The weekly examiner., 1901-05-11
how the laugh sounded like menace

her to slip out to it with saddle and bridle and thus earn a respite till after dark from meeting the lover concerning whom there had arisen in her so suddenly such an unaccount- able aversion.
 A few minutes later she was gal loping away as if she were flying from ar impending disaster. Just outside of the valley containing her fathers ranch was series of sand hills, and, when she reached these, she flung herself from the horse upon the soft buffalo grass and gave herself up to thought.
 The sun had just disappeared be- hind the distant hills as she realized Sthat she must return home and brave 1y face her fate with the inevitable answer against this man. Her pony came at her call and she was about to mount when the measured thump of 8 horses hoofs beat upon her ears. The next moment familiar form ap- peared around the side of the hill and Lieut.. James rode up to her.
 What can you be doing here at this hour?' he asked, with earnest solici- tude. His tone went through her like a sword and she felt as if she would fall, but from the support of her resi- less little horse.
 'I-I can't tell you," she stam- mered, "not just now.'
 He sprang from his horse and came up to her side.
 meeting," he said, more gravely than l1 T. | Do you remember my words when met you that time with How Grimes?"
 She shuddered and answered him almost inaudibly.
 "I am now in possession of proof that he is the leader of the gang of horse thives which we have been try ing for year to exterminate."
 He did not see how his words bianched her face, but he noticed that she strengthened up and compressed her lips, as if struggling with some strong emotion. He attributed it to doubt.
 "You know" he continued, "that I have never mentioned his name to you, for I could not do so without casting suspicion on man whom I as yet had no means of proving guilty. In the last few days I have learned with the deepest regret that he has been a frequent visitor here, and since morning I have been following his trail in this direction
 billy was dumb. She had been un- able to speak, but listened with eyes opened wide in g. mental maze of conflicting emotions.<
 '.I have proofs that are enough for me and the law, but you may need more. If he is innocent he will not resist arrest; if he is guilty, he will risk death to escape. Will that be convincing to you 2''
 She inclined her head in reply.
 Then there will be fight, and someone will be killed,n she said, al- most in gasps.
 There are only two ways in which a fight, and maybe a death, can be avoided. None of my comrades are likely to reach here before morning. If take him alone, must come up- on him suddenly, say for instance in case you are talking to him, you leave the room on sonic excuse, and I suddenly enter in place of you. would then get the drop on him, and if he is innocent, no harm will be done anyone Or, if he is anything to you, when I arrive an hour after this, he will be an hour ahead of me on his way to freedom. Let me help you mount your horse"
 In a moment both were in their sad dies. Lieut.. James gave her a Fart- ing salute, turned and spurred his horse back on the trail around the hill.
 An hour later Lieut.. James rode up to the door, and was met by Dillie's father.
 My daughter is anxious to see you in our sitting-room," he said, hur- riedly, in low tone! ''I don't under stand it, but she seems too anxious about it for us to press :ny ques- tions just now. Bob, take the horse, and, lieutenant, you come with me-
 The ranchman led the way into the sitting-room, which was duly lighted with a small hand lamp. He went hurriedly out, leaving the lieutenant in some suspense as to what might follow In a few minutes the door leading to the parlor opened and billie, with a. faltering step, ap- peared.. Leaving the door slightly ajar, she came by the lieutenant with out speaking, but stopped as she opened the outside door. She looked earnestly and anxiously for moment at the handsome young soldier and then pointed toward the par1or door.
 As soon as she was gone, he drew two revolvers from under his cloak and, with one ready in each hand, ad- vanced to the par1or. Through the chink left open in the door he saw that the end of the room at his right was unoccupied. If the man was there he must be near the left end. He flung the door back and cried: