The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1911-08-31

! tuEging at his heels At the tor hC
swung sharply between two LCg'
masses of snow covered rock. and ii
the lee OF the largest Of these. almost
} entirely sheltered from the drifts piled
up by easterly winds, they came sud
denly on small log hut.
"Mon Dieu. so far have saved my
hide" he grinned Now, m'seur, look
for yourself and see il Jean Croisset
has not kept his word"
A dozen steps had taken him through
screen of shrub TO the opposite slope
Of the ridge. With Outstretched arm
he pointed down into the plain and
as Howland's eyes followed its direc-
ton he stood thrObbing with sudden
excitement. Less than Il quarter of a
mile away, sheltered in n dip OF the
plain. were three or four log build
ings rising black and desolate out of
the white waste. One of these build
ings was large structure similar
to that I'm which Rowland had been
imprisoned, and as he looked n team
and sledge appeared from behind one
OF the cabins and halted close to the
wall of the large building. The driver
was plainly visible. and to HOwlands
establishment he suddenly began to
ascend the side OF this wall. For the
moment Rowland had not thought of
a stair.
Jeans attitude drew his eyes. The
Frenchman had thrust himself half
out of the screening bushes and was
staring through the telescope of his
hands. With an exclamation be turn.
ed quickly TO the engineer.
"Look, m'seur! Do you see that man
climbing the stair? | don't mind tell
ing you that he is the one who hit you
over the head on the trail and also
one Of those who shut you up In the
coyote. Those are his quarters at the
post, and possibly he is going up to
see Meleese. II you were much of
shot you could settle score or two
from here, m'seur."
The figure had stopped, evidently on
a platform midway up the side of the
building. He stood for n moment as If
scanning the plain between him and
the mountain. then disappeared How
land had not spoken word, but ev-
cry nerve in his body tingled strangely. |
you say Meleese-is thereT he
questioned hesitatlngly. "And he
who is that man, Croisset?"
Jean shrugged his shoulders and
drew himself back into the bush, turn
ing leisurely toward the old cabin.
mon, m'seur. will not tell you
that" he protested. 81 have brought
you to this place. l have pointed out
TO you the stair that leads TO the room
where you will find Meeese. You may
cut me into ribbons for the ravens, but
l will tell you no morer'
Again the threatening fire leaped into
Howland's eyes.
81 will trouble you TO put your hands
behind your back, Croisset." he COM
81 am going to return a GER
tain compliment OF yours by tying
your hands with this piece of babeesh.
which you used on me. After that
And after that, m'seur"- urged
Jean, with a touch of the old taunt in
his voice and stopping with his back
TO the engineer and his hands behind
him. after that?"
you will tell me all that want to
Know" finished Rowland, tightening
he thong about his wrists.
He led the way then to the cabin.
The door was closed. but opened readi-
Y as he put his weight against II. The ,
Jingle room was lighted by window
through which a mass OF snow had :
lrifted, and contained nothing more
han a rude table built against one OF
he log walls, three supply boxes that J,
ad evidently been employed as stools. :,
nd cracked and rust eaten sheet :
noes long passed into disuse. He :,
lotlOned the Frenchman to q seat Mt =
ne end of the table Without word
e then went outside, securely toggled :,
ne leading dog, and returning, closed 9,
ne door and seated himself at the
nd of the table opposite Jean. .,
The light from the open window fell :,
Ill on Croisset's dark face and shone ..
a silvery streak along the top of =,
.owlands revolver as the muZzle of
rested casually on Il line with the
hers breast. There was a menacing J.,
lex as the engineer drew back the
lmmer. -,
Now, my dear Jean, we're ready to
sgin the real game" he explained.
Here we are, high and dry, and down -
ere-just far enough away to be out
hearing Of this revolver when l y.
those we're going to play =.
,ainst, SO far I've been completely =,
the dark. | know of no reason why -
shouldn't go down there openly and -
) welcomed and given a good supper. W.
nd yet at the same time | know that
y life wouldn't be worth red copper -,
| did 90 down. You can clear up
g whole business, and that's what a.,
,u're going to do. When | under