The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1911-12-29

ca MIN, spurts OF smoke rose from the
farther bank, and bullet chugged
into the ground at his feet while an
other sang shrilly overhead.
These shots, although neither came
sufficiently near TO be alarming, serv
ed to send Keith to cover. Cool head
ed and alert now, his first mad rage
dissipated, he scanned the opposite
hank cautiously. but could nowhere
discover any evidence of life. Little
by little he comprehended the situa.
ton, and decided upon his own ac-
ton. The fugitives were aware of his
presence. and would prevent his
crossing the stream, yet they were
not az all liable 70 return to this side
and thus reveal their Identity To
attempt any further advance would be
madness, but he felt perfectly secure
from moiestation 30 long as he re,
manned quietly on the north shore.
Those shots we're merely warning
10 keep back; the very fact that the
men firing kept concealed was proof
positive that they simply wished to be
left alone They we're not afraid OF
what he knew now. only DESTROYS OF
not being seen Confident as to this
he retreated openly. without making
the slightest etfurt 10 conceal hts
movements. until he had regained the
scene OF murder In evidence Of the
truth OF HIS theory no further shot
were fired. and although he watched
that opposite sand bank carefully. not
the slightest movement revealed the
presence Of others THAT every mo
ton he made was being observed BY
keen eyes he had no doubt but this
knowledge aid not discomfort him.
nov that he felt convinced fear Of re
realment would keep his watchers. II
a sgfe distance Whoever they might
be they were evidently more anxious
10 escape discovery than he was fear.
fnl OF attack and possessed no desire
TO take his lie unless Il became
necessary TO prevent recognition
They stiil had every reason TO believe
their attack on the waguna would Sc
credited TO hostile Indians. and would
II far safer 10 remain con
ccaled and thus harbor this supposi
ton They could not suspect that
Keith had already stumbled upon Sic
truth, and was determined to verify
h
Secure In this conception OF the sit.
iation. yet still keeping a wary eye
bout to gunrd against any treachery.
he plninsman. discovering a spade in |
he nearest wagon hastily dug hole
n the sand, wrapped the dead bodies
a blankets, and deposited them there. |
n. plling above the mound the char.
ed remains Of boxes az some slight
protection against proving wolves.
ie searched the clothing OF the men.
MT found little TO reward the effort, I
few letters which were slipped into
rs pockets TO be read later some or.
mary trinkets hardly worth preserv
rs eycent that they might assist in
Identifying the victims. and. about the
eek Of the elder man, rather pc
uliar locket, containing portrait
ainted on ivory Keith was long
mo opening this, Inc spring being
cry ingoniously concealed but upon
nally succeeding he looked upon the
satures OF woman OF middle axe
strong mature face OF marked re.
nement exceedingly attractive stiil |
18th smiling dark eyes. and perfect
ealth OF reddish brown hair. He
I'D the locket open in his hand for
'veral minutes. wondering who she
,nld be. and what possible connec
on she could have held with the
md, Something about that face
Milling up into his own held pecullar
scination for him gripping him with
strange feeling OF familiarity, touch.
& some dim memory which failed
respond Surely he had never seen
g orig!nal for sire was not one 10
easily forgotten, and yet ewes,
IN, expression. combined to remind
m Of some one whom he had seen
i could not bring definitely to mind
lere were no narnos on the locket
marks OF Identification OF any kind.
I realizing the sacredness OF n
18th slipped the fragile gold chain
out his neck, and securely hid the /,
nket beneath his shirt.
II was noon by this time. the sun
III overhead and his horse. with
ngling rein stlll nibbllng daintily .
the short grass There was no rea
y for his lingering longer He swept :
! 49, l.