The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1909-03-18

deviItry. He knew Stark's reputation
too well to- think that he. feared a
meeting with Gale. Stark had plan
ned his settlement coldly and with de-
liberate malice. Moreover, he was
strong enough to stand aside and let
another take his place and thus deny
to Gale the final recourse of hunted
beast, the desperate satisfaction that
the trader craved. He tied his enc
my's hands and delivered him up with
his thirst unsatisfied--to whom? He
thrust weapon into the hand OF his
other enemy and babe this other enc
my use it-worse than that. forced
him to strike the man he honored.
the man he loved. Burrell never
doubted that Stark had carefully
weighed the effect of this upon Necia
and had reasoned that girl like her
could not understand soldiers duty
If it meant the blood Of parent. If
he refused to act the gambler could
break him, while every effort he made
to protect Gale would but increase the
others satisfaction. There was no
chance Of the traders escape Stark
held him in his hand. Was 1t impos-
sible, the lieutenant wondered, to
move this man from his purpose?
"Have you thought of Necia? She
loves Gale What effect win this have
on herr
On her! She's more his brat than
mine l want John Gaylord!'
At this vicious frenzy overlook
Burrell, and he thought Of the man be-
hind yonder door, whom he had for
gotten. Well, why not? These two
the farthest places, driven by forces
that were older than the hills. Who
was he to stand between such pas
sions?
The gamblers words rang in his
ears-"I want John Gaylord"-and be-
fore he knew what he was doing he
had answered, Every we'll; I'll give him
to you" and crossed quickly to the
door of his bedroom and flung it open.
On the threshold he paused stockstill.
The place was empty. A draft sucked
through the open window, flirting with
the curtain and telling the story Of the
traders exit.
eff you're looking for your coat, it's
here" he heard Stark say. Get into
it, and We'll go for him.
The lieutenant's mind was working
fast enough now, in all conscience, and
he saw with clear and fateful eyes
whittier he was being led, at which a
sudden reckless disregard for conse-
quences seized him. He felt blind
fury at being pulled and hauled and
driven by this creature and also an un-
reasoning anger at Gales detection.
But 1t was the thought of Necia and
the horrible net Of evil in which this
man had ensnared them both that
CALLED him most He determined to
finish this thing here and now.
Meade went to his bureau, took his
revolver from the belt where he had
hung it and came cut into the other
room. Stark, seeing the weapon, ex-
claimed:
sist you"
1--WE decided not to take him." said
Burrell.
Decided not to take him. shouted
the other. "Have you weakened?
Don't you intend to arrest that mani"
"No! cried the soldier. 1--WE lis
tened to your lies long enough. Now
I'm going to stop them once for all.
You're too dangerous to have around
They faced each other silently a mo-
ment; then Stark spoke i'm a very quiet
voice, though his eyes were glittering.
'What's the meaning Of this? Are
you crazy?"
"Gale was here just before you came
pnd told me who killed your wife. 1
know
"Well?'
'sIt's pretty late. This place is lonely.
This is the simplest way"
The gambler fell to studying his an
tagonist, and when he did not speak
Burrell continued:
Come, brace up! I'm giving you a
chance"
But Stark shook his head.
Don't be afraid" insisted the lieu
tenant. There are no witnesses. II
Tsu get me, nobody will know. and
your word is good. IL not. it's much
simpler than the other" Then when
The gambler still made no move he in
sisted. You wouldn't have me kill
you like rattlesnake:"
"You couldn't" said the older man.
You're not that kind, and I'm not the
kind to be cheated either. Listen. I've
lived over forty years, and I never
took less than was coming to me. I
won't begin tonight"
you'll get your share"
"Bah! You don't know what l mean
I don't want you. It's him I'm after,
and when I'm done with him I'LL take
care Of you, but / won't run any risk
right now. You might put me away,
there's the possibility, and won't let
you or any other manor woman Ell
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