Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-05-09
hundred of them would stand off 500 OF
yO,1r NOR, ~

AT this point the argument STUCK.
Mackay, the county attorney, and the
sheriff stood for war; the mayor and
Barnett, being for the moment under
the power Of Raymond's earnest
glance, pleaded rather spiritlessly for
at least n stay in proceedings.
II think it all n 'ruse to gain time"
said Mackay. 81 think we ought to
hold this man here and march Mt once.
He is known to be friend of Munro
If we allow him to go back he will in
form -
Raymond smiled grimly. my serv-
Ices as a spy are not needed. Every
movement you make will be watched
by hundred eyes, and back of the
eyes will be n gun"
The mayor rose. "Well, gentlemen,
don't see that we can decide any
thing here We have Mr.. Raymond's
result in disaster. The sheriff is conf
dent he can win practically without
struggle. This is no place to take q
vote on SO momentous subject"
Here he looked ut his watch. "And 1t
is lunchtime. l suggest that we go to
lunch and meet at 3 o'clock in the
committee room"
After they We're well out of the
house Barnett said: "You see how it is.
They IRE memorable"
May 1 come int" asked Mrs. Bar
nett at the door. Luncheon is wait
ing"
Certainly" said Don. 1.-THE council
is over"
"You were all very quiet. expected
| to hear loud voices and the sound of
blows" She came toward Raymond,
her face sweet with kindly interest.
How do you do, Robert? It's good to
see you. How well you look!' As
they moved toward the dow she added
| in low voice, II want to talk with
you about-you know who"
| She put him at her left hand and Ann
next him, an arrangement which pleas
ed him. The table was filed, as usual,
with people ION their way to Califor-
nia," and Raymond felt himself to be
the object Of comment both above and
below board, and it irritated him a
little.
"This is long way from Sky" he
said to Ann as his eyes absorbed the
shining, flower decked table and Its
tasteful service. "You left just in
time. 1t is white with snow up there
today, and bleak and cold. Have you
had no word Of LOUISE"
mo news whatever. am sure he is
on his way up to you"
II am starting back at once, and
will take care of him. Trust him to
me-"
When at last the hostess rose, the
young miners heart contracted with q
sudden realization that his hour of
grace was over and that the time had
| come for his return to the stern reali-
ties of life.
| In the hall he extended his hand In
fixed resolution to Mrs. Barnett.
"Goodby. It's hard to leave you and
this glorious home
Must you go today"
Eyes. 1 must hurry back. Kelly
needs me. and then there is Louis"
well, if you must But do come
| again, Rob- Don't mind who is here;
come to see us. 1t is always good to
have you here"
"As soon as this strike is over l will
do So" he eaid very earnestly.
Don followed him to his room, and
while resuming his big boots Raymond
said: Don't let that sheriff head me
off. Keep him for couple OF hours,
and I'll be out of his reach"
Don't worry about the sheriff, old
man, and throw your whole weight
against Munro's policy Of resistance"
1--WE done that from the first"
Ann was waiting to see him as he
came out into the upper hall. 1t was
her first deliberate motion toward him,
but her face gave him no hint of her
quickened pulses as she said: "Give
| Nora my love, and greet grand old
Matt for me. won't you? feel us II !
ought to go back
"You must not, much as we all need
you. This is no time for you to be
there. wish Nora would come
down.
II wish she would; and please let me
know instantly that Louis is safe with
you"
II will do SO. When do you go east2''
"Not till spring."
'Then I may see you again." His
words formed declaration as well as
question, and his glance meant more
than his tone.
Her eyes fell. Perhaps" and she
added. with an upward glance. "If you
visit us soon."
"That will do Goodby."
''Goodby, and please don't be reck.
less"
CHAPTER xxi.
In AYMOND looked back occasion.
~ ally, half expecting pursuit. He
IN could see In the valley below
4 4 the town the cleaning white
tents Of the little army hesitant to
march, and its plan Of invasion seemed
born Of folly and madness. He spurred
his horse down the trail to meet the
night which rose to meet him from the
valley like chill, engulfing flood. AL
hours brisk ride brought him to the
open, and just ut the edge of the peak
he came upon forlorn camp, small
tent under a fir, and group of foul
men sitting about fire. At thelp call
he turned and rode up to them. They
were IN outpost of Munros guard, q
part Of the Gordon he had thrown
round the peak and camp.
One Of them knew him and, greeting
him pleasantly, asked where he had
been.
He replied with candor, ave been
down to the Springs to induce those
.yaller legs to put off their expedi-
ton"
"What luck did We have?"
"None. They're coming"
Significant glances passed. and the