The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-04-16

situation to get out Of the shadows that
encompassed them.
Suddenly the door burst open and Will
lard entered hurriedly.
"Daskin and the Deputy Sheriff, with
two assistants, are riding down the PASS
for here he announced in quick tones.
Some one told Daskin that your friends
would make an attempt to carry you away
tonight, he went on, addressing Medford.
But you have chance yet. Alkali is
waiting outside with horses. Put on my
hat and slicker. mount my horse, and
Aikaii will ride with you to friend Of
yours. who will see you safe across the
border into Mexico. You have no time to
lose"
Avis chung to her father as if she could
not see him 60.
My child! Can not take herr" Med
ford asked huskily.
THAT is impossible. Daskin has the
pass guarded. Miss Medford's presence
would give suspicion. Alone with Alkali
You will be taken for me and can escape"
He is right. Go, father, And when
you are safe You can send for me-" cried
the girl. Il can stand anything but to
see YOU taken from me toto prison.
"iou will befriend her. even as You have
her unworthy father. Mr.. Willard?''
With my life. if need be. Medford."
He hurried into the disguise OF Will
iards long slicker and gray SLOUGH hat,
pressed Avis to his breast. then was soon
gathering down the rocky pass under the
escort of Alkali.
The rain was falling faster now, the
large drops striking the window panes like
small hailstones. The howl of lonesome
coyote sounded dismally across the pass.
Inc girl gave nervous start. Willard
moved toward the door.
DO not be frightened. Miss Medford
Alkali will take your father to one of his
frt he SC Al
he said reassuringly. Whatever you may
think of me. remember | am always your
friend. l will wait outside till the men
come"
She took a step toward him. Her face
was very white. but she was now calm.
Not in the rain" she said. ''Those Of
fcers will be very angry about what you
have DONE They may shoot"
Yes, but | can shoot back,
oh. dOntr' Her excitement was re-
turning
His hand was lifting the latch. Up the
pass the quick thud of coming horses could
be heard above the patter of raindrops
Another moment and he would leave the
cabin and expose himself to the rage of
angry men. She must detain him. She
placed one hand on his sleeve.
MIR. Willard" she said. half imidly,
Il want you 10 know that l appreciate
your kindness: that 1 have wronged you
in thought, and that do forgive that shot
now"
He looked down tenderly into her half
averted eyes. He placed one hand over
the one laid SO timidly on his sleeve.
Il am greedy fellow. Avis-Miss Med
ford. Your forgiveness would never sat
isfy without your love-
The hOrsemen drew nearer, halted. and
by the subdued murmur of their voices
it was evident Il conference was being held
undQr tho ninns hot hafn
cabin. Secure in the belief that Medford
could not escape. the Deputy and Daskin
had not adopted the precaution of noise
less approach.
Willard felt his palm thrill when it
touched the girls hand.
i tried to hate you-to make you think
l did-but l couldn't"
The words ended in a little sob. Then
his arm went round her. and he placed
her head on his breast. Thus he held her,
prOtectingly. lovingly, until Alkali's voice
outside, speaking to Daskin and the
Deputy, aroused them.
Escaped, you say" they heard the
Deputy observe with an oath.
The devilr' came from Daskin, in a
tone of keen chagrin.
Then the door of the cabin was flung
open rudely. aud four angry men peered
into the room. They all wore slickers to
protect themselves from the rain. which
was increasing every minute. Alkail, SIT
ting ON his brencho, grinned serenelys over
their heads The lamplight fell full upon
Willard with one arm clasping the girl,
near the center of the room. a.s
Willard" began Daskin in a harsh
voice. accompanied by menacing scowl.
explain yourself. What do you mean
by helping that man to escape who has
been rObbing your
Don't We see," said Alkali; "Wilard's
only turnin' the tables. sort of evenin' up
with Dave AIedford by robbin' him of his
darter An I'll be eternally dinged if
Hal Willard hain't jest completed the
biggest steal of any thieyin' galoot in
Windy Pass
That's right" agreed the Deputy, burst
ing into a goed-humered laugh. in which
Daskin ard the others finally joined him.
But 1 can tell you. Alkali. I'm not goin'
70 serve no papers on man that Cupid's
capped handouts on like that"