The Savannah morning news., 1901-07-21

shock from his battered Jaw. Bowie
seized it-hfs knee still in the mans
back-but the PROSTATE body never
moved beyond a slight contraction of
the lower limbs. The shock had brok-
en- the Indians neck. He turned the
inert man on his back-the head hung
loosely on the side. But in that brief
instant Boyle had recognized the
friendly" Indian of the station to
whom he had given the card.
He rose dizzily to his feet. The whole
action had passed in a few seconds of
time, and had not even been noticed by
the sole occupant of the coach. lie
mechanically cooked his revolver. but
the man beneath him never moved
again. Neither was there any sign of
flight or reinforcement from the thicket
around him. Again the whole truth
flashed instinctively upon him. This
spy and traitor had been left behind by
the marauders to return to the station
and avert suspicion. He had been lurk-
ing around. but, being without fire.
arms, had not dared to attack the pair
together.
1t was a moment or two before Boyle
regained his usual elastic good humor.
Then he coolly returned to the spring,
washed himself of the Indian" as he
grtmly expressed it to himself. Brush
ed his clothes, picked up the shawl
and flask and returned to the coach.
1t was getting dark now. but the glow
of the Western sky shone unimpeded
through the windows, and the silence
gave him great fear. He was .e-
lieved, however. on opening the door.
to find Miss Cantire sitting stiffiy in
a corner. Il am sorry l was so long"
he said, alphabetically to her attitude,
but"
''I sunooea va, tooly ,,o,,,. .,.... H.. =,
she interrupted in a voice of injured
tolerance. Il don't blame you; any
things better than being cooped up in
this tiresome stage for goodness knows
how long!"
Il was hunting for water" he said,
humbly, and have brought you some"
He handed her the flask
And / see you have had a wash"
she said, little enviously. How spick
and span you look! But what's the
matter with your necktie?"
He put his hand to his neck hurriedly.
His necktie was loose, and had twist
ed to one side in the struggle. He col
ored quite as much from the sensitive
ness of a studiously neat man as from
the fear of discovery. And what's
that?'' she added, pointing to the
shawl.
"One of my samples that l suppose
was turned out of the coach and for
gotten in the transfer" he said glibly.
Il thought it might keep you warm"
She looked at 1t obviously, and laid
it gingerly aside. you don't mean to
say you go about with such things
openly?" she said, ENORMOUSLY.
Yes, one mustn't lose a chance of
trade, you know" he resumed with a
smile.
And you haven't found this journey
very profitable" she said, drily. You
certainly are devoted to your businessi"
After a pause, discontentedly: Its
quite dark already-we can't sit here
in the dark"
I'VE can take one of the coach lamps
inside. I've been thinking the matter
over, and / reckon If we leave one
lighted outside the coach 1t may guide
your friends back He had considered
it, and believed that the audacity of
the act, coupled with the knowledge the
Indians must have of the presence of
the soldiers in the vicinity, would deter
rather than invite their approach.
She frightened considerably with the
coach lamp which he lit and brought
inside. BY its light she watched him
curiously. His face was slightly flushed
and his eyes very bright and keen
looking. Man killing, except with old
professional hands, has the disadvant-
age of affecting the circulation. But
Miss Cantire had noticed that the flask
smelt of whisky, The poor man had
probably fortified himself from the IA
tigues of the day.
II suppose you are getting bored by
this delay" she said tentatively.
mot at ALL" he replied. Would you
like. to play cards? I've got a pack in
my pocket. We can use the middle seat
as a table. and hang the lantern by the
window strap"
They played euchre, at which Miss
Cantire cheated adorably, and Mr..
Boyle lost game after game shameless
ly. Then once or twice Miss Cantire
was fain to put her cards to her mouth
to conceal an apologize yawn. and her
blue-veined eyelids grew heavy. Where
upon Mr.. Boyle suggested that she
should make herself comfortable in the
corner of the coach with as many cush-
ions as she liked, and the despised
shawl, while he took the night air in
prowl around the coach and a look out
for the returning party. Doing so, he
was delighted, after a turn or two, to
find her asleep. and so returned con-
tentedly to his sentry round.
He was some distance from the coach
when low moaning sound in the
thicket presently increased until it rose
wolves. He was Fastening back, when
a cry, this time human and more terri
flying, came from the coach. He turn
ed toward it as it's door few open, and
Miss Cantire came rushing toward him.
Her face was colorless, her eyes wild
with fear, and her tall, slim figure
trembled convulsively as she frantic
ally caught at the lapels of his coat, as
If to hide herself within its folds, and
gasped breathlessly:
what is 1t? o! Mr.. Boyle. save mel"
"They are wolves" he said hurried
ly. But there is no danger; they
would never attack you; you were safe
where you were; let me lead you back"
But she remained rooted to the spot,
still clinging desperately to his coat.
mo, mol" she said. II dare not! I
heard that awful cry in my sleep. All!
What's that?" and she again lapsed in
nervous terror against him.
Boyle passed his arm around her
promptly, firmly, masterfully. She
seemed to feel the implied protection,
and yielded to IL gratefully, with the
further breakdown Of a sob. "There is
no danger" he repeated cheerfully.
Lean on me-" he continued as her step
tottered. you will be better in the
coach"
And you won't leave me alone
again." she said in hesitating terror.
mol"
He supported her 20 the coach grave
ly, gently-her master and still more
his own-for all that her beautiful
n ~asa ~ RsA ANas an naUAsass