Argosy All-Story Weekly — page 62: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

532 to tell him about you saving his life. I éxpaict that’s why you're still alive.” “You think he would have killed me?” “Yes; I think he would. He isn’t a bit afraid of any one shooting him. Nobody can hurt him with a bullet. He’s been in dozens of fights and no bullet has ever touched him. He can’t be shot.” “T think you told me that the other day,” — said Cameron. ‘ And I presume most any bullet would hit me if it were fired straight enough. But I have started this thing and { can’t run away. That is what you have been suggesting, isn’t it?” “Yes,” she admitted frankly, you to go away.” - He shook his head. ‘“ No,” he said. ““1’m sorry I can’t accommodate you. The thing has gone too far. And, besides, even if I did give it up it wouldn’t be long before other interests would step in. It’s bound to come. “All over the West the situation is the same. Towns are springing up; business is advancing its lines. A new era is at hand. The old West is dead. Old methods and customs must give way to the new.” There was a look in his eyes which re- minded her of the day he had stood facing her after she had shot the hat she had affected to despise, And suddenly she knew that he was no more afraid of Ballantine than he had been when she had shot at his hat. On the day he had faced her on the ledge “T want _ she had rather liked him. The knowledge, assailing her suddenly, had thrown her into a sort of panic, had provoked the wild im- pulse of defiance which had led her to shoot at his hat. She had wanted to show him— and herself—that she did not care for him. Now, covertly watching him, she was sure she didn’t like him. She didn’t like the calm serenity of his manner, the iron edge of command which she detected under his quietness. There was something about him which convinced her that he was ac- customed to having people obey him, and that once having set out to do a thing he would persist against all obstacles. It gave her a feeling of dismay as she likened him to her uncle. They were much _ alike. ‘There would be trouble, and of course - come!” she declared. - ‘frankness. Also, your eyes. ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEERLY.~ she’d have to stand with her relativé. And now she knew why she didn’t like Cameron. It was because of the fight that was to come, ; - “Perhaps the old methods and customs will go, Mr. Cameron,” she said. ‘ But why hurry them away? Perhaps there are still people who like them.” -“ Hurry them?” he returned, looking at her. ‘I had no idea of that. Changes come along naturally. I just happened to be here when the time came.” “Tm not so sure that the time has “The time does not come until everybody is ready. ‘There are people here who are not ready.” - “There always are such people. Usually, after changes come, those same people are glad of it.” - That is what you think.” “Well, yes.” “And I presume you also think that you are the advance agent of progress—progress spelled with capitals?” she said with a flavor of sarcasm. — ‘“No,” he answered calmly. with a job of work to do. to stick to my job.” a I'm a man I merely intend -Obstinate! That was her thought. Cer- tainly -he was obstinate! It stuck out all over him. “Mr. Cameron,” she said steadily, a | do not like you. T think Uncle Jeff is go- ing to hate you!” “Curiously, I had the same thought,” he rejoined. “ About you uncle. But I don’t mind telling you that I’d been hoping you and I could get along. You see, I like you quite a little. In fact, though I expect you will not believe me, you are the first girl I ever admired.” — “Ym sorry I can’t believe you,” she de- clared, sitting rigid and regarding him with scornful eyes. ““T don’t expect you to,’ he said calmly. ‘“ And yet it is the truth. I think that what I most admire about you is your perfect And your hair. It is very beautiful.” - “Mr. Cameron, you will please not dis- cuss my hair!” she said frigidly. “Of course not, if you object,” he an- swered. “As a matter of fact, in my opin- Eomichbooksseom -