Part 37 (1/2)

Just for a moment she hesitated It suddenly occurred to her that her action , and she was possessed by a sense of sha in the baser sense of the word She had no doubts of Seth Instinct told her why he was out She had co Shein her chest as she stepped quickly across the verandah She was nervous, and a strange feeling of shynessto turn back before the man became aware of her presence But she controlled the i herself flush in the cool air of the night, walked bravely on

She believed she was unobserved Her slippers gave out no sound, but as she careeted her

”Thought you was abed, Rosie”

The girl started at the sound Seth had not moved, had not even turned his head Then she answered

”How did you knoas here?” she said quickly

”Guess I heard General talkin' to you”

She was at his side now

”But you never looked round?”

”Ef it was Rube, I'd have heard his feet Ma ain't wanderin' around o'

nights An' I guess your auntie ain't bustin' fer a erin'”

Rosebud had no answer ready The argument was so simple

A brief silence fell, while both looked out across the moonlit plains at the dark line of distant woods There was a slight glow in the sky in two different directions One ay over the Pine Ridge Reservation, the other was nearer at hand, but on the far side of the Rosebud Reservation

The girl saw these things and they held her silent Her breathing cah her body She knew these lights hat Seth was staring at

The it back to bed, Rosie,” he said ”I'oin' to ride soirl's question cay

The ht,” he said briefly

”What for?” The violet eyes held the other's with their steady gaze The pretty, irregular face was set and deterlance at the lurid reflection in the sky Presently his eyes ca the reflected fires

”And what are they?” Rosebud's voice was quietly coone fro now

”Sun-dances They're doin' it at night to cover their tracks The Injuns are gettin' wise”

”Youthe sharp, direct questioning

”We're goin' to git it, and when it comes it'll be--sudden Sudden an'