The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1906-08-03
The Tail of the Serpent.

BY A. f. BoNNEY.

HE says" came a snarling voice
from behind Mcintyre, that yer a
- sneak, trying to get yer iron onto
other peoples cattle"
Mcintyre had turned at the fist
sound of the mans voice to find hiSn-
self looking into the muzzle of pistol.
He had been warned of the mans cow
ardly methods of attack, and realized
with a sickening rush of blood to his
heart that word or move meant in
slant death, and while his whole ma
ture revolted, he stood quiet, both
hands in sight.
"Ye swallows it," sneered Noman,
with an exasperating leer, trying to
goad the othersinto the slightest show
of hostility. Don't We, We dirty cow
ard?"
Mollie could see the white of McIn-
| tyres cheek growing a dull red, the
muscles of his neck swelling tense and
hard, then she scrambled through the
window.
"Jim Noman, you quit" she
screamed.
Mcintyre thrust the girl aside, an act
of shivalry which saved his life, for his
enemy fired the instant he moved, and
while the bullet missed his heart 1t
shattered his arm.
Don't, Jim, don't!" screamed the
girl, wildly, throwing herself between
them, unconscious that she clutched
McIntyre's mangled arm. ooh, don't!"
as Noman's gun again flashed to
level.
The man. his lust for blood flaming up
| fiercely at sight of his helpless enemy,
smiled wolfishly, pausing only to be
certain of his aim before firing the fa-
and the girl hid her face in her arms,
that she might not see. Then she heard
steady voice.
"Now, you hit the trail, Jim Noman,"
| and looked up to see the man holding
his mangled hand, which he gazed at
in horror, with Farrell standing by,
smoke still curling from the muzzle
of his gun.
'Vamos!" Farrell continued, "and II
l sight you again I'll kill you, just the
same as l would any other wolf. Leave
that alone" as Noman reached for his
pistol. "Now, git"
When Noman was out of sight, Far
rel turned to Mcintyre.
bad hurt, Chase?" he asked.
Winged, guess, Charley" he re-
piled. tbs not so deep as a well, nor
as wide as church door," he quoted,
but it's plenty"
Bandaging the wounded arm as best
he could, Farrell started to get Niger
to go for the doctor, 80 miles away.
When he returned for final word with
his patient he found Mollie just out
side the door, weeping bitterly.
Don't cry, little girl" he said, ten
derby, his voice dull with concealed
pain. "Chase is not much hurt, and
will be all right in pair of moons"
81 did not know you cared so much
for him, Mollie," he continued, cor I'd
| have hit the trail long ago."
Charley, Charley, don't 60"
He looked over his shoulder as he
fumbled with the cinch.
81 don't want to, Mollie," he said.
"but l amt never yet run no brand
had no right to, so l guess I'll travel"
There amt nobody go no brand on
me-" she sobbed.
'W-h-a-t?" he said, with dull slow.
ness, as he turned from the pony,
which nickered to the girl. "Aint
Mac" and stopped when he saw Nc
Intyre's face over the girls shoulder, a
new pain in every feature.
Il always gave you credit for having
a little horse sense, Char;ey," he said,
a flicker of the old smils Oil his lips.
''but Niger, there, knows more than
you do. He has been trying to tell you
for half an hour that -that-Molly
loves you. I'm hurt in more ways than
I one, old man." he said, his lips twitch-
ing, 'but take her, and may God bless
you both"
When Mcintyre recovered from "a
deadly swoon, Mollie's faye was on his
pillow, which was wet with her tears.
'I-I-tried to--to-IGve you, Mr..
Mcintyre Chase" she sohbed, "but
found l loved Charley, you see. And
and l am only fit to b. cowman's
wife, anyway, you know"
Yes, Mollie, know" he said turn
ing his face to the wall
Copyright 1906 by Daily Story Pub. Coz
acknowledgements