Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-08-05
CHAPTER XVII.

steadily until he was now in decided state
of nebriation, skunk down to the other end
OF the platform. Henry and Sir John as
sisted Diana to the car. The cowboys
Swarmed along the platform-Jim alone
stood In the deserted saloon.
Before he was aware Of what was hap
pening-that the train was about to carry
away this tie Of his former hfe--he heard
Diana's voice call Jim She slipped from
the lower step on which she stood and ran
towards him.
Diana" He seized her outstretched
hands-he must say something to her. but
she would not let him speak
Il shall always thank God for this day,
Jim. l couldn't believe you were-I never
have. Now l know the sacrifices you have
made for mellow know l have the right
to ask God to bless you and keep YOU and
make you happy" Her voice broke; tears
were falling his hand.
Lady Elizabeth or Henry would never
discuss the cause of Jm's departure She
had always persistenty defended him to
the world, and today her intuition had
told her for her sake jim had shielded his
cousin-her husband How could she ac-
cept it?
And you. Dlana-tell me you are happy"
Happy Her eyes told him that 1t was
only possible for her to be happy now that
she knew the truth. Il shan't mind the
future now so terribly, because 1 can re-
spect somebody"
Dan passed the open door. "All aboard.
lady he briskly called
Goodbye. Jim. God bless your She
felt herself being helped aboard by Dan;
she tried to wave her hand to Jim. The
car moved. the whistling and ringing Of the
bell told OF their departure.
1t was Henry who led her to a chair and
left her there That day he paid in full for
his lifes misdeeds.
Jim never attempted to see the receding
car: he could hear the noise Of the depart
ing train and the cries Of the boys as they
hooted their good-byeS.
Kiss the baby for me- 1t was big
What baby Bill is himself" Jim found
himself saying.
Tell Sadie to write" called Shorty.
''Cnd say-say for me too, you bet. The
voice Of the German was drowned In the
roar from the rest of the boys. Only
Grouchy, in silence, looked on contemptu-
ously.
From down the platform came the yells
of the men Even Nick had deserted his
bar Still Jim did not move. He could
hear it all: he knew what was happening
that the train was steamng away. He
found himself watching flies settle on
beer glass. Then he fell into chair, let
his head slip on to his arms that lay across
the table, his back to the big entrance and
to the smaller one at the other side Of the
room. There was no movement from him
that told of the agonies he was enduring
The flies buzZed at will about the place.
The door at the side swung silently open
and Nat-u-ritch slipped into the room. In
her soft moccasins her steps made no
sound. She crept toward Jim. amazed to
see him lying thus. She shook her head
she could not understand this mystery.
She was about to move closer to Jim when
she heard some one coming.
Through the door at the back she could
see the crowds returning from the departed
train. while from the other direction came
Cash Hawkins-she could see him clearly
Closer came his steps. Quickly she slid be-
hind the doar. and from without peered
into the saloon. Cash. aflame with passion
and liquor, entered and saw that Jim was
alone.
He drew both his guns: With an evil smile
he advanced upon jim Oh you, I've
got you" he Kissed; but before he could
pull the trigger there was a flash. re-
port. and Cashs hands were thrown up In
a convulsive movement while he pitched
forward on his face. DaZed bewfldered,
Jim got on his feet and mechanically pulled
his gun; then, before he was aware of what
had happened. he bending over the
body of Hawkins.
The report was followed by an excitable
rush of the crowd into the saloon. The
gamblers and cattlemen were headed by
Bud Hardy, the county sheriff. Big BIZ.
Andy Grouchy and Shorty went at once
trate figure Of Cash Hawkins. Pete quickly
knelt beside the body and turned Cash
over to examine him. Bud Hardy stood
In the center of the room.
Hold on there! Nobody leaves without
my permission" Then to Pete, How Is
he?''
Hes cashed in. sheriff Plumb through
the heart Don't think I ever see neater
work" He laid the body its back and
crossed the arms over the breast
Hardy walked direct to Jim. Jim Car
ston, hand over your gum
And who you?" Jim asked, as he
Al. n,
Hardy. He had forgotten that Bill. earlier
In the afternoon, had pointed out this man
to him and warned him Of his friendship
with Cash Hawkins.
Gathered about Bud were Hawkins fac
ton. who resented the Englishmans pres
ence among them. and with them several
who, only a few hours ago. had been cheer
ing Jip-But hardly answered his ques-
ton With tolerant amusement.
THE county sheriff. he said.
To the surprise of all, Jim advanced and
handed his gun to Bud.
Come on, you're my prisoner Even
No resistance from the prisoner-no denial!
1t was unusual But as he stepped to-
ward Jim he was stopped by Bill.
wait a minute, Bud: don't be in such a
ferocious hurry. Where you goin' to take
him tor
Bills heart beat fast. but he gave no
sign of the fear that filled him. He knew
what this might mean for the boss. The
idCeS VI the OlneT men or Jim ranch
grew gray-they. too. realized. far more
than Jim did. that it was not the justice of
the law that was to be his. but-well. the
crowds grew bloodthirsty sometimes In
Maverick. They had seen sights that the
boss had not-an ugly swinging vision
passed before their eyes. but no hint was
given of this by the men. Each one knew
!. that 1t would be the most unwise move
they could make for the boss sake
Bits big. slow voice WAS heard again in
its careless drawl wait a minute Bud:
don't be in such a ferocious hurry. Where
you goin' to take him to-"
County jail. Of course, at Jansen" was
Hardy's answer.
Bill then asked. as he surveyed Hawkins
gang. who were whispering together with
several of the hangers-on Of the place,
How do you know the friends of the de-
ceased won't take him away from you and
eh?" f'
1t was lightly said. and as he said it Bill
iaid his big hand on Buds shoulder He
must conciliate the sheriff, gain time-any-
But Bud shook Bill off. Are you xoin,
10 interfere with me in the discharge Of NV
duty?' he clustered. - ny
Not bit. Bud, not bit" Bill sid.
then: with sudden resove-it would mean
his life. and the lives of Others p.ainst
them. perhaps. but he meant to fight II NC
essary-he added: But we're gc1n' to see
that you do 1t. We amt afraid OF q trial
and q jury. He took the crowd into bia