The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1907-09-17

''ILI Sh0l0 you lUho's master herc!"
as If to ward off a blow. Framed In
the window was the pallid visage of 4
man. The air rocked, the lamp f1ared,
and Strive whirled completely around,
falling back against the wall His
eyes filed with horror and shifted
down where his hand had cmtched at
his breast. plucking at one spot as IL
tearing a barb from his BOSOM He
Jerked his head toward the door at his
elbow in quest of a retreat, a shudder
ran over him. his knees buckled and
he plunged forward upon his face, his
arm still doubled under him
1t had happened like flash Of light,
and although Helen felt, rather than
heard, the shot and saw her assailant
fall she did not realize the meaning OF
it till drift of powder smoke assailed
her nostrils. Even 50, she experienced
no shock or horror of the sight. On
the contrary, a savage joy at the spec
taele seized her and she stood still.
leaning slightly forward, staring at it
almost gloatingly, stood SO till she
heard her name called, Helen, little
sister, and turning saw her brother
in the window.
That which he witnessed in her face
he had seen before In the faces of men
locked close with a hateful death and
from whom all but the most elemental
passions had departed but he had
never seen woman bear the marks
till now No artifice nor falsity was
+ there, nothing but the crudest, inten-
sest feeling which many people live
and die without knowing There are
few who come to know the great
primitive passionate longings. But in
this black night. fighting in defense OF
her most sacred self, this girls nature
had been stripped to its purely savage
elements. AS Glenister had predicted.
Helen at last had felt and yielded to
irresistibly powerful impulse.
CHANGING backward at the creature
sprawled by the door, Helen went to
her brother put her arms about his
neck. and kissed him
Hes dead?" the Kid asked her.
She nodded and tried to speak. but
began to shiver and sob instead
Unlock the door" he begged her.
I'm hurt. aud l must get in"
When the Kid had hobbled into the
room she pressed him TO her and strok-
ed his matted head regardless of his
muddy, soaking garments.
Il must look at him He may not be
badly hurt" said the Kid
Don't touch him. She followed
nevertheless, and stood near by while
her brother examined his victim
Strive was breathing, and, discover
ing this, the others lifted him with diff
ficulty TO the couch
Something cracked in here-Tibs.
guess" the Kid remarked, gasping and
feeling his own side. He was weak
and paleY and the girl led him into the
bunkroom where he could lie down
sustained him thus far, and now the
knowledge Of his helplessness served
to prevent Helen's collapse
The Kid would not hear Of her go
ing for help till the storm abated OF
daylight came insisting that the trails
were too treacherous and that no time
could be saved by doing so. Thus they
waited for the dawn. AT last they
heard the wounded man family call
ing. He spoke to Helen hoarsely
There was no malice, only fear. in bis
tones
I said this was my madneSs-and
got what I deserved, but I'm going t
die. o Goblin going 10 die and In
afraid" He moaned till the Bronco
Kid hobbled in. glaring with unquench
ed hatred
YES, you're going to die, and I dic
It. Be game, can't you? l sha'n't le
her go for help until daylight"
Helen forced her brother back to hu
couch, and returned TO help the wound
ed man, who grew incoherent and be
gan to babble.
4 little later, when the Kid seemet
stronger and his head clearer, Heller
ventured TO tell him OF their uncle
villainy and Of the proof she held. witt
her hope Of restoring justice. She tolt
him Of TIE attack planned that yer.
night and Of the danger which threat
ened the miners He questioned he
closely and, realizing the bearing o
her story, crept to the door, castin;
the wind like a hound.
Well have to risk it," said be
The wind is almost gone and it's no
long till daylight"
She pleaded 10 go alone, but he wa
firm. III never leave you again, and
moreover / know the lover trai