Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1911-03-23

dog. l can't go away and
leave him there without saying hello"
Let me do that" suggested Wether-
ford. I'm afraid to go down to the
Fork. l reckon I'd better go back and
tend the sheep till Gregg sends some
one up to take my place."
'"That might be too late to see Lie.
Lees voice showed great anxiety. She
may be on her deathbed. No; you'd
better go down with me today" he
urged. And at last the old man con-
scented.
Putting some bread in his pockets,
Ross rode off up the trail to see how
the dog and his flock were faring. He
had not gone far when he heard the
tinkle of the bells and the murmur of
the lambs, and a few moments later
the collie came toward him with the
air Of a boy who. having assumed to
disregard the orders Of his master,
poets a scOlding. He plainly said:
give brought my sheep to you because
l was lonesome. Please forgive me-"
Cavanagh called to him cheerily and
tossed him a piece of bread, which he
caught in his teeth, but did not swal-
low. On the contrary, he held it while
leaping for joy of the praise he heard
in his new found masters voice.
Turning the flock upward toward the
higher peaks, the ranger commanded
the collie to their heels and so, having
redeemed his promise, rode back to the
cabin, where he found Wetherford sad
died and ready for his momentous trip
to the valley. He had shaved away
his gray beard, and had Ross been un-
prepared for these changes be would
have been puzzled to account for this
decidedly military figure sitting statu-
esquely on his pony before the door.
you can prove al alibi." he called
as he drew lear. Gregg himself would
never recognize you now"
Wetherford was in no mood for jok-
ing. Lie will. | wore Il mustache in
the old days, and there's a scar on my
chin"
AS he rode he confded this strange
thing to Cavanagh. Il know" said he.
that Lie is old and wrinkled, for I've
seen her. but all the same | can't re-
alize it. That heavy set mn down
there is not Lie. My Lie is slim and
straight. This woman whom you know
has stolen her name and face, that's
all. I can't explain exactly what l
feel, but Lee Virginia means more to
me now than Lie"
II think I understand you" said
Cavanagh, with sympathy in his voice.
The nearer Wetherford came to the
actual meeting with his wife the more
he shook. At last he stopped in the
road. II don't believe l can do it,"
be declared. "I1l be like a ghost to
her. What's the use of it? She'll only
be worried by my story. l reckon I'd
better keep dark to everybody. Let me
go back. I'm plum scared cold"
While still he argued two men on
horseback rounded a sharp turn in
the trail and came face to face with
the ranger. Wetherford's face went
suddenly gray. There's the deputy!'
Keep quiet. I'll do the talking"
commanded Cavanagh. who was in
slant in his determination to shield the
man. Good morning, gentlemen" he
called cheerily. You're abroad early!!'
The man in front was the deputy
sheriff of the county; his companion
was a stranger.
THAT was a horrible mess you STUN
bled on over on Deer creek" the dep
uty remarked.
1T certainly was. Have n arrests
been made?"
Not yet. but we're on a clew. This
is Marshal Haines of Dallas, Mr.. Cav
anagh." pursued the deputy. The two
men nodded in token of the introduc-
ton. and the deputy went on, You
remember lat old cuss that used TO
work for Gregg"
Again C~avanagh nodded.
well. that chap is wanted by the
Texas authorities. Mr.. Haines h: