Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-08-20

OF Iete JlHrkson. III ne returned 10
the cabin. as he had intended doing. he
would find her note.
| With heart beating IN time 10 the
muffied thud Of Daisy's hcofs. she drew
rein on the crest OF the ledge and
looked about for Dave Lumly. but he
was not in sight. aud wi q renmcd
| confidence she cnntered along he nai
row. uneven trail to Crow rock.
| When she rounded the rock the scr
rel was nipping the parched turf and
Lumly, on bis knees. was stuiling
| piece Of white paper into his pocket.
His back was toward her. aud he had
doubtless mistaken the tread OF her
horse for the trampling Of his own
beast
Look here, Dave Lumlyr'
Lumly jumped TO his feet and look.
ed into the barrel OF revolver ievcled
with cool precision.
you GIT outer my way, young lady"
he snarled defiantly. making n move
ment to grasp her bride rein.
stop there or I'll frc." she said
calmly.
what do you WANT" he growled,
looking at her out OF stealthy red eyes.
81 want you TO put that paper back
In the hole" she commanded sharply.
And II don'tf" no grinned savage
ly.
why. II you don't" she said. with
a calculating glance. 81 believe I'll just
bore your right ARM
1.-THE devil you will, II seems 20 me
you are pretty highly tightly, miss"
Are you going to do that?" she
asked.
"Oh, sure; OF course couldn't refuse
a lady" he said. taking the paper from
his pocket with his right hand and fur
lively reaching with his left around to
his hip.
"Your left hand up she command.
ed again.
With n muttered oath he swung his
arm aloft The sorrel horse drew near
and thrust an inquirIng nose toward
his master. With quick movement
Lumly held out the paper, the sorrel
caught II between his lips. and In an
other instant II fell TO the ground
mass OF pulp. Lumly laughed exult-
ingly.
Molly Gray whitened about the lips.
"Other hand up.' she commanded
shortly.
The man obeyed
Turn your back and walk toward
me-" Then. as he hesitated. she added
CONTEMPORARY, Don't be afraid I'm
not going to shoot you In the back"
He turned sullenly and backed slow
" up TO the mares side. With muzzle
pressed close 10 his shock OF rough
hair she distracted the six shooter
from his belt aud ascertained that
there was no other weapon. The man
trembled slightly. II was a pesky dan
gerous thing TO have woman fooling
with a revolver. One never knew
what
Now walk forward twenty steps
and don't turn: II you do It will be for
the last time" Molly did not recos-
nize her own sweet voice In the firm
tones that cut tho air like the lash Of
whip.
The man obeyed. When, at her word
OF command. he faced about, the feet
Of the little mare were gathered In the
hole In the ground. and her rider. with
shining eyes and bright. glad smile.
looked At him down the length OF his
own six shooter.
"In fifteen minutes nj the latest
Pete GARRISON. Mill Hodges and the
sheriff Wal strike this ledge. advise
you. Dave Lumly. II you value your
life. 10 prospect around cartertowr
way for a few years The trail l.
plain: there's your horse. and I'm Civ
ing you chance"
Lumly looked back down the trail.
Several horsemen were riding rapidly
up Grow creek bottom. There was
fash OF sunlight on metal.
With a muttered curse he turned to.
ward his horse. You'll pay FOR this
holdup. girl" he said ihreateningly.
Its not holdup: It's hold down"
retortcd Molly saucily.
As Lumly disappeared among the
distant western slopes three men rode
! IHHuiv uoWu tue tlHi anu Ituuh'N
Crow rock in a cloud OF dust and q
scatter OF flying stones. Molly Gray.
with trembling lips. smiled upon them.
Where IL he:" demanded Pete.
while the other men looked unmingled
disappointment and admiration upon
pretty Molly.
She pointed toward the west. where
a solitary horseman was sllhouetted
against the amber sunset sky ere II
dropped behind a distant hill.
80 you let the critter go"' uttered
the sheriff ruefully.
Pete looked nj her questioningly.
"I didn't want bloodshed al Crow
rock. Pete" she explained in low
tone.
A light OF understanding came into
his eyes. He nodded his head.
That's all right, sheriff. guess that
coyote won't jump any more claims
| haroa hnuAa z rnnkoV,