Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-11-15
salute.

The storekeeper was still watching
 riverward. and he answered wltnouI
 turning his head. "He means it's a
 case of shoot on sight" he said.
 Then you mustn't go near him-you
 must go back to Clark's. Promise me
 you will! can take care Of Marylyn
 till dad comes. If you got hurt
 Lounsbury threw one leg over the pommel and sat sideways for awhile,
 buckling and unbuckling his reins.
 When he spoke it was very gently, ana again he did not look at her. "Hadnt you better wrap up little" he sug- gested. Its cod.'
 She put coat about Marylyn. lt ain't right for you to make our quarrel yours. You mustn't. I wouldn't nave you hurt on our account for anything" Her eyes beseeched him.
 He glanced at her. Its worth a lot to know you feel that way" he said slowly. "But-Im afraid l can't do what you want It's your safety. that counts with me-
 nfarylyn's face had been hidden to shut out the dread sight of Matthews. Now she lifted it. She said nothing. But as if suddenly smitten by pain full thought she turned from Dallas to Lounsbury, from Lounsbury to Dal- las, questioningly, doubtful. She drew to one side a few steps and stood alone.
 The movement escaped the others. The storekeeper had slipped from his saddle to pick up Matthews revolver. And the elder girl, against whom was setting in tide of reaction, was strug- gling for composure. She put out trembling hand for the weapon.
 "Got a rife, too, haven't you" he asked. ,.'- E
 "No. Dad took it."
 Good heavens! I'm glad I didn'e know that coming down.
 How'd you happen to comet"
 q saw the sleigh go by and was sure something had scared your father about the claim. So I didn't wait to black my boots."
 "Oh, 1t was a comfort to hear you," she said.
 Was it?'' eagerly. He stepped to- ward her, then drew back. We'll" with a feeble attempt at humor, "rd rather be a comfort than a wet blan- ket." He had remembered that evil eyes were watching, that his least move might subject Lancaster's daugh- ters to the coarse comment of Shanty Town. He dared not even remain out of his saddle. He mounted.
 "Oh, you're going to leave us!' ex- claimed M2lyfyn. She began to cry 
 But I'll be on the lookout every sec- ond," he declared. Miss Dallas"-hs urged his horse up to the window don't think I'm idiot enough to try to do up that saloon gang down there sin gle handed. If I go to Shanty Town 1t Il be because I have to. I won't go alone if can help it. First of all, Intend to see the colonel over there and lay this matter before him.
 But dad"-- she began
 Got to do 1t, whether your father likes it or not. We're dealing with a ,utthroat He knows this lands worth 
 "Yes'-
 And you can't tell what he'll do.* He bent to her. That scoundrel scared vou," he said respectfully. You're 'eady to drop. Oh, yes, you are. And t's my fault. I knew he might come my day--that he'd make trouble But didn't believe he'd get here so soon. [r-
 I'd given him up," she said.
 You! You did know, then"
 Quite awhile ago"
 "Knew what?" asked Marylyn, stopa ping her tears. Then. certain that here was some awful secret behind 1t Ill and that 1t was being kept from Ter, she began to cry again.
 Dallas soothed her and explained.
 Do you know when Matthews six months is up?" Lounsbury inquired.
 Tonight at 12.'
 Tonight. Well, we've got to keep i'm of. He may try to establish resi-. lence in a wickiup''
 But hasn't he right? Can't he'- He hasn't, and he can't. And If he omes this way after midnight I'll fix i'm for trespassingr He laughed.
 'I wish you wouldn't go to the fort hough. You've heard dad-you know low be feels"
 'I wouldn't go If I didn't have to. But the temperatures falling. By sun own they'll begin changing the sen- ries at Brannon every hour. No one nan could stay out even half the light. And this shack has to be guard- d till morning. must get some one o relieve me"
 "I suppose you're right" she said 
 He brought the horse about. "Is here anything I can do before I go?' e asked.
 "No. We've got everything but rood. and Charley brings us that" Charley" repeated LOunsbury. Who's Charley!'
 She told him.
 He seemed relieved. ''I'1l look that ndian up.' he said, and raised his and to his cap.
 From the road be looked around. )eSpite the distance be could see that be girls were where he had left them, nd Marylyn's head was once more ressed against her sister The sight