Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1909-06-23

auNe SOu tHOuSut VI NeSlut Suo
loves Gale. What effect will this have
on herr"
"D-n her! She's more his brat than
mine want John Gnylord!'
At this vicious frenzy overlook
Burrell, and he thought Ct the man be-
hind yonder door, whom he had for
gotten. Well, why not? These two
men had stalkcd each other clear into
the farthest places, driven by forces
that We're older than thc 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 be was doing he
had answered. Every well; I'll give him
to you," and crossed quickly to the
door Of his bedroom and flung 1t open.
On the threshold he paused stockstlll.
The place was empty. A draft sucked
through the open window, flirting with
the curtain and telling the story Of the
traders exit.
"If you're looking for your coat. It's
here" he heard Stark say. Get into
1t, and We'll go for him."
The lieutenant's mind was working
fast enough now, in all conscience, and
he saw with clear and fatcful eyes
whittier he was being led, at which
sudden reckless disregard for conse-
quences seized HIM. He felt blind
fury ut being pulled and hauled and
driven by this creature and also an UNI
reasoning anger Mt Gales detection.
But 1t was the thought of Nccia and
the horrible net Of evil In which this
man had cnsnared 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 1t and came out into the other
room. Stark, seeing the weapon, ex-
claimed:
"You don't need that. He won't re-
sist you"
..I've 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"
mot" 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 mo-
ment; then Stark spoke In very quiet
voice. though his eyes were gllttering.
whats the meaning Of this? Are
you crazy?"
"Gale was here just before you came
and told me who killed your wife. I
know"
"Well?"
"1t'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 IRE no witnesses. II
you get me. nobody will know, and
your word Is good. II not. it's much
simpler than the other" Then when
the gambler still made no move he In
listed. You wouldn't have me kill
sou like rattlesnake?"
'You couldn't" said the older man
you're not that kind, and TN not the
kind to be cheated either. Listen. I've
lived over forty years. and l ncvel
took less than was coming to me.
won't begin tonight"
you'll get your share"
bah! You don't know what mean
don't want you. It's him Pm after
and when I'm done with him Ill take
care Of you, but won't run any risl
right now. You might put me away
there's the possibility, and won't lc
you or any other manor woman ei
thcr, not even my glrl-cheat me on
Of Gale. Put up your gun"
The soldier hesitatcd, then did as b.
was hidden, for this man knew hin
better than he knew himselef.
i II ought to treat you like a mad dog
but can't do it while your hands ar
up. I'm going to fight for John Gale
however, and you can't take him."
"Ill have his carcass hung to M
rIdpepole before daylight"
stark turned to 20. hut paused n
the door. "And YOU think you'll maj
nv Necia. do youY'
81 know it,"
as that so? Suppose YOU find he
first"
"Whar do Won mean? waltz
But his visitor was gone. leaving be
hind him lover already sorely yexc,
and now harassed by new and sud
den apprehension. What venom til
man distilled! Could 1t be that he ha,
sent Necia away?
Stark traced his way back to hi
cabin In ten times tiercer mood thai
he had come. reviling. cursing, hating
Back past the dark trading post Ii
went. pausing to shake his cllnche,
fist and grind out nm oath between hi
teeth; past the door OF his own saloon
Il