The Washington herald., 1907-02-21

Bertha looked up IN dlSH1ay as the
stranger entered. Kenton City was not
so far ahead Of a frontier town that hold
ups were absolutely unknown. and the
sudden appearance of this brawny in
truder did not suggest a peaceful errand.
Tremblingly she made change for the
hfty-dolar gold certificate he handed her,
after deliberately testing its genuineness.
and pushed the little pile of bills toward
him.
Aren't YOU rather young to be left in
charge OF a bank?' he asked, as he depos-
tied the change in his wallet. Il sup
posed that three or four men were the
usual crew. not little girl
I am not a little girl" she said. indig-
nantly. I'm nineteen, and guess this
viii help me out"
This was huge revolver. and as she
held it toward him, he noticed that 1t
trembled in her uncertain grasp. I'm
satisfied" he said. with laugh. Please
put it down
Il guess there's no one going 10 rob
this bank. even If there is only girl in
charge" she said defantly. Anyhow,
father and the cashier will be back from
lunch shortly"
"They lunch rather late here, was the
significant retort, as he glanced at the
clock. Three o'clock lunches are rather
rare in Kenton City. are they not?"
Bertha's heart sank. So he must know
that her father was III in bed, and that
the cashier. the only other official Of the
bank, had gone over 70 the railroad. Per
haps he knew, also, that in the vaults
were the payroIls of the two mines which
made the First National a financial pos
sibility.
we were busy this morning she
stammered. Il guess pa will get back
soon.
I want TO see him a momept," was
the quiet response. with your permits
sion. guess III wait"
Perhaps" she suggested, he may
stay home I don't know. He said some
thing this morning about wanting 10 see
to some things about the house"
IN wait around for a while he said,
with smile II have plenty of time.
and with pleasant company" he
bowed courteously 10 Bertha.
Il can't put you out she said. with
toss OF her head
If 1 intrude.' he suggested. 1 can
put myself out
This was Just what Bertha did not
want If he was planning TO rob the
vaults and was waiting until his con-
federates came up, there was chance
that some one might come in before them
who could help her secure him. He an
swered to the description of Butte Bill,
who led a gang of cut-thrOats and whose
picture adorned "a handful posted on the
inner side of the wire screen. She hast
ened TO make pleasant reply. and pres
emily she had forgotten the character Of
her visitor in the charm Of his cOnversa-
ton.
Robber he might be, bat he was Ger
tainly "A most charming fellow and had
travelled far. He soon bad her so inter
ested In his tales of back East" that
promised land. of which she had heard
so much and seen nothing ut ali, that
she was sorry when AT last the clock
chimed +. and she was forced to rouse
herself and announce that it was time
to close the doors.
I've enjoyed our little visit immense
~" he said. with a smile 7 am sorry
that il must be interrupted / hope to
see you again. May / suggest that you
cureiy locked? You see. I hear that there
is gang Of desperadoes in these parts
and It would be well not TO put tempta-
ton in their way"
Bertha glanced at the 5000 reward
on the circular. and made up her mind.
Butte must not be permitted to escape
She caught up the gun from its position
on the shelf and slipped out of the cage.
There was an opening in the counter near
the front door, and just as she reached
it. she whipped out her gun.
Put up your hands, she commanded.
You didn't know II. but I had your pic
ture there on a handful.
His hands had gone above his head at
the first command. and now he lowered
above her, still smiling.
There is some mistake" he said. eff
you viii kindly turn aside my coat you
viii find a detectives star there that
should veuch for me-
He approached as though TO permit her
to CARR out his request, but she retreat
ed before him.
Not much" she declared. THAT would
give you a splendid chance to overpower
me. You can keep your distance"
But can't hold my hands over my
head al night" he pleaded. What are
YOU going TO dc with me2''
Some one viii come for me If I do
not go home, she explained. You won't
have 10 wait for more than an hour"
The intruder groaned You don't sup
pose that 7 can keep my arms in the air
that long. do your" he demanded. "Td
rather have you shoot"
Il viii If you como any closer she
warned. He stepped back. and for ten
minutes he looked eagerly out Of the
door Then he gave a cry, and with a
sigh of relief Bertha turned her head to
greet the newcomer.
For an instant She gasped for the new
Corners arms went above his head
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