Page:The trail of the golden horn.djvu/120

116 but acted merely upon the impulse of the moment when I agreed to come with Zell.”

“And so you did all this for my sake?” North asked, pressing Marion’s hand a little firmer. “I am sure that no one else in the world would do such a thing for me.”

“Love nerves the most timid, John, and transforms weakness into strength. But I have a confession to make now which no doubt will surprise you.”

“Make all the confession you like, little one,” was the quiet reply. “What confession can you make that will interfere with our great love?”

“I hope it won’t, anyway,” and Marion gave a deep sigh. North noted this and looked somewhat anxiously into her face.

“Is it as serious as all that?” he asked. “Is it troubling you much?”

“It is, and has been worrying me for days. How would you like to be told that you do not share all my love?”

“Why, Marion, what do you mean?” North demanded. “Or are you only joking?”

“No, I am not. I am deadly in earnest. I came out here not only for your sake but for the sake of another man as well.”

“You did!” It was all that North could say as he dropped Marion’s hand and stared at her in amazement. “For God’s sake, who is it? Tell me quick.”

“It is the man who brought me to this cabin.”

“What! Hugo, the trapper?”

“Yes, he is the man. I came to warn you not only against Bill, the Slugger, but to keep you and the trapper from harming each other. I did it because I love you both.”

“Marion! Marion! What do you mean?” North