The Branding Iron - Page 126/142

Pierre evidently resented the fashion of this speech. "I'm sorry," he

said with dignity, "not to be able to tell you anything. I'll be

careful not to frighten Miss West. I can see her first from a distance

an' then--"

"Certainly. Certainly."

Jasper rang and directed his man to get an envelope from an upstairs

table. When it came, he handed it to Pierre.

"That is a ticket for to-morrow night's performance. It's the best

seat I can give you, though it is not very near the stage. However,

you will certainly be able to recognize your--Jane, if she is your

Jane."

Pierre pocketed the ticket. "Thank you," he murmured. His face was

expressionless.

Jasper was making rapid plans. "Oh, by the way," he said hurriedly,

"if you should stand near the stage exit to-night, say at about twelve

o'clock, you could see Miss West come out and get into her motor. That

would give you a fairly close view. But even if you find you are

mistaken, Landis, be sure to see 'The Leopardess.' It's well worth

your while. You're going? Won't you dine with me to-night?"

"No, thank you. I wouldn't be carin' to to-night. I--I reckon I've got

this matter too much on my mind. Thank you very much, Mr. Morena."

"Before you go, tell me about Holliwell. He was a good friend of

mine."

"He was a good friend to most every one he knowed. He was more than

that to me."

"Then he's been a success out there?"

Pierre meditated over the words. "Success? Why, yes, I reckon he's

been all of that."

"A difficult mission, isn't it? Trying to bring you fellows to God?"

Pierre smiled. "I reckon we get closer to God out there than you do

here. We sure get the fear of Him even if we don't get nothin' else.

When you fight winter an' all outdoors an' come near to death with

hosses an' what-not, why, I guess you're gettin' close to somethin'

not quite to be explained. Holliwell, he's a first-class sin-buster,

best I ever knowed."

Morena laughed. He was beginning to enjoy his visitor. "Sin-buster?"

"That's one name fer a parson. Well, sir, I guess Holliwell is plumb

close to bein' a prize devil-twister."

"Tell me how you first met him. It ought to be a good story."

But the young man's face grew bleak at this. "It ain't a good story,

sir," he said grimly. "It ain't anything like that. I must wish you

good-by, an' thank you kindly."