Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-12-26

on the shell.
short cut" he said as he got up
and shook out the coat. well, Babe,
old socks. how's things goin'? How
he threw his thumb back over his
shoulder toward the east-"how bout
over there? What news v got?"
Squaw Charley followed the direc-
ton Of the pointing.
You amt come minnit too SOON"
declared Babe. "Only just n day or
two left of your six months, an
they The two moved toward the
shanty, whispering together.
David Fond called to the brothers
appcalingly. MAY put up here?" he
asked "Ilave you n vacant building
that may share with Shadrach? |
have hay and food of my own"
Nick Matthews came back. He had
putty colored face upon which his
blond eyebrows failed to show, but he
summoned look that was as near to
a scowl as possible. Look a-hcre,
gran'pa," lie said. "a you think I'm
gon' t let you sponge often my frien's
Not by long shot! Hain't I come all
the way firm Dodge City { keep tn
redskins firm takin' your scalp? What
more d. v want?" Tie gave laugh
in which there was no humor, dlscos-
ing small teeth. ranged close and like
the first set Of child's.
David Bond did not quail "You
have accepted my hospitality for a
month";" he said. II ask nothing that
is not Justly mine"
Matthews snapped his fingers de
risively. I'VE can't have you here T.
snoop an spy" he declared. Ctr
As he turned to enter the shanty he
came face to face with the Indian.
whats thls?' Then, noting the
squaw skirt "Gran'pa, who's your la
dy frien'T
Hate flashed across the parlah's face
like forked lightning on dark sky.
zone of Sitting Bulls warriors" an.
swered David Bond. land good
man"
"Uncapapa, eh?" said Matthews. II
savvy their lingo" He plucked at
Squaw Charleys dress. "Our warrior
wears fine garments" he jeered, speak
ing in the Indian tongue. Then. with
another laugh he followed his brother
into the shanty and banged the door.
David Bond took his horses bride.
I'VE must find hospitality elsewhere,
Shadrach," he said resignedly. And
he headed the pung up the river AS
he got back into the wagon box he
looked round for Squaw Charley.
The parlah was standing close to the
shanty, his head held forward, as if
he were watching to spring, his hands
opening and clinchng angrily.
"Charles" pleaded the old man re.
proachfully. "Remembcr-do good to
them that wish you evil and love them
that hate"
The Indian dropped his arm meekly
and shutfled over to the pung But
when David Bond again drew him on
to the scat his lips moved silently and
until the cut was reached and Shad-
rach pulled them out upon the prairie
once more he continued to glover back
at the line of saloons.
1T Will lie terrible night" the 9TH
er said as they came to a standstill be
side the cottonwoods. ut is getting
late. suppose l must try to cross
the river"
The pariah was recalled from his
backward glances. Rising he extend
ed an arm to direct David Bonds at
tention. And the old man, rising also,
made out the squat shack Of the Ian
casters. almost hidden from sight by
drifts. With fervent prayer Of
thanksgiving he touched up Shadrach
and steered him toward 1t, pausins
only long enough for the Indian to
load the chip sack and the filed ban,
ket on top Of the wheels and hay.
III this lonely house will give me
shelter and welcome" vowed David
Bond, urging bis horse on, ut will find
me grateful"
Squaw Charley made no answering
sign. Bundled again In the soft quilt,
he sat in the wagon box brOodng-for
he had OWNED. with the instinct Of
the savage, that If the shack on the
rise before them would find faithful
friend in him who sat beneath the
wavering cross, it was threatened by
the presence OF n dangerous foe-the
man just come to the shanty saloon
by the river.