Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-09-20

SOneTS, ana she nl1H Will d SIdI
"Hush!" Chris had averted her face at the
mans passionate whisper her eyes sweeping
the pounds rim and now they carried back to
his face, wide in dread. Don't finch!" she
whispered. They're watching us from the
bank l saw rifle thrust its black NAV over
the edge. Raise your voice and say you want
to marry mel Hurry
Somers looked at Chris euriously There
was tone of suspicion in his voice as he asked,
"Is this-I don't understand"
But the girl interrupted him in a low, bitter
voice, Yes it's plot to rope a tenderfoot
youth into offering his hand to girl who is
trying to save the life of man she loves,--a
man, l say, Frank and your friend. Now
speak, if you are man, tool!
THERE was nothing very clear in it all to
= Somers except the terrible sincerity of the
girls manner. It was this that caused him to
say, in clear, firm voice, =" | wish you'd marry
me, Chris, and make me happy! I'm tired of
all this lodging
He was answered by a harsh voice. Throw
up your hands, Somers!'
"Quicki Do as you're told!' Chris whls-
pered as he hesitated
In compliance he swung his heel till his
upstretched palms faced grim Inquire that
doomed menacingly, rifle to shoulder, in
broken part OF the wall.
Chris, the snarling voice called, relieve
that skunk of his weppins and bring EN- here!
Trust me- Frank" the girl whispered
she unbucked the belt that held the big re-
volver Then with a defiant swing she stepped
to her father, dropped the belt at his feet and
asked sneeringly, do you want mine too,
dad?"
You'd better keep that popgun, girl.
You'll need it when Stand Off sassiety falls to
discussin this event
Three men had slipped to the floor of the
pound and now stood glowering in silence at
Somers, who had reckessly dropped his arms
to fold them across his chest.
Mayo, coming forward, peered suspiciously
about the pound and asked "Whars that
other coyote?"
Who do you mean dad?" Chris asked.
That sneakin', prayin' hypercrite, the sky
Preacher Did you think you had traed
out the night air in hooking laugh.
That's too funny, dad! | see"
Shut up that jay chatter, Christ" Mayo
commanded angrily. Whar's the preacher?"
He lives in Stand Off, dad; and | shouldn't
wonder but what he's in bed now
Tay woefns he hsa 3s
stabbing with his thumb in Somers' direction.
Its no secret now, dad You caught us,
didn't you? Who put you on my trail! Was
me-!
by God! don't try to kid me, grill" The
father clenched his fist angrily; but the look
of utter mystihcation in his eyes as they
stare to rest curiously the composed figure
of Somers, showed that he was completely
baffled.
Hes sure picked up my trail tonight, the
girl continued with seeming anger, and give
you some church notions about it not being
proper l know his way And what's it
Dakotas business? And you, Tough Wilkins,
and you, Kootenay!"
The three men addressed shrunk away, and
Kootenay drew the back of his hand across his
mouth in a Shamefaced manner
Look a-here, Christ" Mayo rasped. That
palaver sounds purity cute; most like an actress
speech in play We may be plumb locoed by
that fool breed; but the hands amt played
out yet. This individual of the Comments
coyote pack jnes for little passeer to
Stand Off, till we see what cards Dupre has
drawed, then we'll call showdown. Git your
bronco cinched quick!" he continued. turning
to Somers. We'll cross examine you when
there's more evidence in.
I've nothing to tell, Mr.. Mayo. except that
I'm fond of Chris I'm sorry-it's all my
fault"
THOUGH in verify this statement was liter
ally true, the speaker was following the
girls lead in deception. He understood her
plan now; though he realized that they were
both at tangent in their knowledge. When
Dupre had escaped, Major Dixon had sent
SOmers off to warn kinnaird, fearing that the