The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1909-04-11

most possible speed for fear they
should miss him and guess his pur-
pose, or, worse yet, finish their discus
sion and adjourn before he could COM
plete his task. He was light man on
his feet, and he lodged through the
forest, running more carelessly the
farther he went. visiting first the uI-
per claims: then, making wide de-
tour of the cabin, he came back to the
initial stake of Necia's lower claim.
staggering from his exertions. his
had covered nearly mile; but, even
So he laughed grimly as NE walked
back toward the cabin, for 1t plas a
game worth playing. and he was glad
to take a hand on the side of the
trader and the girl. Coming within
earshot, he heard the meeting vote to
adjourn. 1t could not have terminated
mere OPPORTUNITY had he held a stop
watch on 1t.
Rurnion addressed the other con-
spirators loudly:
"Well, boys. there arc three good
l can't stake one Of them"
.They won't lie oren lorG." said one
of the undesirable citizens, starting to
turn downstream, while his two COM
panions made for the opposite direc-
ton. But Burrell stopped them.
"Too late, boys. Your little game
went wrong. Now. now, don't get ex-
cited. Whew. had quite r1ln!'
Gale paused in his tracks and looked
at the young man Queerly.
what do you meanT'
"Ive jumped those claims myself"
"You jumped them" cried Neci1.
"Sure, | changed my mind about
stalking"
ats a lie," cried Runnion. ut which
Eurrell whirled on him.
"I'vc been waiting fer this. RunAion.
ever since you came E2c.l. Now
81 mean you haven't had time" the
other temrCriZed hurricdly.
"Oh. thGt sounds better. II you
don't believe RE take lock for your
self You'll fEdi my notice Just be
meath Miss Gales" Then 10 40
Creek" Lee lie continued, kindly re-
cord then for re so there viii be no
question CT priority"
"IIl be id il | &C." said the
belligerent recorder. you're wcrse'n
these crooks. That ground belongs TO
Necia Gale"
Up to this time Stark had remained
silent, his imrassive face betrayi2:; not
a shadow Of chagrin. fer lie was a
good loser. but now lie spoke at large
Anybody who thinks the American
army is asleep is crazy" Then to Ear
rell, "Ycu certainly are nice young
man TO double cross your friends like
that
You're 10 friend Cf m.ne," Meade
retCrted.
II? What Go you mean?'
II double crossed you, Stark; nobody
else. There's no use mouthirg words
about it," said he. These thugs are
your tools, ard you tried to steal that
ground because it's sure to be rich"
Stark exclaimed angrily, but the 9th
er gave him no time to break in.
"Now, dent get rough, because that
is my game. and I'd be pleased enough
to take you back prisoner" Then.
turning to Lee, he said: Don't make
me force you to record my locations.
l staked those claims for Miss Gah..
and I'll deed them to her when she
turns eighteen"
POleOn Doret called to RuDnien:
"M'sieu, you member wat i tor you
yestidday? I'm begin for t'ink it's GO
in be YOU"
Seeing that the game bad gone
against him. Stark got his feelings IN
der control quickly and shrugged his
shoulders as he turned away.
You're in the wrong, lieutenant" be
remarked, "but l don't want any trou-
BILE. You've got the law with YOU"
Then to RunniOn and the others he
said, well, I'm ready to hit the TRAIL
When they had shouldered their
packs ard disappeared down the val
ley Gale held out his hand to the SOL
der. Young man, / reckon you ard
l will be friends"
Thank you" said Burrell. taking the
OHcI VI Dt hutW WIZ
genuine at last.
I'm in on that said mo Creek"
Lee. 'ICu'rc all right"
Po.ecn had been watching Start's
party disappear. but now he turned
and addressed the young soldier
you maxi some enemies today,
That's right" agreed Lee Ben
Stark will never let up on you now"
Every well. That is his privilege
"You don't savvy what it means to
get him down on you," insisted Lee
He'll frame things up to suit himself,
then pick a row with you He's the
quickest man on trigger in the west,
but he won't never make no open play,
only just devil the life out Of You with
little things till you flare up; then he'll
down you. That's how he killed the
gold commissioner back in British Co
umbia.''
Npcia had S1iJ LITTLE en- for huf fyha