Bob Hampton of Placer

Their eyes met, each dimly realizing, although in a totally different

way, that here was a moment of important decision. Mrs. Herndon

darkened the doorway, and stood looking out.

"Well, Mr. Bob Hampton," she questioned, plainly, "what is this going

to be?"

He glanced toward her, slightly lifting his hat, and promptly releasing

the girl's clinging hand.

"Miss Gillis consents to remain," he announced shortly, and, denying

himself so much as another glance at his companion, strode down the

narrow path to the road. A moment the girl's eyes followed him through

the dust cloud, a single tear stealing down her cheek. Only a short

week ago she had utterly despised this man, now he had become truly

more to her than any one else in the wide, wide world. She did not in

the least comprehend the mystery; indeed, it was no mystery, merely the

simple trust of a child naturally responding to the first unselfish

love given it. Perhaps Mrs. Herndon dimly understood, for she came

forth quietly, and led the girl, now sobbing bitterly, within the cool

shadows of the house.