Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-17

about such fires to take any risks. Every
| body in the place ran down to the river
bed. first to burn a strip ahead of the fire,
and then, getting in line to be ready TO
| beat it out If the flames should cheat
them after all and leap the river.
Bill fastened to help them. He had
been to stable Black Dick, and, having
just turned the horse into stall In DICK
Silver's shed without even waiting to
take off the bride. he was hurrying down
to help the other men, when, as he das he'd
down the rock path he almost knocked
against a woman who was coming up.
She was Kate, and her face was Just
about as white that of a corpse She
was not crying-all the power te cry
seemed to have gone out of her; and she
stood there. staring, white-faced and
stony-eyed, looking out toward that dull
red light in the west.
But she turned her head at the sound
of Bits hurried footsteps, and her laug
when she recognized him was not pleas
so it's you, Is TT" she said. pointing to-
ward the fire. You see it. don't you?
Bill nodded. He was too amazed at her
| look to speak.
And aren't you glad to see 1t. now?
Aren't you? You'll be quits with him
pretty soon now. Come! Don't say You
aren't glad, for I'd not believe YOU.
Bill stood staring at her in blank wonder.
| Fate laughed again, the same low, mirlh-
less laugh.
You don't know what I mean? But l
/
we'll. haven't l? It's Jack. that's all-Jack
DIbbIc, the man l married,-Jack, your Old
friend You swore TO get even with him.
didn't you? Well, it's too late for that.
He's out of your reach by now-or soon VIII
be The fire will take care of that
She paused for breath. and Bill, fairly
dg7ed-as well he might bespoke
What are you driving at? l don't see
what YOU mean?'
Kate looked at him. her lips quivering.
Then, with an effort, she forced herself
You haven't heard where Jack is. then?
Hes out at Shenstoue's.'
Never" cried Bill Jack out therG'
Then he's done for!'
The wife's face worked In speeches. mis-
cry, but her set lips did not move.
He can't be there" said Bill, looking
strangely excited. Hes never there. Kate.
They must have sighted the fire long back
and ne and Buck Shenstone will be COM
irS into the station right away
He'd be coming if he could the woman
answered still in the same dull tone. Il
see you don't understand, or maybe
haven't told you straight. Jack broke his
leg falling from his horse last week on tho
way here and they had to leave him st
Shenstone's place. All the week he's been
soul knew but me and Dad and Shenstone
Bucks gone 20 WallamoOloo today; he u
come through at dawn, and now Jacks out
there all alone It's good news for you,
I'm sure you're that"
Then the hard tone of hooking. forced
defiance broke down, and with a low, de-
spairing Cry-"Oh. Jack, Jack she fell
prone upon the bank and buried her face
IN her hands.
And Bill? 1t would have been hard 10
get a his thoughts then. He stood for
moment like a man turned to stone. Then,
without q word he ran back mp the rocky
path toward the iron shed where lie had put
his horse.
The sound of hoofs reused Kate a few
moments later as she sat there. bowed in
her helpless misery Turning to look up,
she saw Bill looking al her and holding
Black Dick by the bride In spite of her
despair and anguish she gazed at him, Won
derng at the look on his face. She had
seen pictures of saints and martyrs painted
with a halo-a glory" as the children call
it-around their heads. There was no
glory" around Bits, and yet there must
have been a look that was not unlike one on
his brave. honest face at that moment
Kate, my lass" he said, simply. 1T
shan't be too late. Black Dick and l are
going to bring Jack in. Keep up your