Gilpin observer., 1911-08-31
CHAPTER v. (contInusd).

CHAPTER v. (contInusd).
Suddenly Rutton started and wheel
ed round. every trace of excitement
smoothed away. Meeting AmbeF's
eaze he nodded as II casually, and
said. 'oh. Amber" quietly. with an
effect Of faint surprise. Then he
dropped heavily into q chair by the
table.
Well" he said slowly. '-that il
over"
Amber, without speaking, went to
his side and touched his shoulder with
that, pitifully inadequate gesture Of
sympathy which men 20 frequently
employ.
Il killed him." said Rutton DULY.
Yes" replied Amber. He was not
surprised: he had apprehended the
tragedy from tho moment that Rutton
had fed him.
After a bit Rutton turned to tho
table and drew an automatic pistol
from his pocket, opening the maya
zine. Five cartridges remained in
the clip. showing that two had been
exploded. II was not sure" he said
thoughtfully. "how many times l had
fred" His curiosity satisfied. he re-
Loaded the weapon and returned II to
his pocket. He died like dog" he
said. "whimpering and disappearing
in the face of eternity out
there in the cold and the night
1t was sickening-the sound Of the
bullets tearing through his, flesh. :"
He shuddered.
Didn't he resistf" Amber asked In
voluntarily.
He tried to. lot him pop away
with his revolver until It was empty.
Then :"
What made you waitr
7 didn't care; It didn't matter One
Of US had to die tonight: he should
have known that when I refused to
accompany him back to I
was hungry for his bullet more than
for his life: I gave him every chance.
Fate"
With . wrench Amber pulled HIM
self together. "Rutton." he demanded
suddenly. without premeditation.
what are you going to do!"
Dor Rutton looked up, his eyes
perplexed. why, what IL there to dof
Get away al best I can. I presume
seek another hole to hide In"
But how about the law?"
"The lawf Why need II ever be
known-what has happened tonight?
can count on your silence have
no need to ask Doggott would die
rather than betray me. He and can
dispose Oft No ono comes here
at this time of the year save hunting
parties; and their eyes are not upon
the ground. You will go your way in
the morning Well clear out Inn
mediately after"
You'd better take no chances"
Suddenly Rutton smote the table
with his nst by Indur!" he swore
strangely. his voice quavering with
10Y; II had not thought Of that!" He
Jumped up and began to move excited
iy to and fro. II am free! None but
you and I know Of the passing Of the
Token and the delivery of the mes
sage-none can possibly know for
days, perhaps weeks. For 80 much
time at least I am in no danger Of"
buul uib tuOutu iho u Trap Ou
words that might have enlightened
Amber.
"Of whatf"
Let me soc: there are stirl waste
places in the world where . man
may lose himself. There's Canada-
the Hudson bay region, Labrador.
A discreet knock sounded on the
door in the partition. and It was open.
cd gently. Doggott appeared ON the
threshold. pale and careworn. Rut.
ton paused. facing him.
'Weil?"
ANY orders, sirf"
yes: begin packing up. We lssvs
tomorrow" =
Very good. sir"
Rutton replenished the fire and
stood with his back to II, smiling A.
most happily. All evidence Of remorss
had disAppsared ''Freel" he cried SOFT
~. "And BY the simplest Of solutions.
Strange that should never have
thought before tonight Of" He
glanced carelessly toward the win
dow; and II was - n his lips had
BEEN wiped clean Of speech.
Amber turned. thrilling. hin flesh
creeping with thslhorror that he had
Aivined In Rutton's transhxed case.
Outside the glass, that was lightly
Otlyered with frost. something moved