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Then at a soft footfall, a rustle, and a nant sense of the pain and

suspense and tenderness of the actual moment

"Joan--Joan," came the soft whisper

She answered, and there was a catch in her breath

Theshadow split into two shadows that stole closer, looed to Jim till he touched

her His touch was potent It seemed to electrify her

"Dearest, we're here--this is the parson," said Jim, like a happy

boy "I--"

"Ssssh!" whispered Joan "Not so loudListen!"

Kells was holding a rendezvous with nized his hard and somber tone, and the sharp voice of Red

Pearce, and the drawl of Handy Oliver

"All right I'll be quiet," responded Cleve, cautiously "Joan,

you're to answer a few questions"

Then a soft hand touched Joan, and a voice differently keyed from

any she had heard on the border addressed her

"What is your name?" asked the preacher

Joan told hi man is--is almost

violent I'm not sure Still I want to--"