Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-08
The girl laughed.

But her lover had opened the door, and
both went in.
''Mirry kin tie ter whomst she pleases,
her father said when Heathe, taking ad
vantage of Miriam's absence in the shed.
told him Of his hopes. "Hit's good lee
tie gal as you'll git, en- she's smart gal
Mirry is-h'a amt Altered o nothin: Shell
stick ter you. spite o ole Nick hisset.
less'n you 60 back on her; wouldn't be
overly safe fur you then. and Alb
chuckled, while the great quid OF tobacco
oscaIlated in his cheek
'She says that she viii, 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. q bitter smile fitting over his
countenance.
"Jes' so; they be skurce. en- pow'ful
good ter come across wen q shurf en-
pack o Guv'menters KEN at yo' heels.
The gal knows hft-MiTy knows.
she do"
"You hev' mo- larnin' than we-uns,
doctor. You mebbe want fetched up
like we-uns, en- I'm s-gwine ter say es
you mought think yo'sef better'n me en-
Mirry"-
Miriam Is better than I am-that Is
what think-and you have been my best
friend, interrupted Heathe. speaking hur-
riedly, hot Impotence, almost despeaa-
ton. in his manner Old Alb looked pleased.
"Then you won't be 'shamed O Miry
ur me, whenst you luck tu'ns. en- you
h'ain'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.
"Hit's all right, then. h'ain't much
tried In my mind long O whur you be
foolin' UP no. Mrry's ekn to that ar;
hits her lookout"
Abner reiapsed 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 conduced 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 beguled away by any
charm whatsoever. Two or three dogs
that slept on the Hoor 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. be shifted suspiciously and
gave a low growl
what is it. Miriam?''
The girl started Reathe was beside
her, an agony Of apprehension in his coun
tenance even as he grasped his gun and
held it ready to fire.
"Sommut strange is around Leader
never mistakes" she whispered. creeping
closer to him DO you think they are
hunting for your"
Yes. know it. They are on my track
at last. They are hunting for me if they
are hunting for anybody. but I'll never be
taken, Miriam-neverr
"TakenY no It's not many get taken
in the mountings." was the scornful re-.
ply. ''Leader'u give tongue time enough,
and remember the big hollow tree back Of
the clearing-the rope is always there to
let you down in it. she directed. in quick.
low tones.
Miriam" be whispered. don't believe
their black story of NEEDN'T believe it.
was there saw it-but | didn't do it,
never intended the worst. Ican't prove
my innocence, but solemnly tell you, I
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 shifts
there, Leader-sommut's
closerr'
The girls startled. suppressed voice be-
came suddenly shril in it's terror Heathe
sprang forward with an agile. channels
ike bound and vanished In the pines
The dogs inside the cabin as well as out
set up simultaneous howl There was
40 doubt of an alien presence near at
hand Miriam rushed into the house and
fastened the door behind her.
I'VE know he's in there!" shouted
rough voice.
Hes there Give him upi We're a.
yoin' to have him. chorused rougher
voices.
Hits better ter let 'em come. Mirry.
Hes done swung hissef in gainst now"
Alb unbarred the door, and. opening it.
stepped on the threshold in cool contem-
plation of the scene Instantly revolver
was on each side of his gray head
What be you arfter, shurf?" 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 a Grim nal. / don't want'er rest
a 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 SEES,
why jes' 90 ahead, Mr.. Pa1ton-course,
sir" be dryly responded.
I've followed this Heathe for year.
md won't be beat now. There's re-
ward out for him-dead or slive-so you
nay as well tell where he Is.
The man Paxton turned sharply upon
Miriam as he spoke
"Heathe is not his name neither. miss,
md III make it worth your while to tell
# him"
Miriam heard him In silence, Q set,
'eselute expression upon her face.
You shall have part of the reward
81 don't touch blood money!" she inter.
'upted, fercely.
1T don't matter. I'll catch him yet.
Hes cold blooded villain-wanted for
murder"
"Murder?"
The girl shivered. Her face paled into
whifanacS All had nayer Saar hlannh 10