The record-union., 1897-08-30

already killed Pete. You'd better look
out for your skin if the authorities find
it QUIT"
Joe stepped a little back, his hand
In his pocket resting on the pistol with
which he had killed Pete.
Now, look here" demanded Ralston,
what right have you to take herr"
She was willing before" grunted
Joe, turning around to the others,
wasn't she?" To which all nodded
approval.
A happy idea struck Ralston at this
juncture, and he said: How much
money did you bet?'
Joe thrust his hand into his pocket,
and drew forth his treasure, and, after
a hurried glance, answered, Twenty
seven doPs."
We'll, I'll give you $27, Joe, if you'll
let Mollie stay with me. Will you?"
Now the other Indians, old Wau and
Nose and Dick, began to talk earnestly
to Joe, and were loud in their advice
for him to accept. You can get two
or three squaws better than her for
that" argued young Dick. And Joe
was persuaded. AS he took the mon
ey he cast a contemptuous glance at
Mollie, and, pocketing it, departed.
So it came to pass that Mollie took
up her abode with Ralston. He had
previously done his own cooking, taken
care of his quarters, and lived alone.
It was indeed a treat to come home
and find meal spread out for him.
Mollie was willing to learn and dis
played great gratitude at every oppor-
tunity. She was tall and shapely, but
coarse looking, with the three tattooed
marks on her chin, with which all the
women of the Humboldt Indians are
marked. Jim Ralston's rough expert
ence had taught him to appreciate ev-
cry kindness, and he could not fail to
notice Mollie's devotion.
A year had sped by and everything
was prosperous. He had bought and
sold two claims, found a ready sale
for his timber and cattle and added to
his savings. But his existence became
monotonous. Later, when his house
hold was frightened by little boy,
he became downcast He hoped it
would die. Whatever else James Raj
ston could do, he was not content to
think half-caste thoughts or rear up
tribe of half-caste children. Much to
Ills ulSS uSl, IL IIIlNeQ anu grew AOOuoIs
Mollie was delighted Her whole time
was occupied in caring for her child.
And still she did not neglect Ralston.
She anticipated his every wish. But
her devotion only angered him. 1t
made him feel what a deep gulf had
yawned between his present and past
life The child was great source of
annoyance to him. But human nature
is such that often the most obnoxious
things become dear to us. So 1t was
with Ralston. In time he grew to love
the innocent little fellow, who was
duplicate of his father in every way
save the black eyes and rich olive
complexion. There was nothing to re-
mind one of his Indian blood, and,
above ALL the most glaring Indian
characteristics, the high cheek bones,
were missing.
1t was in the summer of 1863, when
the counties of Humboldt, klamath,
Del Norte and lower Trinity were over
run with rowing bands Of hostile In
dams. that Ralston had his first un-
pleasant experience with his men. Joe
Crow was the first to leave and the
others were constantly revolving or
making unreasonable demands. He
could not substitute white labor as that
was at a premium, so had to worry
along the best way he could.
AS he was returning from a trip to
Trinidad one evening. with little Sonny
asleep on the seat by his side, he was
thinking of home. How often did his
thoughts revert to his distant home
and Dora In spite of everything, his
mind would wander on to the subject.
How he longed to be free, to shake off
his past life! But he must wait-until
something turned up. And, as he
looked at his son, sleeping peacefully
at his side, he knew he never would
have the heart to leave him. Now
they were nearing his home and, in
serting two fingers in his mouth, he
whistled shrilly as a signal to his wife
and men that he was approaching.
Through the fast falling shadows, he
looked at the door Of his little home,
expecting to see Mollie come forth and
wave her hand in welcome. But she
did not. Nor could he see any trace
of the Indians who usually came to the
house and took the horses to the barn.
He whistled again, and as he saw no
one, he whipped up the horses and,
drawing up before the house, lifted lit
tie Sonny down and walked around to
the kitchen In the rear. He thought
he heard a groan. He stood still and
listened. In a moment he heard an
other, and rushing into the room, he
was amazed to find Mollie lying near
the hearth with terrible cash in her
side from which her life's blood was
draining.
eMoIie." he said, bending over her,
''for heavens sake, how did it hap
pen?"
She seemed to be in agony but rec
ognized him. "Oh, Jim she moaned,
writhing with pain. give me water,
water, JIM"
He pressed a cup of water to her lips
and she drained it greedily. 1t seemed
to give her strength for she said and
this time in clearer tones than before:
He wanted me to leave"
who. Mollie?" he said eagerly.
"Joe-Joe Crow. l wouldn't and he
stabbed me. Oh, Jim you must go
away or he'll kill you and Sonny.
Where is he? Bring him here"
The sleepy little fellow was digging
his small fists into his eyes trying to
SCt dWdkE. I1C QlNltl SScliI " IEdIlZC
her condition She flung her arms
about the child. strained him to her
breast and kissed him. Here she was
interrupted by a fit of coughing and a
gush of blood from some internal hem
morrhage She wanted to speak more.
After pauses and struggles for breath,
she whispered hoarsely. You'll go
away-and take Sonny with you? Huh?
He'll kill you sure
Poor Ralston was so overcome that