Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-02-28

ing circle, he flung from his right hand
an answering puff Of smoke, and n tall
man with rife In his hands dropped
at the corner of the cabin. but from his
Knees again took aim, and the beauti-
tul horse went down, tlinglns his des-
7erate rider over his head
llorrifled, frozen into immobility,
Ann stood In the doorway, while Nun
ro shook himself free from the saddle
and dragged himself clear of the groan-
ing horse. Resting himself on his ell
DOW with the face OF Il calm panther
he confronted a second armed officer
His right arm was useless, but his
mind was clear, his eyes steady. and
US his new assaillnt approached he
shifted his weapon to his left hand
and rolled upon lis useless right arm,
and the bullet intended for his heart
went wide then Lifting himself with
terrible effort. lie fred again and put
bullet into tho very heart of his pIr-
suer, who fell in a heap just us Hay
mond and Barnett. followed by kolly
came rushing to the scene OF combat
Raymond bent above the fallen leader.
How is it, Jack? Are you hurt?"
Hurt! I'm shot to pieces. Raise
me up. There's another. Let me get
him" lie struggled again to rive.
Raymond pushed him gently 80 the
earth. "Neycr mind him now You
need help. Where's the doctor? Why
didn't you jump the camp. as Kelly
told YOU to do, Jack, old man? Why
didn't you!"
How could I-no horse-no gun?
I'm no jack rabbit to SO sinking into
the sagebush" He raised his voice
querulously Some o you boys get
me a drink feel weak
A half dozen started but Brade put
a glass to his lips. Munro looked at
him with a stcely CLEAN in his eyes.
II ought to kill you" he said slowly,
''for doing me last night" His voice
rose to stern command: Take hold
and stop this blood can't stand this
very long. Don't you see that!" he
ended. with note Of fierce Impotence
in his voice.
At Braide's orders they took him up
and carried him into the bungalow,
where Louis lay watching, listening,
with Ann close beside him trying to
shield him from the sight and sound
Of this tragic end of a gambler
The dying man suffered the doctors
examination in silence for awhile, then
quietly asked "Well, doc, what's your
verdict? Do hit the long trail?'
ut looks that way, Jack" Braide re-
piled, with good deal Of feeling
Munro closed his eyes and his face
quivered. AT last. when he had regain
ed control Of his voice. he said, Ann.
l want you-here.'
She obeyed his call, sustained by her
great pity. and, kneeling at his side,
asked quietly, What can l do?"
He looked at her with wide eyes,
whose expression filled her throat with
aching sorrow I'm leaving camp on
long trip" he said quietly, "and
want you to say a good word for me-
Maybe it'll make it easier for me
where Pm going"
At these tender words AIMS fear
and hesitation passed into sort of
awe. He was so piteously young, SO
boyish, to take that lonely journey into
the night. She took his hand in botl
Of hers and whispered a little prayer
to which the dying man listened in
tently. 4. the end she added softly:
81 have Yaith that the great Judge will
deal with you mercifully. He knows
all your motives as well as your temp
tations. Surely his forgiveness Is
greater than mans"
II take my chances" was his indom-
table reply. Il want to live, but LIN
not afraid to die. Doctor. give me
something. :. I don't want to go just
yeti want few words-give me
breath, can't you:' he demanded
sharply.
Braide shoc.. his head, and the dying
man closed his eyes, and his hands
shut conyulsively. When he opened
them he could only whisper, Girl
your hand!" Ann gave her hand. lie
pressed 1t hard. You're the best
ever met. Stay with me. Its dark
trail-and no bla2cs in the green TIM
Der. Good'
ITO be concluded.)