Bob Hampton of Placer

by Randall Parrish

  CHAPTER X

  A SLIGHT INTERRUPTION

  The young officer passed slowly down the dark staircase, his mind stillbewildered by the result of the interview. His feelings toward Hamptonhad been materially changed. He found it impossible to nurse a dislikewhich seemingly had no real cause for existence. He began besides tocomprehend something of the secret of his influence over Naida; even toexperience himself the power of that dominating spirit. Out ofcontroversy a feeling of respect had been born.

  Yet Brant was far from being satisfied. Little by little he realizedthat he had gained nothing, learned nothing. Hampton had not evenadvanced a direct claim; he had dodged the real issue, leaving thesoldier in the dark regarding his relationship to Naida, and erecting abarrier between the other two. It was a masterpiece of defence,puzzling, irritating, seemingly impassable. From the consideration ofit all, Brant emerged with but one thought clearly defined--whoever shemight prove to be, whatever was her present connection with Hampton, heloved this dark-eyed, auburn-haired waif. He knew it now, and neveragain could he doubt it. The very coming of this man into the field ofcontest, and his calm assumption of proprietorship and authority, hadcombined to awaken the slumbering heart of the young officer. Fromthat instant Naida Gillis became to him the one and only woman in allthis world. Ay, and he would fight to win her; never confessing defeatuntil final decision came from her own lips. He paused, half inclinedto retrace his steps and have the matter out. He turned just in timeto face a dazzling vision of fluffy lace and flossy hair beside him inthe dimly lighted hall.

  "Oh, Lieutenant Brant!" and the vision clung to his arm tenderly. "Itis such a relief to find that you are unhurt. Did--did you kill him?"

  Brant stared. "I--I fear I scarcely comprehend, Miss Spencer. I havecertainly taken no one's life. What can you mean?"

  "Oh, I am so glad; and Naida will be, too. I must go right back andtell the poor girl, for she is nearly distracted. Oh, Lieutenant, isn't it the most romantic situation that ever was? And he is such amysterious character!"

  "To whom do you refer? Really, I am quite in the dark."

  "Why, Mr. Hampton, of course. Oh, I know all about it. Naida felt sobadly over your meeting this morning that I just compelled her toconfide her whole story to me. And didn't you fight at all?"

  "Most assuredly not," and Brant's eyes began to exhibit amusement;"indeed, we parted quite friendly."

  "I told Naida I thought you would. People don't take such things soseriously nowadays, do they? But Naida is such a child and so full ofromantic notions, that she worried terribly about it. Is n't itperfectly delightful what he is going to do for her?"

  "I am sure I do not know."

  "Why, had n't you heard? He wants to send her East to aboarding-school and give her a fine education. Do you know,Lieutenant, I am simply dying to see him; he is such a perfectlysplendid Western character."

  "It would afford me pleasure to present you," and the soldier'sdowncast face brightened with anticipation.

  "Do--do you really think it would be proper? But they do things sodifferently out here, don't they? Oh, I wish you would."

  Feeling somewhat doubtful as to what might be the result, Brant knockedupon the door he had just closed, and, in response to the voice within,opened it. Hampton sat upon the chair by the window, but as his eyescaught a glimpse of the returned soldier with a woman standing besidehim, he instantly rose to his feet.

  "Mr. Hampton," said Brant, "I trust I may be pardoned for againtroubling you, but this is Miss Spencer, a great admirer of Westernlife, who is desirous of making your acquaintance."

  Miss Spencer swept gracefully forward, her cheeks flushed, her handextended. "Oh, Mr. Hampton, I have so wished to meet with you eversince I first read your name in Aunt Lydia's letters--Mrs. Herndon ismy aunt, you know,--and all about that awful time you had with thoseIndians. You see, I am Naida Gillis's most particular friend, and shetells me so much about you. She is such a dear, sweet girl! She feltso badly this morning over your meeting with Lieutenant Brant, fearingyou might quarrel! It was such a relief to find him unhurt, but I feltthat I must see you also, so as to relieve Naida's mind entirely. Ihave two special friends, Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil,--perhaps you knowthem?--who have told me so much about these things. But I do think thestory of your acquaintance with Naida is the most romantic I ever heardof,--exactly like a play on the stage, and I could never forgive myselfif I failed to meet the leading actor. I do not wonder Naida fairlyworships you."

  "I most certainly appreciate your frankly expressed interest, MissSpencer," he said, standing with her hand still retained in his, "andam exceedingly glad there is one residing in this community to whom mypeculiar merits are apparent. So many are misjudged in this world,that it is quite a relief to realize that even one is appreciative, andthe blessing becomes doubled when that one chances to be so verycharming a young woman."

  Miss Spencer sparkled instantly, her cheeks rosy. "Oh, how verygracefully you said that! I do wish you would some time tell me aboutyour exploits. Why, Mr. Hampton, perhaps if you were to call upon me,you might see Naida, too. I wish you knew Mr. Moffat, but as youdon't, perhaps you might come with Lieutenant Brant."

  Hampton bowed. "I would hardly venture thus to place myself under theprotection of Lieutenant Brant, although I must confess the formerattractions of the Herndon home are now greatly increased. From myslight knowledge of Mr. Moffat's capabilities, I fear I should be founda rather indifferent entertainer; yet I sincerely hope we shall meetagain at a time when I can 'a tale unfold.'"

  "How nice that will be, and I am so grateful to you for the promise.By-the-bye, only this very morning a man stopped me on the street,actually mistaking me for Naida."

  "What sort of a looking man, Miss Spencer?"

  "Large, and heavily set, with a red beard. He was exceedingly politewhen informed of his mistake, and said he merely had a message todeliver to Miss Gillis. But he refused to tell it to me."

  The glances of the two men met, but Brant was unable to decipher themeaning hidden within the gray eyes. Neither spoke, and Miss Spencer,never realizing what her chatter meant, rattled merrily on.

  "You see there are so many who speak to me now, because of my publicposition here. So I thought nothing strange at first, until Idiscovered his mistake, and then it seemed so absurd that I nearlylaughed outright. Isn't it odd what such a man could possibly wantwith her? But really, gentlemen, I must return with my news; Naidawill be so anxious. I am so glad to have met you both."

  Hampton bowed politely, and Brant conducted her silently down thestairway. "I greatly regret not being able to accompany you home," heexplained, "but I came down on horseback, and my duty requires that Ireturn at once to the camp."

  "Oh, indeed! how very unfortunate for me!" Even as she said so, someunexpected vision beyond flushed her cheeks prettily. "Why, Mr.Wynkoop," she exclaimed, "I am so glad you happened along, and going myway too, I am sure. Good morning, Lieutenant; I shall feel perfectlysafe with Mr. Wynkoop."