Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-08-14
definitely and entered the room.
Raymond turned to Louis. young

definitely and entered the room.
Raymond turned to Louis. young
ster, can you shoot?"
'.Not very we'll"
"Learn. A man going round this
country with a young woman wants to
be prepared for war. He may never
have any need of "a gun, and then
again, unexpected, he may. a gang Of
hoboes like that today Is dangerous
when they get to drinking, and it
stands man In hand" He made
Agn commanding silence.
Ann reappeared with pitcher in her
hand. ''If you'll fill this for. me?''
with pleasure" he quickly replied.
After filing 1t and placing 1t in her
room. he asked: Nov, which bag is
yours? I'll pass that In"
4This one. But where are you and
Louis to sleepy
Fright here" He caught at sort Of
frame hung upon the wall. 1t fell and
was transformed into a bunk. Fright
here, close beside your door, I'll put the
youngster. I'll not take much sleep to-
night. The boys will need some hot
coffee when they come In" He walked
to the door and stood there looking
away toward the fire. "Tm afraid
they've an all night job Of 1t. The
mountain wind is springing up"
III you really feel that you ought to
co." she began rather feebly.
would You feel safer II stayed9'
Els voice possessed note Of tender
ness as he asked this question. His
tall form, outlined In the outer dark
ness. again appealed to her with power.
She hesitated. ~ never was among
I mean I have never been separated
from my kind In this way before. I
am a city dweller. and, confess, am
Q little nervous"
Then you'd like me to stayr' he in
sisted.
'sYes, wish you would
Then will do 80. I'm sure Barnett
VIII excuse me when he knows
Something's whip, a pistol snapped
far out In the darkness, q little Shaping
sound, puff Of dust rose from Ray
mondB broad breast and he put his
hand to his heart with a quick, inward
gasp Of pain. "Oh!''
What was thatT' asked Ann.
He swayed back against the door
frame, and a yellow white pallor came
over his face "Some one has touched
me-" he said slowly through his set
teeth. ITS that cowardly hound
Speck. Go call your driver. I'm shot
He tried to walk to chair, but reeled
and fell.
AIMS first impulse was toward laugh
ter. It was so absurd, so melodramat-
ic, 30 perfectly impossible. "He is try
Ing to frighten U.S." she thought, look
ing down at him, but Louis ran out
screaming for Watson.
Raymond partly rose and faced her.
Big drops Of agony sweat cleaned on
his forehead. ''It's no joke" he gasped,
seeming to divine her feeling. "He's
put It right through. just above my
heart. Don't let me bleed to DEATH
be ended, with cultural harshness, and
began to tear at his coat in the effort
to get 1t off. As he took away his hand
and studied his palm, which was red
with blood, AIMS heart grew sick with
horror. Her limbs grew numb and
weak. Then, as she watched him tear
ing feebly at his coat, the long dormant
woman in her awoke. She ceased to
tremble and fell on her knees beside
him,
Let me help you," she said, and her
voice was calm and clear, her fingers
drm. When his coat was Off he sank
again exhausted. breathing hard.
"Cut away my shirt-get at that hole
and plug It." he commanded. "Any-