The Prescott daily news., 1908-05-02
said. and took his gun arl disap-

"Cracky, this IS good, PhineaS ex- claimed as he looked over the table. Milk, by the eternal"
 Yes, but it's our last, guess. They got the COW. T." She stopped abrupt ly and left the room
 Phineas was at heart a coward, yet he strove to hide it under bravado; and he took his turn in the darkness with a half merry, half contemptuous badinage that was sufficiently deceiv- ing.
 Alfred ate sparingly, silently, his mind intent on impending tragedy.
 Your hand is hurt, sir" Stella said as she placed the hot bacon before him. Without more words she cut the meat and buttered his biscuit It was done quickly, incidentally. She did not falter, her face was calm. Yet when she came with old linen and homemade lotions to dress the angry burn her touch upon Alfred's hand was icy cold
 The dressing was barely finished when Phineas' challenge was heard, and a white mans voice replied.
 That's Curly Joe from Maloney's," Stella said, Sit still and finish your supper" she added, as Alfred started to his feet. It's not Indians; you won't be needed"
 Heedless of her words he followed her to the door, where she stood look ing out.
 Curly Joe's brought some stock" she said, glancing over her shoulder as ne came near, some they had a chance to buy I heard him say. It's in the nick of time for us"
 She stepped back to the table and poured another cup O. coffee. Have this fresh cup, sir. You're not needed now"
 Alfred seated himself and she went to the kitchen, leaving him to ponder the adverb of time so significantly spoken.
 Stella did not return, though Al fred finished his coffee and waited, the minutes dragging with his inac- tion, until the searchers returned.
 Stella heard them and hastened to the door, peering into the darkness A whispered barley kept her waiting At last Uncle Billy stepped into the light. Stella gave him a quick look read the answer to her mute question and fled. Alfred saw her white, set face as she passed.
 Duty and love are weapons that af- inti nt hn,. l., respect. Alone Stella fought her quick battle for compo9ure; and when she brought in supper for the two men her face was less stricken than Uncle Billy's. He went to her, took her hands in his own, lifted his re- luctant eyes to her. Honey, you you must go-in an houh, less time if possible"
 She met his look bravely, her voice unfaltering, though words came lame ly. But father-I cannot leave him Where-where is he?"
 Child, we buried him-Gid and me. We did it-good, and I mapped the place. so you can find-but not any iniun. And, honey, you must-must get ready quick"
 Stella's head dropped. Alfred saw her throat throb, her hands tighten convulsively on Uncle Billy's.
 But the station, and the companys property-f mustn't leave that till" She lifted her face; her lips twitched pitifully.
 Gid, you tell her you ain't a boy -yo're man, and brave enough to stay hyah and keep the station till they send some one from Maloney S. "
 Yes, Stella, you must go Uncle Bills the boss. I'll stay, as he says. till the stations manned again; then I'll follow you toto wherever you go always"
 Stella gazed alternately at her two advisers dumbly striving to adjust her grief-stricken mind to this hard exi- gency.
 "Oh, Gideon. cant let you stay alone. T."
 Uncle Billy laid a tender hand on her arm. Honey Cant you buck up to the game just a mite? Wouldn't yo' paw tell you to?"
 She nodded and turned aside Both men looked at her intently, one with a passionately yearning gaze. In a moment she faced him, smiling reso- lutely, though Alfred saw unheeded tears on her cheek.
 If you and Gid will eat a little sup- per I'll get ready right away I'll be