The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1904-07-31

none. They never will be. 1 amt built
that way. You treated me white tonight
You're the first woman that ever kissed
me of her own accord"
The girl heard a soft scramble then
the soft pat of some one landing on his
feet Peering from the window. she made
out faint. shadewy form stealing
around the corner of the hotel. She put
her hand to her heart and listened Her
understanding of the strangers motives
was vague. but she had caught his con-
fession that her kiss had meant much to
him, and even in her anxiety she felt an
inclination TO laugh. She had bestowed
that caress as she would have kissed the
cold end Of dogs nose.
The men below stairs, after some dis
cussioa. had decided on bullet. This was
out of consideration for Billy's stand
inG as a frontiersman. Besides, he had
stolen ne horses. In order not to delay
matters the execution was fixed for the
present time and place. Billy stood with
his back to the logs of his own hotel. his
hands and feet bound put his eyes IN
covered. He had never lost his nerve.
In the short respite which preparation
demanded, he told his opponents what
he thought of them.
'sProUd?" he concluded long soiiloquy
az il to the reflector of the lamp.
PROUD" he repeated meditatively. This
yere Hanks just that proud he's all
swelled up like poisoned pup Amt
every one kin corral man and git fifty
thousand dollars without turnin' hair. .
Black Hank distributed three men to
do the business. There were no heroics.
The execution of this man was necessary
to him. not because he was particularly
angry over the escape or the messenger
he expected to capture that Individual
in due tlme-but in order to preserve his
authority over his men, He was IN the
act of moving back to give the shooters
room wter. he heard the door open and
shut.
He turned. Before the door stood
small consumptive-lookin man in light
check suit The tenderfoot carried two
short -barreled Colts revolvers, one OF
which he presented directly at Black
Hank.
s'Nds up." he commanded sharply.
Hank was directly covered, SO ne
obeyed The newcomers eye had
strangely restless quality. OF the other
dozen inmates of the room eleven were
firmly convinced that the weapon and eye
not directed at their leader were person
ally concerned with themselves. The
twelfth thought he saw his chance 10
the bewildered onlookers there seemed to
be flash and bang instantaneous.
Then things were as before. One of the
strangers weapons still pointed at Black
Hanks breast; the second at each one OF
the others. Only the twelfth man, he
who had seen his chance. had collapsed
forward to the floor. No one could assure
himself positively that he had discerned
the slightest motion on the part of the
stranger.
Now" said the latter sharply. zone at
| a time gentlemen. Drop your gum.
| this last to Black Hank. 'Muzzle down
Drop it, Correct"
| One of the men in the back Of the room
stirred slightly on the ball of his foot.
STEADY ttere!'' said the stranger. The
\ man stiffened-
Next gent" went on the little man
subtiy indicating another. The latter
| oteyed without hesitation. Next! Now
YOU Now you in the corner.
| One after another the pistols clashed to
| the floer. Not for an instant could a sin
| gle inmate of the apartment, armed Oh
| unarmed, flatter himself that his slightest
| motion was overlooked. They were like
| tigers ON the, crouch, ready to spring the
| moment the mans guard lowered. 1t did
| not lower The huddled figure on the
! floor reminded them of what might hap
| pen. They obeyed.
"Step back!" commanded the stranger
| next. In moment he had them standing
| in row against the wall. rigid. upright
/ their hands over their heads. Then fo1
! the first time the stranger moved from
I, the position by the door.
ssCall her. he said to Billy-"the girl .
! Billy raised his voice. MELT o. Nellr
| In moment she appeared in the door
way at the foot of the stairs, without
! hesitation or fear. She had slipped ON 8
dress When she perceived the state OF
affairs. she frightened almost mischiev-
.ously.
Would you just as soon. ma ami il
it amt troublin' you too much just sort
| of naturally unite Billy" requested the
| stranger.
She did SO. The hetelkeeper stretched
| his arms
I Now pick up them guns. please
The two set about it.
Where's that internal cid reprebate?'
howied Billy suddenly. locking about FOL
Charley.
The patriarch had quietly slipped away