Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-01-23


to the fort" he persisted, "while you
may save great deal-your lives"
dad will never go to the fort. He
hates 'em like poison"
Eyes - yes - he's foolish and stiff
necked. For such Is punishment meted
out. Seev' The OK team was travel
ing toward them, prodded by the driver.
They stood in silence for awhile.
"Then go TO Bismarck" urged David
Bond finally. stay there until the au
tumn"
live on what" she asked.
From a hind pocket he very slowly
brought forth n narrow buckskin
pouch tied with thong. He opened 1t
and emptled handful Of coins upon
palm. This is only a little" he said
apologetically, but 1t Will help, and
you must think first Of your safety"
81 can't take It," she said, her voice
all gentleness. Even If I did-what
about next winter? I must stay and
raise things. Don't you seeT'
AT Bismarck you would have a dou-
bic market Dallas. There Is Fort Lin
coin and the town"
"Td-I'd have to plow new ground"
she went on. "and-we'd have to build
again and dig another we'll
There are men in Bismarck who
Suddenly she lowered her voice and
stepped nearer. That's just the reason
dad wouldn't 20 there" she said
wed be close to town. We'd have to
meet folks. Here he keeps away from
the fort and you and Mr.. Lounsbury-
every one but Charley"
"Oh-oh-oh," breathed the evangelist
helplessly.
Now you know. It's no use. don't
complain. but he's fastened to the bend
with a diamond hitch"
Now know" David Bond ex-
claimed.
A halloo sounded from the shack. Fac
Ing that way they saw the section boss.
He was standing just outside the door
balanced on one crutch. The other he
was thrustng angrily at the ground
You see!' said Dallas. You see!
And he can't help it. Poor dad
The evangelist groaned and held out
a hand. Dear girl" he said. ut is
goodby. God keep you all, and God
help me. l see truly that you are tied !;
that l can do no good. The colonel
will surely take care that you are pro-
tected. Lounsbury and Charles will
watch. must 60 with that comforting
knowledge My love to Marylyn.
Goodby'
She steadied her voice to answer. IL
watch" she said Il don't sleep well,
SO It's easy. If they heard gun ut
Brannon''-
He raised his hand to bless her. then,
without speaking again walked slow
ly away. She unlocked the tugs and
headed the mules for home
WAL" called her father sarcastical
ly as she approached, what's tibet oil
snifiler want? Is day aft t'morrow
tn en- O. tn world"
She ignored his questions and told
him OF the warning.
Instantly his anger rose. Planting
himself before her, he shook a finger
close to her face 80 tn kunnel's try
in t. skeer us, is he?" he demanded
"Tryin' t git us t come in an leave tn
ben. Waal-ain't we right under bile
nose? KANT he watch out fer US
Watts he here fer? watts he paid
fert"
Then. riding in on the tide Of his
wrath. came dark suspicion. An
watts he so crazy t git us AWAY ferY
he Quericd. Yah. yah. Aid like {
/ know-Ah do know! Hes got thet low
/ down card sharp of Matthews fer his
Interpreter. He knows tibet card SHARP
wants this Ian Thets his game. An
| he KANT fool me-"
/ maybe. maybe" said Dallas, leaving
him to stand beside Marylyn. But, OF
course, dad, we mustn't forget thai
mes warned the other folks on this
side too"
Her father glared at her. You tax
In his part, amt "" he said. M III
How's tibet? Are you 80 all fired anx
ious t. git t Brannon?"
mo. dad. I'll never 60 to Brannon
Never, never. II l did. you, my IA
ther, oughtn't t. misunderstood it,"
He Quailed before her vehemenc'
and hobbled shamefacedly toward The
door. 90 course, if tn Injuns come
he began.
They won't" She drew Marylyn t.
her. And II they do a shot II brin:
help"
He was in the doorway now
wy" he cried, there's tibet fool Nor
wegnn goin' t tn landin'. Wal, h
is pritty shy on sand
Wen be killed II the Indians come
Dallas" 1t was Marylyn, whispering
up fearfully to her sister
We'll be careful honey. Keep ava,
from the coulee after this. Walk 10
ward Brannon always."
Dallas spent the afternoon out o
doors, where everything spoke o
peace. Not even hands breadth o
cloud floated upon the sky. The al
was warm and fragrant with the new
growth. Magpies Chartered by. TIL
bobolinks sent up their hearty song.
When she left off work she saw tn
settler from the little bend drive b.
with his wife and children. Goin
home, she found her father cleaning
and caressing the Sharps. But in he
ability to sense danger, as in her low
Of the cleaning. Dallas was like
wild thing, and she felt not the slight
est disquiet.
CHAPTER XIX.
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