Bob Hampton of Placer

She drew a deep breath, these open words of faith touching her more

strongly than would any selfish fault-finding.

"Trust begets trust," she replied, with new firmness, and now gazing

frankly into his face. "You can walk with me a portion of the way if

you wish, but I am going to tell you the truth,--I have an appointment

with a man."

"I naturally regret to learn this," he said, with assumed calmness.

"But the way is so lonely I prefer walking with you until you have some

other protector."

She accepted his proffered arm, feeling the constraint in his tone, the

formality in his manner, most keenly. An older woman might have

resented it, but it only served to sadden and embarrass her. He began

speaking of the quiet beauty of the night, but she had no thought of

what he was saying.

"Lieutenant Brant," she said, at last, "you do not ask me who the man

is."

"Certainly not, Miss Naida; it is none of my business."

"I think, perhaps, it might be; the knowledge might help you to

understand. It is Bob Hampton."

He stared at her. "The gambler? No wonder, then, your meeting is

clandestine."

She replied indignantly, her lips trembling. "He is not a gambler; he

is a miner, over in the Black Range. He has not touched a card in two

years."

"Oh, reformed has he? And are you the instrument that has worked such

a miracle?"

Her eyes fell. "I don't know, but I hope so." Then she glanced up

again, wondering at his continued silence. "Don't you understand yet?"

"Only that you are secretly meeting a man of the worst reputation, one

known the length and breadth of this border as a gambler and fighter."

"Yes; but--but don't you know who I am?"

He smiled grimly, wondering what possible difference that could make.

"Certainly; you are Miss Naida Herndon."

"I? You have not known? Lieutenant Brant, I am Naida Gillis."

He stopped still, again facing her. "Naida Gillis? Do you mean old

Gillis's girl? Is it possible you are the same we rescued on the

prairie two years ago?"

She bowed her head. "Yes; do you understand now why I trust this Bob

Hampton?"

"I perhaps might comprehend why you should feel grateful to him, but

not why you should thus consent to meet with him clandestinely."

He could not see the deep flush upon her cheeks, but he was not deaf to

the pitiful falter in her voice.