The Meeker herald. [volume] (Meeker, Colo.) 1885-current, 1906-09-29
AT TRAILS END
BY WALTER SCOTT


You cheat!" The accusation burst
like bullet from Picard's hot lips.
There was scraping of feet as the
bystanders got hurriedly out of the
wsy. The table went over with .
crash and Picard had lodged a wild
swing Black Henri made at him with
. heavy chair. Straight and quick.
like . panther. leaped Picard, and
both men went to the floor, with
their hands seeking each others
threats.
The men were deadly enemies. and
vat least one fought to kill. A half
poment of fierce struggling. and then
Picard leaped lightly to his feet.
Il win!" he cried breathlessly. and
the crowd agreed with him. for more
than one had seen the disliked Black
Henri steal the ace. The defeated
man rose painfully to his feet and
without . word turned and walked to
the door. One malignant look he
gave Picard. then slouched out into
the storm. Picard let him 20, for
ho was happy with the thought that
Jules objections would be withdrawn.
He could marry the girl he loved and
give her the protection he had prom
Used the day when she had leaned
close to his breast and begged him
to save her from Black Henri, to
whom her father had promised her In
marriage.
Black Henri had known she loved
Picard, and he was determined to get
his rival out Of the way by fair means
or foul. He was skilled with cards,
and with Jules consent had chal-
len4ed Picard to game in which the
unusual stakes were to be the heart
and hand Of Jules daughter. In des.
peration he had cheated and had lost.
But this man was a pirate, thief,
and would not accept defeat 80 easily.
He skunk out of the Trails End sa-
loon caressing his bruised face and
cursing Picard.
Miles from the warm fire OF the sa-
loon, ON the rough trail, binding
storm was raging. Suddenly out of
the ontwined snowy haze dark
snudse appeared and grew more
sharply outlined, till at last 1t devel-
oped into six dogs and a sledge. be-
side which strobe a man.
They topped rise. and started
down an incline. Presently the out
fit reached the bottom and the man
uttered q cry of delight. for before
him stretched the broad level Of the
frozen Mackenzie. swept partially
clean Of snow by the furious winter
winds. The man stopped his team
reluctantly. The dogs must have
rest He took OF their harness, and
then turned the sledge up sideways
on one runner for windbreak. while
the dogs shook themselves. rolled
over and bit into the snow to satisfy
their thirst. There on the bleak
riyer bank man and beast lay quiet
In the shelter Of the sledge.
The man was Picard. hot on the
an hour after the fight. had started
for Jules home to abduct the girl. 1t
was said that Picard had the best dog
team In the great north, for Don,
the leader, was descendant of a
tried race of trail dogs. Black Henri
had the advantage in the start, but
his dog team was not SO speedy and
powerful as Picard's.
After short rest, Picard rose. The
disturbed dogs snarled and snapped
viciously at one another. Picard
kicked them into submission, and
hurriedly buckled on the harness.
Crack! Like pistol shot the whip
spoke the command. The team sprang
out toward the river, led by Don, but
before they reached 1t Picard saw a
dog team far away to the left, also
heading for the river. There was no
doubt but that 1t was Black Henri.
Picard was sure he could overhaul
him now II the ice held.
"Vite-vite! mon, DOM" the man
cried, and his heart was filled with
savage exultation. for they were gain
ing rapidly upon the outfit ahead.
Nearer and nearer the great bounds
of Picard's trained team brought
him to his enemy.
Suddenly Don saw the dogs of the
preceding OUTFIT. and he yelped at his
mates and leaped forward as II in an
swer to n challenge.
Black Henri heard the canine voice
and looking back, saw his pursuer for
the first time. He leaned forward. and
vainly tried to get more speed out Of
his tired team. Suddenly his eyes
distended with horror, for he saw a
deadly danger. Then he smiled, for
he saw . chance to cheat again.
Crack! went his whip. and the leader
leaped out, but seeing the danger at