Perhaps he did not remember clearly; possibly he could not instantly
decide just how much of that story to tell. Brant suspected this last
to be his difficulty, and he spoke impulsively.
"Hampton, there has been trouble and misunderstanding between us, but
that's all past and gone now. I sincerely believe in your purpose of
right, and I ask you to trust me. Either of us would give his life if
need were, to be of real service to a little girl back yonder in the
hills. I don't know what you are to her; I don't ask. I know she has
every confidence in you, and that is enough. Now, I want to do what is
right with both of you, and if you have a word to say to me regarding
this matter, I 'll treat it confidentially. This trip with Murphy has
some bearing upon Naida Gillis, has it not?"
"Yes."
"Will you tell me the story?"
The thoughtful gray eyes looked at him long and searchingly. "Brant,
do you love that girl?"
Just as unwaveringly the blue eyes returned the look. "I do. I have
asked her to become my wife."
"And her answer?"
"She said no; that a dead man was between us."
"Is that all you know?"
The younger man bent his head, his face grave and perplexed.
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