The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-03-05
Chapter 41
CATTLE THIEVES

CATTLE THIEVES
 @Yes. And you understand" he replied, sharply.
 'I--I do not.
 ssThiry darling, I can forgive your falsehood to all except me,
 'sWhatl" che cried, pride and fear in one gasp.
 It did not take much of pull to get her into his arms, and in another moment he had her help less. lifting her from the ground, her face close to his.
 ''Thiry. don't you love me a very little?r he asked, deep tenderness thrilling his voice.
 NO Oh, let me gol" she implored
 'Be honest
 "I can't be -. I'm such liar. aThiry. I love you so wonderfully. Ever since that minute you stepped in winters store. Didn't you like me then-or afterward?'
 II suppose I did. But whats the use to talk of it. . You're holding me in a-a-most shameless man 1ler. Let me go."
 Reckon I'll hold you this way long time. Till you say you love me a little"
 She essayed to free herself, but her strength fell far short of her spirit.
 aThen you'll hold me until day lieht-when Ash will see you.
 well, say little short of day light. Reckon can get along With that for a while
 @Oh,-please-pleasel True man. this is outrageous"
 Ut sure is. Most as outrageous as your deceiving me"
 How have I deceived you2" she demanded, vibrating at that.
 AFor one thing--carin' about me she said, in mockery,
 Care about you? I suppose i-l did else couldn't have been such a fool as to go to that dance, But whats caring? :. Ut certainty doesn't give you license to hold me against my will"
 ssWell. I reckon that depends on what you mean by care. I'm arguin VOL love me a little bit. Sure I've prayed enough for it."
 You prayl You're a fine Cnris- tianp she retor6ed, scornfully-
 Christian or not I've sure prayed you'd love me"
 nThen your prayers have oeen unanswered--as mine have been, she said. in mocKery.
 ..T'hiry, I must make sure.
 .IIow?"
 aReckon first off I'll kiss you a couple of thousand times and see if I can tell by that"
 You wouldn't dare"
 wouldn't I though. Sure I'm a reckless cowboy. Now watch me" And with action at strange ,vari- ance with his bantering words he bent to kiss her hair again and again and again, and then her ear, and last her cheek, that changed it's coolness under his lips.
 eTherel' he whispered, and drew her head back on his shoulder so her face would be upturned. To his piercing eyes the darkness was as if it were not. Sure they were only worshipful kisses. DO you hate me for them?"
 "I couldn't hate you. Please let that do. Let me go-before It's too Trueman, beg of you.
 Tt is too late, Thiry, for both ol usn he whispered, passionately, anc he kissed her lips-and then again with all the longing that consumeo him.
 ssNow will you confess you love me-a little?n he asked, huskiy.
 70 God help mel dol do' she cried, and her eyes seemed deer accusing gulfs. .sMore than little? Thiry. didn't expect much. Sure l don'' deserve it. But tell me-
 aYes, more" And she twisted te hide her face, while her left arm slowly crept up his shoulder, ane went half around his neck "Tnats what was the matter with me
 awhen did you know?" he asked amazed in his incredulity-
 Just now. ]. But knew tnere was something wrong, before. z
 .4Thiry, bless youl--lf thiss no' a one-sided affair, kiss me-
 ANo-no. If give up-wers ruined" she whispered, tragically. Sure, you're ruined if you don't So let's have the kisses, anyhow ~Trueman, since I never can marry you-I- mustn't kiss you Darling, one thing at time By and by we'll tackle the marTyln nrcblem. I'd go loco if l thought vou.d be my wife some day. But just now make this dream come true. I want your kisses Thiry"
 q darentss '. It's not fair.
 ITO whom?"
 @You."
 aI'il risk it. =. Thiry, III com promise. I'll be generous Just on' l..