His eyes were fixed upon
the dejected homestead on the slope of the hill beyond. He was
be-chapped, and carried the usual complement of weapons at his waist.
His horse was an unusually fine creature, and well up to the burden it
was called upon to bear. Nor was that burden a light one, for the man
was both massive and muscular.
The watchful eyes were deep set in a mahogany-hued setting. It was a
hard face, brutal, and the eyes were narrow and cruel.
For a long time he sat there regarding the homestead. He beheld the
graceful form of the woman as she moved swiftly about her work.
Judging from his expression, which was by no means pleasant, two
emotions were struggling for dominance. For some time doubt held chief
place, but slowly it yielded to some more animal emotion. Furthermore
temptation was urging him, and more than once he lifted his reins,
which became a sign of yielding.
But all these emotions finally passed. It was evident that some even
stronger force was really governing him. For, with a sharp ejaculation
that conveyed every feeling suggested by disappointment, he swung his
horse about and galloped off in a southeasterly direction--toward
Orrville.
Pages:
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80