Putnam patriot., 1911-06-16
COPYRIGHT. 1910. BY HAfLIN GARLAND

! cd Red6eld
 1 The sheriff insisted Tom said ir was an old man-a stranger 70 him | tali. smooth shaven. not very strong. he said d-'peared to be cook He had helped nurse the .ago. 80 Tom said !"
 That's very curious" unused Red field There isn't an old man ln the service of this forest There's a mis- take somewhere"
 Well" concluded Gregg. "rhat's what he said l thought at first 1t might be that old hobo Edwards. but this feIler being in uniform and smooth shaven"- Ills face changed: his voice deepened Say. I believe fl was Edwards and furthermore. Edwards is the convict that Texas marshal was after the other day, and this man Cavanagh-your prize ranger-is har- boring him.
 What nonsenseT exclaimed Red field
 Tie sheriff banged his hand upon the table That's the whole mystery ! see it all now He's up there con cealing this man. He's given out this smallpox scare just to keep the off cers away from him. Now you've got itt.'
 The thunder fin his voice drew to- ward him all those who remained in the dining room. and Lee found her self ringed about by dozen excited men but she did not finch She was too deeply concerned over Cavanaghs fate 10 be afraid. and. besides. Red flel. and the forester were beside her
 Thc supervisor was staggered by Greggs accusation and by certain con firmatory facts in his own possession. but he defended Cavanagh bravely You're crazy" he replied Why should Ross do such a foolish thing? What Is his motive2 What interest would he have in this man Edwards, whom you call a tramp2 He can't be a relative and certainly not a friend of Cavanagh's. for you say he is convict Come, now. your hatred of Cavanagh has gone too far"
 Gregg was somewhat cooled by this dash of reason. but replied: 'I don't know what relation he is. but these are facts. He's concealing an escaped convict. and he knows 1t"
 Dalton put in quiet word. What is the use of shouting judgment against a man like Cavanagh before you know the facts? He's one of the best and ablest rangers on this forest I don't know why he has resigned. but I'm suref-
 Has he resigned ?. asked Gregg ca gery.
 He has"
 "A good job for him. was about to circulate a petition to have him re moved"
 If all the stockmen In the valley had signed a petition against him 1t wouldn't have done any good" re- piled Dalton We know q good man when we see him. I'm here to offer him promotion. not to punish him"
 Lee, looking about at the faces of these men and seeing disappointment In their faces. lost the keen sting of her own humiliation. Tn the midst of such fight as this how can he give time or thought to meY' Painful as the admission was. she was forced to admit that she was very humble factor in a very large campaign But suppose he falls illi'' Her face grew white and set and her lips bitter That would be the final tragic touch." she thought. ito have him come down Nf ,,Ia Ga Gregg's sheep herders." Aloud she said His resignation comes just in time, doesn't 1t? He can now be sick without loss to the service"
 Dalton answered her. "The super eisor has not accepted his resignation On the contrary, l shall offer him higher position. His career as for ester is only beginning He would be foolish to give up the work now. when the avenues of promotion are just opening can offer him very soon he supervision of a forest"
 As they talked Lee felt herself sink lng the while her lover rose. IL was all true The forester was right. Ross was capable of any work they might demand of him. He was too skilled. too intelligent. too manly. to remain tn the forest, heroic Us it's du- ties seemed
 Upon this discussion Ltze, hobbling painfully. appeared With d cry of surprise Lee rose to meet her
 Mother you must uot do this!"
 She waved her away. I'm all right" she said. barring the big mar bles in my slippers Then she turned to Dalton Now. what's it all about? Is il true that Ross k down."
 "No So far us we know. he is we'll"
 Well, I'm cn'ng to find out don't intend to set here and have him up there without a cook or nurse"
 At this moment a tal fair young fellow, dressed in a rangers uniform entered the room aud made his way directly to the spot where Lee her mother and Rcddeld were standing 'Nlr Supervisor, Cavauagh has sent ae to tell you that he uee5s a doctor
 Hes got a sick man mp Ut the station. and hes afraid it's case of small l poN." He turned to Lee. He told me to tell you that he would have written, only he was afraid 10 even ! send letter out"
 What does be neele' asked Red field
 He needs medicine and food, a doc tor. and he ought to have nurse"
 That's my job" said Lize. l "Nonsenser said Redfeld. You're not it to ride mile. I won't hear of 1 your going"