ful passion Thiry had aroused in him. He had no regret. He would not have changed it, at cost to her But with the accepted catastropne faced now, there came bangs that dwarfed those of gunshot wounds.
 His heart would not break, be- cause he had wonderful assurance of her love, of the sacrifice she had tried to make for him. How that memory stung and vibrated over himl His sluggish blood stirred to swift heat.
 She would go away with her family, and in some other state re- cover from this disaster, forget, and touch happiness, perhaps with some fortunate man who might win her regard. But she owed that to him. And he realized that when the poignancy of first grief had softened, he would find melan- eholy consolation in the memory Of the service ne had rendered her. Who was Trueman Rock, to as- pire to the possession of Thiry Preston? Who was he but lonely man, rider that had always been and ever would be rolling stone, gcod only to use his fatal gift in summary justice on some worth less scoundrel of the range. Son, lady to see you an- nounced Winter, not long after he had made Rock presentablc.
 "Who?" asked Rock, with start that seemed to rend his healing wounds.
 No one but Amy"
 Tell her I'm sleepin' or-some- thin," implored Rock.
 Like hob he will" replied a gay voice from behind the door. And Amy entered, pretty and girlish, just a little fearful and pale, de- spite her nerve.
 well, how do, Amy?' said Rock And then he laughed. Amy's pres ence was always difficult to deny gladly.
 ~Trueman, are you all right?" she asked, timidly, staring at his | long shape under the coverlet. l Pretty good, Amy, thanks. But fit was a close shave, the doctor says. =. One inch one way for one bullet-and my artery would have been severed. And two inches lower for the other bullet-well Amy, my heart would never have broken again"
 Don't don't talk so," she cried shuddering, as she sat down near him, and took his hand. Her face appeared singularly white, almost pearly.. 'Oh, Trueman, I've beer in a horrible state ever since came home
 l We'll I'm sorry. Amy. How SOP"
 T hate to tell you, but I've got to," she replied. For it was my 1 last, miserable, horrible trick! Trueman, the day got back I met Ash Preston on the street. I tolc him you-you were Senor del Toro He laughed in my face-called me a jealous liar. Wanted to XII Trirys partner"
 But afterwards I began to feal he'd believe he and I fell to worry. ing. It grew worse as realized until I finally suffered the torture' of the damned. You cannot i'm agine what felt when the. fetched you here-all shot up. Trueman, I don't want to abas' myself utterly in your sight, but well, I am a chastened woman
 You wildcat" stormed Rock stern eyes on her.
 Forgive me, Trueman. Ate all, he didn't kill you-as ' Il pe' in my madness. And out of evi good has come"
 'It was wicked, Amy"
 Don't I know? It made m merciless to myself It opened m eyes. I told my husband, and sine then we've grown closer than w ever were"
 Then, Amy, forgive you" | Quick as a bird she pecked at hi cheek, to lift flushing, radian face. "Therel The first sisterl one I ever gave you. 5. .Truemar I am the bearer of good news. Yo1 are a big ma nnow. Yes, sir, il spite of-or perhaps because of that awful gun of yours. But you honesty has gone farther with Johl and Tom Lincoln. have the pleas ure of telling you that you've beel chosen to run the Sunset Pas Ranch for them. On shares