Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1909-04-28
CHAPTER VII.

SAishh = AHAe
THE MAGIC OF BEN STARK.
N EFORE the party came in sight
the sound of their voices
reached the cabin, and Burrell
rose nervously and sauntercd
to the door. Uncertain how this affair
might terminate, he chose TO get first
look at his enemies. IL they should
prove to be such, realizing the advan-
age that goes to n man who stands
squarely ON both feet Then he heard
Lee say:
"well. III be ID! Somebody's
here ahead of u.s."
We've been beaten!" growled Stark
angrily. pushing past him and coming
around the corner. an ugly look In bis
eyes.
Good afternoon" Burpell nodded
pleasantly.
Lee answered him unintelligibly.
Stark said nothing, but Hunnion's ex-
clamation was plain.
"It's that cursed blue bellyw
when did you get here?" said Stark
after pause.
"A few hours ago"
"How did you Gomez" asked Lee.
"Black Bear creek" said the soldier
CURLY, Mt which Runnion broke into
profanity.
Better hush," Burrell admonished
him. There's lady inside" And Mt
that instant Necia showed her laugh
ing face under his arm, while the
trader uttered her name in amaze
ment.
Lunch is ready" she said. We've
been expecting you for quite awhile"
"Ba gar! OATS funny ting for
sure" said Poleon. "Who tor you
bout dis strike, eh"
Mother. made her." the girl an
swered.
"rake off your packs and come in"
Burrell invited. but Stark strobe for
ward.
Hold on minute. This don't look
good to me. You say your mother told
you. suppose you're Old Man Gales
other daughter, eh:"
Necia nodded.
what time Of day was 1t when you
learned about this?"
Cut that out" roughly interjected
Gale. do you think double crossed
you?"
The other turned upon him.
ut looks that way. and ] intend to
find out. You said yesterday you
hadn't told anybody"
II didn't think about the woman"
said the trader. trife disconnected.
whereupon Runnion gave vent to an
ironical sheer.
"But here's your girl and this man
ahead Of US. suppose there's others
on the way too"
"Nonsensew Burrell cut in.
II call 1t sleeck work." chuckled the
Canadian, Slipping out Of his straps.
de mex tam go stampedin' l talk
you long, Necia."
me, too," said Lee. "And now I'm
goin' to tear into some Of them beans
smell a-bilin' in yonder."
The others followed, although Stark
and Runnion looked black and had lit
tie to say. 1t was an uncomfortable
meal. Every one was III at ease. Gale
in particular was quiet and ate less
than any Of them. His eyes sought
Stark's face frequently. and once the
blood left his cheeks and his eyes
blaZed as he observed the gambler
boldly eying Necia.
: You are mighty good looking girl
for Il Blood" remarked Stark at last.
THANK you," she replied simply. and
the soldiers dislike of the man crystal-
lized into hate on the instant There
was tone back of his words that
seemed aimed at the trader Meade
thought. but Gale showed no sign Of
1t, so the meal was finished IN silence.
after which the five belated prospect
ors went out to make their locations,
for the fear of interruption was upon
them now.
First they went downstream. and,
according to their agreement, the trad
or staked first. followed by Poleon and
Stark, thus throwing Runni0n's claim
more than mile distant from Lees
discovery. From here they went up
the creek to find the girls other Local
tons. one on each branch, ut which
Stark sneeringly remarked that she
had pre-empted enough ground for
full grown white woman.
Itunnion's displeasure was even more
open, and he fell into foul mouthed
mutterings, addressing himself to Po-
leon and Stark while the trader was
out of earshot.
This affair don't smell right, and l
still think it's u frame-up."
.Bah!' exclaimed Doret.
The old man sent the girl on ahead
of us to blanket all the good ground
That's; what lie did!'
Wait wan minnit," interrupted po.
leon. his voice as soft rs Il womns
Il toll you dat know all bout dis
Black Bear creek too You member.
eh! WaaI. mebbr you t'ink I'm traitor
TOO: Wat? Wy don you spik out%
Tie three of them were alone. and
ouly the sound of Gales AK came 10
chem, but at the light in the Cana
Higi;s face knnnion hastily. disclai.ned
;lgy such Thought ON his part and !
Stark shrugged his denial.
There are men quite devoid Of the
ability 10 read the human face, ,lfd
RuuniDn WIS of this species. More
ov.i. malice was SO bitter III bis mouth
that bc EIust have II out .spgw.lpI
they la,.se.l IL baZe the next stake he
addressed himself oStark loud enough
for luipun Ia hear
That lieutenant Is more Df u man
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