Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-02-23

ed guard"
Ills escort may be of use to us. re-
piled Ann. "Who was that MANI" she
asked of the old woman, who fairly
whispered her answer.
That's old Steve Adams. He's boss
of this squad. All six O. them men are
Munro's pickets.'
AS Ann and the doctor drove on the
clouds began to lift, rolling slowly,
ponderously, reluctantly upward from
the timbered slopes.
Their guide rode rapidly. signaling
the doctor now and then to keep pace
with him, and after nearly an hour of
fairly level ground the road entered
another canyon and crawled upward
along prodigious wall, which beat
back the clashing roar of a small but
very swift stream OF water.
1t must have been about 5 O'Clock
when they rounded the great base of
the Black Cone at the head of the
canyon and looked away across the
big camp ard far out upon the valley
to the west.
Adams. their guide, was a consider
able distance in advance when a
couple of horsemen encountered them.
After moments conference one turn
ed back. and the other came on swiftly.
AIMS heart glowed with the hope
that it might be Raymond with mos
sage from the sick one, but 1t proved
r., ,o q cyvifiIU and
setting his horse upon his launches,
leaped cavalicfly to the ground.
Good evening, lady" he called as he
approached the wagon. "Have you
journeyed far?"
How is LOUISE" asked Ann quickly,
with instant revolt of his assurance.
He felt the impersonal rebule Of her
manner and replied simply: "IIe is bet
ter this afternoon, so | hear. l have
not had time to call. 1t is a pleasure to
see you again" He fixed his eyes on
her companion IL don't think l know
you," he said, with challenging in
Election in his voice.
81 am DR.. Braide Of Valley Springs"
Ann explained, CDR. Braide comes to
attend my brother
Munro's face lost it's reckless smile,
and he looked worn and pale. doc
tor, I'm glad to meet YOU
1--WE must hurry on" interrupted
Ann, warmly impatient Of Munro's
glances.
Braide chirped to his horses and
Munro swung to his seat and followed
after At the foot Of the hill he called:
Keep that winding road. 1t will bring
you to the top near Kelly's. I'll meet
you there"
The peak was more than quiet-it
was silent 1t was as If palsy had
fallen upon every ablebodied workman,
causing swift devouring decay to set
in
what a changer exclaimed Braide.
81 was here just before this trouble be-
gan and these hills teemed with mem
''There is one smoking chimney. 1t
must be the Raymond & Kelly NINE"
Ann pointed away up the hill.
GLOW do they keep going?"
The strikers fear them, and, besides,
Munro and Raymond are old acquaint-
ances. l think he protects them"
Raymond was standing at the Kellys'
door as they drove up. his face somber,
his eyes clouded. He could not speak,
so deeply was he moved, but with a
nod at Braide and without word
threw back the robes and reached
hand to help her. How is hep she
asked, with catching Of the breath.
''He is very ill, but think''- His
voice failed him for moment. I'm
glad to see you, doctor. He needs you
Everything whirled before Ann. eff
he should die-oh, if he should die,
It's all my faultr' she walled. cts all
my fault!' and her numb limbs refus
Ell to move.
Don't say that" he urged. give
gone over it a thousand times. l don't
see that any one is to blame. l know
you are not. Come, we must so to
him."
In that instant something seemed to
pass between them-some invisible, in
tangible bond was established. Ann
put out her hand, and he took it gently
between his palms. BE brave, dear
girl" he said tenderly.
She suddenly reused herself and hur-
ried toward the cabin. Mrs. Kelly
came to meet her with arms opened
wide, her sweet face pale with pity.
"Oh, Ann, darlin', we're needin' YER
Ann went to her for an instant. then
put her aside and knelt beside the bed.
Her heart grew icy cold with the hor
ror and the pity Of seeing that blithe,
boyish face set and livid. the brows
grave with the gravity of battle. His
eyes were closed, and, at the moment,
he appeared to be dying. She caught
lis lax hand and kissed it passionate
". Louis, speak to me! Speak to
sister,
Her low cry pierced Raymond's
heart, and while he stood helpless, sick
with sympathetic pain, the doctor took
Ann gently by the arm. please leave
me alone with Louis for few minutes.
Trust him to me-"
Raymond turned comforter. "The
doctor is right. His case is not decided
yet. You must remember how strong
and we'll he has been. He's not the
pale slip he was when he came here.
Please go over to the house and let
Nora make some tea for you" he plead
ed, and at last she yielded and, with