The Evening statesman. [volume] (Walla Walla, Wash.) 1903-1910, 1909-03-28
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nrned him and forced him sullepl,
aboard this steamer.
Old Man Gale cared little tor this
for he had spent his life among sucf
men, but rs he watched the fellow
scheme outlined itself in his head
Evidently the man dared not go far
ther down the river, for there was
nothing save Indian camps and mis-
Son or two this side of st. Michiel's
and at that point there were q cour
and many soldiers. where one was liz
BILE to meet the penalty of past mis-
deeds; hence he was probably resolved
to stop here. and, judging by his rec.
ord, he was man of unsettled con
victions
The trader stepped TO the door and
seeing Burreu on the deck of the
steamer, went down toward him. 1t
was long chance, but the stakes were
big and worth the risk. He had
thought much during the night pre-
vious-in fact, for many hours-and
the morning had found him still unde-
cidcd. wherefore he took this course
''Necia tells me that you aim to keep
law and order here" he began abrupt
ly, having drawn the young man aside.
Those are my instructions" said
Burrell, "but they are so vague
well, this camp Is bigger than it
WIS an hour ago, and it amt i'm
proved any in the growth. Yonder
goes the new citizen" He pointed to
the stranger, who had returned to the
steamer for his baggage and was de-
sccnding the Gangplark beneath them,
q valise in each hand. Hes a thief
and murderer, and we don't want
him here. Now, it's up to you"
Il don't understand" said the lieu
tenant, whereupon the trader told him
Doret's tale. "You ard your men were
sent here to keep things peacea ble,"
he concluded, land | reckon when a
man is too tough for the Canuck police
he is tough enough for you to tackle
There amt lock and key in the
camp, and we amt had killing or a
stealing in ten years. We'd like to
keep it that way"
well, you see, | know nothing of
that shooting affray. so l doubt if my
authority would permit me to inter
fere," the soldier unused, half to him.
self
Il allowed you were to use your own
Judgment" said the elder man.
$50 l am. | suppose. There is one
chance. Mr.. Gale. If you'll back me up
I'll send him on down to st. Michael's.
That is the most l can do"
The lieutenant outlined his plan, and
rs he went on the trader nodded ap-
prevail.
The young man gaZed back at him
90 sQuarely, his eyes were so pleasant
and friendly, his whole person breath
ed such straight up honesty and fresh
ness that shame arose in the old man,
and he had hard shift to keep his
glance from wavering. Without fore
thought he answered impulsively:
Hes desperate and he's dangerous.
i sold him a 40 just now" He was
about to tell him where the man wore
1t and to add word concerning his
dexterity with the gun when the very
fearless elaboration Of the youth de-
TERED him. On second thought Gale
yielded to an impulse to wait and see
how Meade Burrell would act under
IRE. II the soldier emerged scathless
1t would give him line on his charac-
ter. If he did not-well, that would
be even better.
The crowd was coming back to the
steamer. which had discharged her
few bundles of freight, and there was
no one inside the log post as they en-
tered except Doret and the stranger,
who had deposited his baggage at the
rear and was talking with the French
man at the bar. At sight Of the lieu
tenant he became silent and turned
carelessly, although with distrustful
stare. Burrell wasted no time.
Are you going to locate here?" he
began.
Yes"
81 notice you go skeleton rugged"
the soldier continued, indicating the
mans baggage. Pretty small outfit
for a miner, isn't it?''
Its plenty for me-"
"Have you enough money to buy
your seasons grub?"
Il guess that's my business"
"My orders are to see that all new
corners either have an outfit or are
able to buy one" said Burrell. ''Those
that are not equipped properly are to
be sent down river to st. Michaers,
where there is plenty of everything
and where they will be taken care of
by the government. Mr.. Gale has only
sufficient provisions to winter the men
already in this district"
Il can take care Of myself" said the
man angrily, whether I'm broke or
not, and l don't want any of your in.
reference" He shot a quick glance
at Poleon Doret, but the Frenchman's
face was like wood. and his hand still
held the neck of the whisky bottle he
had set out for the stranger.
Come" said the officer peremptori
ly, II have heard all about you. and
you are not the kind Of citizen we