Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1909-05-14


Burrell thought he saw Lee Wink Il.
tbe trader. but he was not sure, TOT at
that moment the man or whOm they
were speaking re-entered. Lee miro
duced him, and the three men SHOOK
hands. While the soldier fell into easy
conversation with the newcomer, Gale
pazed at him narrowly. studying MIN
"a he studied all men who came as
strangers. AS he was doing so Aluha
entered. followed by Johnny ana MOI
" She had come for sugar ana asked
for il in her native tongue. upon her
exit Stark broke off talking to Inc
lieutenant and turned to the trader.
Your squaw, Mr.. Gale!
The old man nodded.
"Pah-Ute, eh:"
ayes. Why, do you savvy the talk!
"Some. lived in California once.
"Wbere?" The question came like
shot.
ooh here and there! 1 followed the
mother lode for spell.
~ don't recall the name" said the
trader after bit.
Possibly. Where were you located!
81 never lit on any one place long
enough to call it home"
If seemed to Burrell that both men
were sparring cautiously In an lndi-
rect, impersonal manner.
Those your kids, too, eh" STARK
continued.
.yes and got another one besides
older, girl
shes a pip too" said "No Creek
Lee feryently. shes plumb beauti-
full"
IAN of them half breeds" ques-
toned Stark.
Sure" The traders answer was
short. and when the other showed no
intention of pressing the subject 1ur'
Their he sauntered away, but no sooner
was he out of hearing than STARK salo
"Humph! They're all alike
"Who:"
"SQuaw men,"
"Tbis one amt" Lee declared. Hes
different. Amt he, lieutenant
"He certainly is," agreed Burreii
This was the first criticism he mac
hoard of Necia's father, and. although
Stark volunteered no argument, 1t was
plain that his opinion remained unal
fected.
The old man went through the store
at the rear and stralghtway sought Al
luna. Speaking to her with unwonte'
severity in the Pah-Ute language, n
said:
al have told you never to use you
native tongue before strangers. ina
man in the store understands"
Il only asked for sugar to COOK III
harries with" she replied.
True. but another time you mlgn
say more; therefore the less you spea
II the better. He is the kind who see
much and talks little. Address me
siwash or IN English unless we ar
alone"
suddenly she dropped her work an
came close up to him. Can he be tn
One?"
81 don't know. Stark Is not tn
name, but he might have changed
He had reasons enough"
'Who is this man Stark"
II don't know that either. use
TO hear of him when was in BIRTHS
Columbia"
"But surely you must know II he
the same. She must have told you no
he looked. Others must have tol
you
Gale shook his head. Very little.
could not ask her, and others kne
him so well they never doubted that
had seen him, but this much L
know, he was dark
This man is dark"
land his spirit was like that Of
mad horse
"This mans temper is black"
land his eyes were cruel"
This man has evil eyes"
"He lacked FIVE years Of my age
said the trader.
"This man Is forty years old.
must be he," said the squaw.
Even Necia would have marvelt
had she heard this revelation OF b
fathers age. for his hair and brow
were grizzled, and his face had Il
look Of man Of sixty, while on
those who knew him well, like Dor'
were aware of his great strength al
the endurance that belied his appe0
ance.
"We will send Nicola down to t
mission tonight and let Father Be
mum keep her there till this mi
goes" said the squaw after some deli
Grafton.
mo; she must stay here" Gale
piled, with decision. 1.-THE man b
come here to live, so 1t won't do al
good to send her away, and, after
what Is to be will be. But she mu
never be seen IL that dance girls dire
again, at least not till learn me
ebOut this Stark. 1t makes no diI'
$3.50 -hAthap this one Is the man