The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-05-17

Tamarack. and let his folks maybe
find him on the trail"
He'd tell EN- all about US here"
objected Smoky.
II can't be done today" decided
the chief. Hes sick. Give him a
show to git little better"
Bill began 10 swear again. His
anger rose in proportion as he feli the
leader knew Of the danger TO them an
attending the presence OF the helplesa
child in the cabin.
When the time comes. Larry
Bart ne said. and we're ketched
Ike lot OF crawlin' rats. and all On
account OF you bein' soft as a rotten
pear over this here brat-why. YOU
look out FER trouble. here IN camp
Bart was keenly aware OF the risk
he was hourly mourning with his sick
little guest beneath the roof, but he
meant 10 stand his ground
He had almost been in a mood to beg
for ume-te appeal 70 the something
decent remaining in his lawless fol-
lowing Now. however, he became the
hard, un1inehlng master once again.
Bill, don't you give yourself away
FER treacherous sneak. ne said. I'D
just as soon kill you as q rattler. You
know that. And again, you wouldn't
dare to shoot at me unless l was dead
as a sailed cod. What's the matter
with Breakfast, anyhow? No wonder
we're all on the fight"
The breakfast was presently served.
It consisted Of half-cooked beans and
some stun that passed for coffee.
Bart awakened the pale little fellow
in the berth, and brought him TO the
table. He sat on the great, rough
knee, his little cheek laid YEARLY on
the outlaws coat, his dulled eyes list
lessly turning from one of the men 10
another.
Dummy, can't you eat little break
fast2' queried Bart, in an att srupted
tenderness. Not a little bite<"
Dummy slowly shook his head.
How you feelin' today?" inquired
the man.
'Not-very-well.' faltered the little
guest, and his lip was quivering, de-
spite himself
Bart arose without attempting 20
eat. He walked VI and down with the
childish form in his arms trying TO
hum at a song and gently patting the
little fellows back with his comfort
ing hand
Game little shaver commented
Smoky. sort OF a nice little like"
Bill and Zack made no observations,
though Jack, to do him justice. felt
little sympathetic himself
And so that Saturday, beautiful be-
yond expression. as to sunshine,
warmth, and summer glory. passed as
the days before had passed. and the
outlaws bided time, in their mountain
concealment.
In the afternoon the big. brown
beared leader carried Dummy out 10
see his blinded burro and the horses,
hopeful that the sight OF these would
do the little fellow good. Ii only
served, however, TO reveal to the man
the weak and fading grasp on exist
ence mis- childish guest retained.
rs there anything you want. my
little boy?" he said. Amt there
anything you want?'
Dummy nodded fsebly Il want
Sylvia-awful-bad." he said and he
closed his eyes. and his two little fists,
10 keep from crying
Bart took him back to the cabin,
where he laid him IN the blankets Of
q bed.
The little feller's got TO be took to
bis folks" he said. "or-I reckon he
amt goin to live.
Then at dusk ChenoOk came in To
make a report. He had seen an Indian
on the hilltop. half mile away. slow
~ working through the rocks. around
the fiat" where the one-time lumber
camp was situated.
Takes an Injun TO ketcn an Injun, ="
dryiy VOuChsafed the outlaw chief as
he listened Ia the meager particulars.
Keep a watchin. II Ire gets 10 smell
in round too close-shoot him first,
Chenook. and ask him his business
afterward."
II knowed we'd soon be comm TO
il Bill remarked, with satisfaction
that was grim and ominOus. II won
der how mucn longer you'll be stayin'
now and foolin' around with the kid.
Wen, we won't run straight to the
posse, scared so bad we can't pipe a
crew TO work our brains, said Bart.
Wen navigate accordin to reason"
with an Indian sleuth already thus
upon them. the outlaw knew their
stay in the camp was ar an end. That
night. at the latest must see tpem
far away. and heeing from the long,
uncompromising arm OF The law. Tor
very life itself
Yet he drew o1t his pocket-knie and
whitfield al a stick. as he sat in the
door or the shack 10 think.