Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1909-05-28

had covered nearly a mile; Dut' even
so. he laughed grimly as he walked
back toward the cabin, for 1t was
game worth playing, and he WIS glad
TO take a hand on the side OF the
trader and the girl Coming within
carshot he heard the meeting vote TO
adjourn 1t could not have terminated
more opportunely had he held a stop
watch Oh it.
Rupnion addressed the other con
sprators loudly:
"Weu. boys. there are three good
claims open for relocation. I'm sorry
I can't stake one Of them"
"They won't lie open long," said one
of the undesirable citizens, starting 10
turn downstream, while his two COM
panions made for the opposite direc'
tion. But Burrell stopped them.
"Too late, boys. Your little game
went wrong. Now, now, don't get ex'
cited! Whew, | had quite rum!
Gale paused in his tracks and looked
of the young man, Queerly.
what do you meanT
owe jumped those claims myself
"You jumped them!' cried Necia.
"Sure! I changed my mind about
stalking"
"It's lie" cried Runnion, at when
Burrell whirled on him.
"I'vc been waiting for this, Runnlon'
ever since you came back Now
81 mean you haven't had time" the
other temporized hurriedly
ooh that sounds better II you
don't believe me take look for your
self You'll find my notice just be-
meath Miss Gales" Then to no
Creek" Lee he continued, KINDLY re-
cord them for ne so there Will be 20
question Of priority"
.TJl be ID if l do" said the
helIigerent recorder. you're worse Il
these crooks. That ground belongs 10
Necia Gale" -,
Tn TO this time Stark had remained
silent. his impassive face betraylug not
shadow of chagrin, for he was a
good loser, but now he spoke at large
ANYBODY who thinks the American
army is asleep is crazy" Then to Bur-
rell. "You certainly are nice young
man to double cross your friends like
that"
You're no friend Of NINE" Meade
retorted
81? What do you mean|
al double crossed you, Stark; NOBODY
else There's no use mounting words
about IT." said he. These thugs are
your tools, and 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. don't get rough, because that
is my game. and I'd be pleased enough
TO take You back n prisoner. Then
turning to Lee, lie said: Don't MAKE
me force you to record ny locations
[ staked those claims for Miss Gaze
! and I'll deed them to her when she
turns eighteen"
Poleon Doret called to Runnion
"M'sieu. you member wat | tot you
yestidday? I'm begin for t'ink it's go
in be you
Seeing that the game had 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 don't want any trou
bic. You've got the law with you
Then to I.urniOn and tie others he
said. We'll I'm ready to bit the raj
When they had shouldercd tA?iI
packs AID disappeared down the val
lev Gale hc!d out his hand to the sol
der "Yuung nan. reckon you and
| will lie friends"
Thank you" said Darrell, taking tx
offer Of friendship, which he knew VA;
genuine at last
I'm in ON that" said mo Creek
Lee. You're all right"
PoIeon had been watching Stark
party disappear. but now he turned
and addressed the young soldier.
You max some enemies today
m'seu."
That's right" agreed Lee Der
Stark will never let up on you now
Very we'll That is his privilege.
you don't savvy what it means L
get him down on you" insisted Lee
Hell frame things up to suit himself
then pick row with you. Hes TN
quickest man on trigger In the west
but he won't never make no open play
only Just devil the life out Of you VIII
little things Ill you Gare up: then he
down Won That's tow he killed tE
gold commissioner back in Br!1iSh 20
lumbia"
Necia had said little so far bnt u
lock in her eyes repaid the solder 10
bis undertaking 10 her behalf and 10
any mischief that might ensue from u
She came forward and laid her hand
upon bis.
Don't worry, daughter reassure'
Gale There's nothing Stark can &c
and whatever happens we're with IN
lieutenant. He's our kind of people
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