The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-03-15
PASS
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SYNOPSIS: After his killing of Ash Preston in a gun fight, Trueman Rock believes that Ash's sister Thiry, can no longer love him. But he does not regret the act, because now Thiry is free from disgrace and her father, Gage Preston, is relieved of Ash's influence and its dangers.
 Chapter 49.
 MARKED MAN
 Whereupon Alice Preston en. tered gayly gowned, and fal brighter of eye than Rock would have expected to see her that day Allie, you-well, almost said darlin," replied Rock, suddenly warmed by surprise and gratitude ''Trueman, you're just day late, ? she said, roguishly. T became en- gagged yesterday"
 Who's the lucky boyP" said Rock.
 Charlie Farrell"
 Allie, dear, l don't know that I ought to allow this" said Rock. gravely, but seein' I'm crippled an cant very well stop it, I'll say bless you, my child"
 She sat down on the bed and took his hand in both hers.
 "Trueman, I think you'd make a good dad, at that-Does my news cheer you up?"
 Sure does, Allie-for you. .. can never cheer up again for my self"
 "Poooh!" she exclaimed, in sweet derision.
 But a squeak of the door and a deep expulsion of breath from some one entering checked her. Rock gave such start that his stiff in- jured leg actually reminded him of it's condition. Thiry had entered She leaned against the wall. She was bareheaded, and her soft hat dropped from her nerveless hands. Alice gave Rocks hands thrill ing squeeze and jumped up. Peck on this is no place for sister Alliel and she beat precipitous retreat with Winter, closing Uile door be- hind her.
 "Thiry-how good of you!'
 Haltingly she approached, as ii the impelling force that drew her was only slightly stronger thar something which held her back.
 "Trueman, are you-all right?' she asked, apparently awed at the helpless length of him there on the bed. She, too, sat beside him and her eyes, black with thought and pain, followed her reaching hand, to rest on the coverlet over his knee.
 Reckon I'm almost all right now he replied, sensitive to hel touch
 "Mr Winter told me everything, she went on, but seeing you is sc strange. Can you move?e
 Sure. All but my leg"
 Was that broken?'
 NO I'm glad to tell you
 Then you can ride again?e
 Some day"
 And the other hurt-was that here?. she asked, pale, almost rev. erent, as she laid soft hand high upon his left shoulder.
 Lower down-Thiry'
 Fascinated, she gently slipped her hand down over the bandage "Herel''
 Still lower
 Then she felt the throbbing ot his heart. But, Trueman-it could mt be there"
 You bet it is
 What?
 The hurt you asked about
 T was speaking of your latest wounds she replied Then sht uUOhc0 iillii o4udiCiy III CiiS adSS which she had failed to do before How tragic, deep with sorrow, yei soul searching, that gazel | changed. T had to fight myself tt come, she said. There was colo dead. horrible something inside me But, it's leaVingl .Trueman you're so white and thin. So help. less lying there I--I want to nurse you. I should have come. i. Have you suffered?"
 "A little-I reckon" he replied unsteadily, But it's gone now"
 Has Amy Dabb been here2' she asked, jealously.
 "Yes. Today. She was very nice. Nice! :. Because she wheedlec John Dabb to offer you the run. ming of Sunset Pass Ranch?"
 "Oh, no--I mean, just kind" re- turned Rock, uncertainty. He wa of half a mind to believe this de lirium.
 "Trueman. will you accept that offer?' she queried earnestly.
 Me ever go to-Sunset Pass | aoaino Never in this world i