Keith of the Border

ed with low growing shrubs. In the darkness they stumbled over outcroppings of rock, and after a fall or two, were compelled to move forward with extreme caution. But the mysterious yell

d perceive dimly something of the na

ning lamp, but that alone was sufficient evidence of occupancy. In spite of hunger, and urgent need, Keith hesitated, uncertain as to what they might be called upon to face. Who could be living in this out-of-the-way spot, in the heart of this inhospitable desert? It would be no cattle outpost surely, for there was no surrounding grazing land, while surely no professional hunter would choose such a barren spot for headquarters. Either a hermit, anxious to escape all intercourse with humanity, or some outlaw hidi

manded, "and we 'll fi

knees, Neb's black face peering past him into the lighted interior, he seemed to perceive in one swift, comprehensive glance, every revealed detail. A lamp burned on a rudely constructed set of drawers near the window, and a wood fire blazed redly in a stone fireplace opposite, the yellow and red lights blending in a peculiar glow of color. Under this radiance were revealed the rough

h a presence in this lonely place, and staggering to his feet, gazed wildly, dumbly at the slender, gray clad figure, the almost girlish face under the shadowing dark hair, expecting the marvellous vision to vanish. Surely this could not be real! A woman, and such a woman as this here, and alone, of all places! He staggered from weakness, almost terror, and grasped the table to hold himself erect. The rising wind came swirling in through the open door, causing the fire to send forth spirals of smoke, and he turned, dragging the dazed negro within, a

th difficulty. "I fell over the step, but-

n the expression of the dark eyes, and caught the glit

you expect

stumbled on this hut by accident. I didn't

re for any purpose?

gone into camp up above, wh

o you co

falsehood was never easy for him, and

son

ought yo

nadian; got caught in a sand-storm, and then just drift

breath of unco

you a

haven't the slightest reason t

hing in Keith's clean-cut face seemed to

ly it is so lonely here, and you startled me, bursting in without warning. But

-Jack

cow

ning bitterness in the tone. "A plainsman, who has p

u might be more than t

have been," he confessed unwillingly. "I started out all right, bu

lly see her now for the first time, fairly-a supple, slender figure, simply dressed, with wonderfully excessive brown eyes, a perfect wealth of dark hair, a clear complexion with slight olive tinge to it, a s

know y

e word a note of un

all the time, but couldn't for the life of

yes filled wi

you just the same. Saw you at the 'Gaiety' in Independence, maybe two months ago. I w

ising and falling, her lips parted as if to speak. Apparently s

to ask you to blot that all out-to forget that you eve

ly; but would

yself to your protection. You may call me Christie Maclaire, or anything else you please; you may even think me unworthy respect, but y

ess that simple, womanly appeal awoke all that was strong and sacrificing within him, although her words w

re," he gasped weakly, "if-if

eturn?

rs." Her face, which had been so white, fl

known from your face. There is plenty here-