New-York tribune., 1909-10-03


hfeess, dead and severe for some 1nScrutabIe
purpose, perhaps even fashioned by the Maker
as His place to be alone. But the haunter was
there with his garish town, his canvas tented
circus of a dav and God had doubtless moved.
How little the game amounted TO- al the end
of a short little spani What a senseiess repet'-
ton it seemed,-the same old comedies, the
same old tragedies the same old bits OF gen
erositv of greed, of weakness. fervor. hope and
despair. Except for a warm little hcartiul oi
love Ah. love, He paused at that and
laughed unmirthfully. That was the thing that
made it Satan's home, or converted the desert
into heaven,
Dreamers, Dreamers. all of US" he said az
last and he went within 10 tlatten down his
blankets for the night.
HE had finally blown out his candle and
Ii stretched himself on the ground, to con
tinue his turmoil Of thinking, when abruptly
his sharp ear caught at a sound as of some one
slipping on a stone that turned just outside ON
the slope. He sat up alertly.
Half minute passed. hen something
heavy lurched against the tent the flap
lifted, and man appeared, stopped double as
Who's there" demanded Van. is that
YOU, Gett." He caught up his gun but it
and the hand that held it were invisible.
Its me-" said a voice, a croakiug. raspiug
voice Matt Barger''
He fell on the floor breathing in some sort OF
anguish, and Van struck match to light the
candle.
The flame lared blindingly inside the canvas
Whiteness. \ great moving shadow OF Van
was projected behind him on the wall. The
light cleaned brightly from his gun, but It
fell an inert mass where Barger had houn-
deTcd to the earth
He did not move. and Van mechanically
igniting the candles wick while he eyed the
man before him, beheld dry blood and some
that was fresh, on the haggard face. on the tat
tered clothing. and even on one loose hand
Bargerl' he SAID What on earth, man
The outlaw rallied his failing strength and
raised himself upon one hand He could
barely speak; but his lips attempted a smile
d" thought heard you-call fer the joker.
he said. and sol come
Van was up He saw that the man had been
literally shot to pieces. One OF his arms was
broken. \ portion of his scalp was gone. He
was pierced in the body and leg. He had met
wounds that must have stopped any animal
on earth, and then had dragged himself TO Van,
TO repay his final debt.
&C. haven't called haven't called for any
thing" said Van. You're wounded, man,
YOU re"
Barger rose weakly to his knees. Need the
money don't you-now,' he interrupted.
You Can-uSe the reward, | guess
Good Cod don't want that kind Of
money!" Van exclaimed Who got YOU. Matt,
who got YOU"
" Sheriff" said the convict dispassionately
Good man, ChriStler-and pretty good
slumped again, like a waxen thing on melting
legs. deprived Of al support
Van plunged out to the water bench. with
Its bucket, near the door He brought back a
basin OF water knelt on the ground, and bathed
the conyict's face. He poured some liquor he
tween the dead-white lips. He saShed and un-
huttoned the clothing and tried to stanCh the
wounds. He bound up the arm, put a bandage
on the leg, and continued from time to time to
dash cold water in the pallid. bearded face
Barger had tainted at last What hideous
tortures the fellow had endured to drag and
drive himself across the mountain roughnesSes
10 win to this tent at last. Van could only
weakly imagine
The convict finally opened his eyes and
bhnked in the light of the candle What was
the use Of my comm here" he faltercd If
YOU don't take the money-the reward"
Il don't want it." said Van Il told YOU
that before"
Barger spoke with difficulty. It's different
now; they ve-got YOU in a hole I'm Your
meat Im-nothin but meat; but YOU acted
-aS If | was a mani"
" We're all in a hole. its life" said Van con-
tlnulng his attentions TO the wounds Il don't
want cent of blood money. Matt If | have 10
starvc on the desert Now lie where YOU are.