Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-01-29

You certainly are a nice young man to
double-cross your friends like that"
You're no friend of mine," Meade re-
torted. -ott1'
1T? What do you mean?"
ct double-crossed you, Stark, nobody
else"
The Kentuckian glared at him with
look like that which Runnion had seen
in his face on that first day at the trad
ing-post. The thought of these i've men
banded together to rob this little maid
had caused a giddiness to rise up in him,
and his passions were beginning to whirl
and dance. '.- t.st
There's no use mounting words about
It," said he. These thugs are your tools,
and you tried to steal that ground De-
cause it's sure to be rich"
Stark exclaimed angrily, but the other
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 prisoner" Then turning
to Lee, he said: Don't make me force
you to record my locations. l staked
those claims for Miss Gale, and I'll deed
them to her when she turns eighteen"
Poleon Doret called to Runnion:
''Msieu you member wat I toll you
yestidday? I'm begin for tink it's goin
be you" scT
The man paled in his anger, but said
nothing. Nicola clapped her hands glee-
fully.
Seeing that the game had gone against
him. stark got his feelings under control
quickly, and shrugged his shoulders as
he turned away.
you're in the wrong, lieutenant" he
remarked; "but don't want any trouble.
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
and disappeared down the valley Gale
held out his hand to the soldier. Young
man. reckon you and I will be friends"
''Thank YOU" said Burrell, taking the
offer of friendship which he knew was
genuine at last. -...,l
I'm in on tlatv' said "No Greek" Lee;
| you're all right" .,4 j
Poleon had been watching Starhs party
disappear, but now he turned and ad-
| dressed the young soldier.
''You maxi some enemies today, Msleu;
HTbat's right" agreed Lee. ben Stark
WIN never let up. on you now"
every we'll. that is his privilege"
.'You don't savvyKwhat it means to get
him down ION lyou,'' insisted Lee.
| ''He'u frame things up to suit
| himself then pick a row with you.
He's the quickest man on trig-
ger in the west, but he won't never
make no open play. only just devil the Ire
out Of you with little things TIL you mare
m. then HEN down you. That's how ne
t,illed the gold commissioner back IN
British Columbia - &C.,,
Necia had said little so far, but the
look in her eyes repaid the soldier for his
| undertaking in her behalf, and Tor any
/ mischief that might ensue from. II. she
1 came forward and laid her hands, upon
/ his. .' t-' go
promise that you won't have trouble
/ with him" she begged, anxiously, FOR
it's all my fault, and ibid always
blame myself If any hurt came to you.
Promise! Won't you" .e.4.f d
'Don't worry, : daughter" treasured
Gale. There's nothing Stark can oo'
and whatever happens we're with the
lieutenant He's our kind of people"
Burren liked this grizzled old fellow
with the watchful eyes, and was glad now
that he could grip his hand and face
him squarely with no guilt upon his con-
| science. q
| By this time Doret had finished with
their blankets, and the four set out for
town, but instead Of following the others
they accepted Necia as guide and chose
the trail to Black Bear Creek. They had
not gone far before she took occasion to
lag behind with the lieutenant.
| Il COuldn I tndnk you DSlOIe oil bAAOSS
people-they would have read our secret
but you know how I feel, don't you,
Meade?"
"Why! 1t was a simple thing"
cit was splendid when you deaed them
MY, what a fierce you are! oh, boy! What
| If something should happen to you over
| thisv' -t
But there's no chance. It's all done.
and you'll have your fine dresses and be
able to hold your nose just as high as
you want" t-.
Whatever I get will owe to you. /
I've been thinking. Suppose-well, sup
pose you keep two of those claims; they
are sure to be rich
"why, Neciaw he exclaimed.
| They're yours, and have no right to
them under the law. OF course it would
be very handsome of you to give me one
| the poorest"
"You ought to have your ears boxed,
he laughed at her. ... --
| IT don't see why. You-you-may be
very poor, for all / know" -
IT am" he declared, but not poor
enough to take payment for favor"
"Well, then, If they are really mine to
do with as I please, I'll sell one to
you"
Thanks. I couldn't avail myself of
the Offer he said, with mock hauteur.
Continued in Next Issue