Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1888-07-27

\ c"Sn soh you spite Ole NICK hisself
less you 90 back on her; 'twouldnt be
overly safe fur you them" and Alb
chuckled, while the great quid Of tobacco
oscillated In his cheek.
"She says that she will. and suppose
there are people who are true and can
be trusted. though have never had the
good fortune to meet them" replied the
stranger, bitter smile fitting over his
| ceuntensnce
"Jes' so; they be skurce, en- pow'ful
good ter come across wen a shurf en-
pack o Guvmenters kem at yo' heels.
The gal knows hit-Mirry knows,
You hev' mo- larnin' than we-uns.
doctor. You mebbe want fotched up
like we-uns. en- I'm a-gwine ter say es
you m.ought think yosef better n me en-
Miriam is better than am-that is
what think-and you have been nv best
friend. interrupted Heathe, speaking hur-
nedly. hot impatience, almost despera-
tion. In his manner. Old Alb looked pleased.
Then you won't be 'shamed O. Mirry
ur me, whenst you luck tu'ns, en- you
h'sin.t 'bleeged ter hug ter the mount
ingsf"
You are my only friends. There is no
turn OF luck can help me, no change what
ever that might wish to quit the noun
tains," was the deliberate assurance.
Hits all right, then. I h'aint much
tried In my mind long O. whur you be
foolin ur no. Mirry's ekil to that ar;
hits her lookout"
Abner relapsed into his moody enjoy
ment OF the huge cracking blaze. Grand
mother Sagsby came In, and soon dozed
over her knitting Miriam sat on the
hearth opposite Heathe. The freight
glowed over her beautiful face and the
strong, shapely figure Utter repose and
the delightful warmth couduced to that
half drowsy haziness and abandon Of per.
feet rest. The one exception was the
stranger. Apparently he never rested
The watchful, listening. wide awake
look seemed never beguiled away by any
charm whatsoever. Two or three dogs
that slept on the floor near Alb became
somewhat restless. An old hound opened
his eyes. and pushed himself nearer the
door. The movement was slight and noise
less. but Miriam sat up and noted the
animal for an instant, then left her seat
and stepped slowly past him to the shed
room The dog followed her into the
chilly starlight beyond. Then she stopped
short and observed the hound. Lifting
his nose high. he shifted suspiciously and
gave low growl.
"What is 1t, Miriam?'
The girl started. Heathe. was beside
her. an agony Of apprehension in hi, coun-
tenance even as he grasped his gun and
held 1t ready to fire.
"Sommut strange Is around Leader
never Mistakes" she whispered, creeping
closer to him ''Do you think they are
hunting for youf"
"Yes, know it. They are on my track
at last They are hunting for me II they
are hunting for anybody, but I'll never be
taken, Miriam-neveri'
"Takenf no. It's not many get taken
In the mountings." was the scornful re-
ply. ''Leaderu give tongue time enough,
and remember the big hollow tree back Of
the clearing-the rope is always there to
let you down in 1t. she directed. in quick.
low tones.
Miriam" he whispered. don't believe
their black story Of me-dont believe it.
was there-I saw it-but didn't do It,
never intended the worst. Icant prove
my innocence; but soiemnly tell you.
am innocent Of the worst-the very worst
you will hear"
Miriam laid her hand gently on his arm
her face grew tender-her voice soft
and tremulous.
Il care for you, John. whether it were
true or not. Go-now; Leader sniffs
lower-quite there, Leader-sommuts
closerp'
The girls startled, suppressed voice be-
came suddenly shrill in its terror Heathe
sprang forward with an agile, chamois
like bound and vanished in the pines.
The dogs inside the cabin as well as out
set up simultaneous howl There was
no doubt Of an alien presence near at
hand. Miriam rushed into the house and
fastened the door behind her.
1--WE know he's In therel" shouted q
rough voice.
Hes therei Give him upi were a.
goin' to have himp chorused rougher |
voices.
Hits better ter let 'em come, Mirry
hes done swung hissef in 'gainst now"
Alb unbsrred the door, and, opening it. |
stepped on the threshold in cool contem-
plation Of the scene. Instantly a revolver
was on each side Of his gray head.
what be you arfter, shurfY' he asked. |
thrusting him aside. The men outside |
rushed rudely past him.
You might as well give him up. Alb"
the sheriff; they've tracked |
him out here, en- It's 'gainst the law ter |
shutter Q Grim nal l don't want'er rest |
3 neighbor. The fellow goes by the name
Of Heathe."
We've got to search the premises.
sheriff, bristled ferret faced man, more |
than usually energetic in his efforts.
The sheriff smiled significantly.
"Ef you kin sarch these ere prem
why jes' go ahead. Mr.. Paxton-course,
sir, 7" he dryly responded.
I've followed this Heathe for year,
and won't be beat now. There's re-
ward out for bim-dead or alive-so you
may as well tell where he Is.
The man Paxton turned sharply upon
Miriam as he spoke.
"Heathe Is not his name neither, miss, |
and I'll make it worth your while to tell
of him"
Miriam heard him in silence, q set,
resolute expression upon her face.
You shall have part Of the reward
81 don't touch blood money! she inter
rupted. fercely.
"It don't matter. I'll catch him vet.
Hes cold blooded villain-wanted for
murder"
MURDER
The girl shivered. Her face paled into
! whiteness Alb had never seen blanch its
iesp, healthy hues.
Murdered an old man for his money
They're sure to lynch him If they get
hands on him. Murder and robbery. I'm
certain to nab him sooner or later. added
the detective. with the professional gusto
Of man who had bagged human game.
Miriam listened wearily while they told
the terrible tale to Alb. She watched her
father narrowly. The quasi mdonshiner
might condone offenses against the rev.
enue.. but murderl-she knew that he had