The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-02-12

1oifQ2IVOuo lfl Aldliy Slll--et SAVu- ation always attended with pleas urable and sometimes peuplexing sensations-bu this was not the same. How tremendous the issue oi this meeting!
 Hs hsard the cabin door open. A broad light flared out of it into the gloom. Then rhiry appeared in the doorway, clearly defined. She wore white. She had changed her dress since supper. Trueman's heart gave leap and then seemed to stand still while she stood peering out Unto the night, She closed the door behind her - vanished. But, Rock heard quick light footballs. She was coming.
 Presently her pale form grew more distinct. She groped slowly to- ward the seat. Evidently her eyes were not yet accustomed to the darkness. Rock saw her put out her hands, feeling for the tree or the bench.
 But before she touched either Rock reached up to take them.
 "Ohl" she cried, evidently star ted Its you-Mr. Rock !
 Yes" He did not let go of her hands.
 ~Youre-late. live been here twice" she said, with a nervous little laugh. No doubt she could mot escape from the romance Of this unusual situation.
 I'm sorry, but it took courage to come at all,7 returned Rock.
 Didn't it, though? MT. Rock, you-you are holding my hands Please let go so I may sit down. :"
 He released her and leaned back against the pine, conscious that her presence had ended his uncertain ty She sat down, quite close to him, and bent her head forward a little, as if trying to pierce the gloom.
 Miss Thiry, such eyes as yours ought to see through walls said Trueman, sentimentally.
 Ought taeyP Well, they can't. !. And, MT. Rock, this is no oc- casion for holding hands or pay ing compliments.
 There had been some slight change in her. Rock sensed less aloofness. The long hours, prob ably, had magnified: and constant thought had made him no longer a stranger. He would let her start the Then he would pro- long it as far as fairness and con- sideration would permit. Suddenly the moon slipped over the black rim, and magically the darkness lightened A silver radiance touch ed the girls hair and face. Rock, his own features in shadow, watch ed her and waited.
 Ash stole your horse2" she be- gan, tentatively.
 Reckon I wouldn't say stole. But he sure borrowed Egypt returned Rock, with a laugh.
 Egypt l knew you named him that"
 "Yes. Much obliged to you.1
 Who told you?"
 "Lucy. I've sure stand-in with her"
 50 it appears. .. I dare say you'll learn all our secrets" she said, little irritated.
 Miss Thiry, things just gravi- bate my way"
 Don't call me Miss Thiry. If you must be formal make 1t Miss Pres ton"
 Rock guessed that his apparent c o olness and nonchalance had struck her a little provokingly.
 Thanks, Miss Preston"
 q should be pleased that you called Leslie's horse by the name I gave him. ,. Oh, your ears would burn if you knew all I thought
 They're burnin' now. But I'd rather you thought bad than not at all. If a man can't make a woman think about him, then his case is hopeless"
 Would any case ever be hopeless to you?" she asked, curiously.
 @No. I've helped a good many friends whose cases seemed hope less to everyone but me" he an- swered. significantly.
 With a gun, I suppose?" she flashed, perhaps both thrilled and repelled.
 Will Rock stay at Sunset Pass?
 will he go? The struggle con-