Part 8 (2/2)

”What did you come here for?” she asked, at last.

”To see you,” replied Duane, glad to speak.

”Why?”

”Well--Euchre thought--he wanted me to talk to you, cheer you up a bit,”

replied Duane, somewhat lamely. The earnest eyes embarra.s.sed him.

”Euchre's good. He's the only person in this awful place who's been good to me. But he's afraid of Bland. He said you were different. Who are you?”

Duane told her.

”You're not a robber or rustler or murderer or some bad man come here to hide?”

”No, I'm not,” replied Duane, trying to smile.

”Then why are you here?”

”I'm on the dodge. You know what that means. I got in a shooting-sc.r.a.pe at home and had to run off. When it blows over I hope to go back.”

”But you can't be honest here?”

”Yes, I can.”

”Oh, I know what these outlaws are. Yes, you're different.” She kept the strained gaze upon him, but hope was kindling, and the hard lines of her youthful face were softening.

Something sweet and warm stirred deep in Duane as he realized the unfortunate girl was experiencing a birth of trust in him.

”O G.o.d! Maybe you're the man to save me--to take me away before it's too late.”

Duane's spirit leaped.

”Maybe I am,” he replied, instantly.

She seemed to check a blind impulse to run into his arms. Her cheek flamed, her lips quivered, her bosom swelled under her ragged dress.

Then the glow began to fade; doubt once more a.s.sailed her.

”It can't be. You're only--after me, too, like Bland--like all of them.”

Duane's long arms went out and his hands clasped her shoulders. He shook her.

”Look at me--straight in the eye. There are decent men. Haven't you a father--a brother?”

”They're dead--killed by raiders. We lived in Dimmit County. I was carried away,” Jennie replied, hurriedly. She put up an appealing hand to him. ”Forgive me. I believe--I know you're good. It was only--I live so much in fear--I'm half crazy--I've almost forgotten what good men are like, Mister Duane, you'll help me?”

”Yes, Jennie, I will. Tell me how. What must I do? Have you any plan?”

”Oh no. But take me away.”

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