The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-05-17
CHAPTER XIII.
a RRFWINa AUTIN n.

Two long days had passed IN the
crushet-in cabin occupied by the i've
highway robbers in hiding and the
little chap who had come among them
30 strangely was neither well nor hap
Nv. His head was sore, a touch OF
fever had followed his hurt and the
dread and excitement OF his ride. and
ne was worried.
The men about him were apparently
growing rougheT all the time Bill was
openly hostile TO his presence and sui
Isnly revolving against the leaders at
titude The others were divided IN
opinion as TO what should be done,
for Jack supported al or any schemes
to be rid OF the child. while Smoky
faithfully backed the decisions Of his
CHIEF.
The half-breed. Chenook. said little
or nothing. To which of the factions
he would lend his weight, should con
dict presently arise in the company,
could not be known
Little Dummy made no complaint. He
chung 70 his strong friend Larry in
affection quite unquestioning, asking
only FOR sylvia, wishing only that the
outlaw chief would take him home 10
Tamarack whatsoever he could get
the time
The fod was poor and meager. the
nights were cold. He was weak and
sick and spiritless..
Don't you IKE it here Inquired
the leader. this morning Of the JhirG
dread day. Don't you ike it lit
ueq"
And Dummy answered. Pretty Well
Poor little customer" the leader
muttered 20 himself. Hes got
heap OF sand"
lack and Smoky sat beside the table.
while the breakfast simmered on the
fire. Chenook was out by the trail,
on guard. Bill was sitting on d log OF
wood his rife IN his hands. lie TON
died 1t idly.
How long you goIn' to keep this
racket uP?" he asked with no at
tempt at concealment Of his hate for
little Dummy. s pose you'll be want
in as TO see him home pretty soon"
That's where ne belongs" replied
the leader IN his big, grun voice. I
might do worse than take him back.
Bill delivered a string OF oaths that
he found no longer coutainatle.
You're headin' the whole TOOL gang
70 the pen and fifteen years of labor,
you are" he concluded, In his wrath.
For just two cents I'd shoot"
stow Il, Bill"' interrupted the chief,
tn warning command. Don't make
no cracks at me or the kid, bout what
you'll do. Your doctor wouldn't ad-
wise you no such way"
"Well-whatu you do?" demanded
Bill, IA defiance.
The leader placed little Dummy in a
bunk. FOR the little man was again
asleep. Walking deliberately over to
the angered Bill, the master outlaw
regarded him calmly, while a cold
hard glitter came IN MS eyes.
''Doat ask me 10 begin inventin-
ways I'd break every bone in your
carcass. Bill" he said i might git
70 feehn' 'thuslastic and sweatin' to
tackle the job"
You've worked your bulldozin'
racket TO the bedrock. Bart. and don't
you fergit it." Bill replied. relapsing
into sullen fury we amt a-goin' 20
stand this right along"
WEE" repeated Bart. we? And
who is we? You two. you, Jack and
Smoky
mot me, said Smoky. with alacrity
" e We EDL aO-llC l4EAl1r ILnAE1kEQ
lack. in weak support of Bill
wei. ans time you want 10 break
with me- you pack and 81, % responded
The leader. addressing the malcoutents
comprehensiTely
-You know where youn come 70 an
chor. The mountains is fuller Of dep
uty sherins than d clans fun Of
meat
~Then what 20 Dsepin' the kid ser,
DRAWN every cuss IN TamaTack
round the shack?' Inquired Bill
How many have We drawed by
this?' replied Bart. There amt bin
a man within a mile or more Of the
place"
'.You don't know when they'll git
here though"
eWhen they DO they amt a-comlu'
with weapons. not if they're hunting
fer the kid argued che chief. with
logic unerr!ng They don't know
what's waitin here 20 stand of law
and a posse"
Jack said; That's kerrect." lie
wished to reins1ate himself in the
leaders favor.
Bill glared IN lacks direction. fully
aware ne was losing support.
How long you goiu tn keep this up,
Is what / want 10 know?' he repeated.
.sIf the kid could ride up here alone.
he kin go buck home same way. start
hin on on his burro. headed fer
Is