The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-02-21
BY NJ j. PHILLIPS.
Copyright. 1912. by the Associated
Literary Press.b

{Copyright 1912. by the Associateo
Literary Press.b
What's the matter, Frank-seen
a ghost?"
frank Marquette did not respond
iovously as on ordinary occasions
when he met Arlene Tower. His boy
ish face, marred more by indecision
than weakness. was pale; his eyes
shone strangely.
He glanced over his shoulder to-
ward the wilderness behind them.
which was darkening with the COM
ing of night.
II have killed "A man." he said
breathlessly
Frank cried the girl. What do
YOU mean"
Back there he pointed to the
southeast. There was flash OF
gray and white. II looked like the
flicker of deer's tail. Before
thought ! fired and a man yelled
once
The girl sfuddered. Who was II 2
II don't know didn't stop.
His cry, you know"
Frank" Her voice vibrated with
anger and contempt. DO you inca n
10 say you ran away and left him to
die there--alone:
But. Arlene. what would people
say If they knew | shot at a deer out
OF season? And If he's--dead, It's
ma nslaughter--
She stamped her foot III the snow.
You coward. Where was it,"
Back by the tall pine. IN 60 with
you-" He wavered miserably.
NO. / don't want you. Yesterday
know what tn say. but do now. My
answer Is no.
''Arlene!" he implored, pitcously.
II can't marry n coward, Frank
she replied sadly. Now, YOU had
better GO ] hear dad coming. Well
take care of this man~--if he's alive.
Ii he isn't. I'll tell dad. Well think
what to do"
She pushed him into the scrub be-
side the narrow path. and he was at
once hidden from view. torn with
doubts as to what part 10 play in
this frontier drama.
Arlene's father. a tall. gaunt. silent
woodsman. returning from a days
Journey along his trap line. dropped
his bundle OF skins by the cabin door
and followed her without question. A
hurried ten minute walk brought
them TO the tall pine.
They found Marquette's victim lying
in the snaw- and strAgatinx back sa-
.consc toIsness. 4 .Eiig1 face was bloody
and his scalp torn, but the bullet had
merely creased his skull without frac-
turing IL. Evidently he was a ium-
bcrjack on his way to Dohson's camp
five miles distant.
He was typical high-booted
husky" SCARED by many bar
room fight, He wore q gray Mack
NAV the color of deer's coat. and
In sh pf ty-hi yrtp
ed Marquette was a newspaper In
which q lunch ne fread- and fried.
bacon had ben wrnnned.
!. mo fair. Darby" he mumbled. get
ting painfully to a sitting position.
"fou hit me with peavy. you little
beast"
Steady" cautioned Joe Tower.
Don't try to get up yet" He peered
closer. why. it's Roaring Bill Hart"
The lumherjack grined uncertainty.
Roaring Bill 1t is,' he agreed. Say.
Was ! iightin' or did tree fall on
me?"
You was creased replied the
woodsman: some one took YOU for a
deer
who was he. hey. Who was the
jackdraw. Show m TO me: II'll kick
the ribs off him! Who Was It. Joe?"
II don't know" returned Tower.
shortly. He glanced 1t his daughter.
but she shook her head.
We'll, I'll find out. Lemme I'M:
TIM all right. Why. the low-down---'
tits manner chAnSed abrUptIy as he
saw Arlene for the flrst time In the
BACKGROUND.
Excuse me. ma.asn'" he blurted
out.
Come on over to my rlace. Hill
urged Tower. 1T ant fair. Wen
rafch you np and git q bite o'EuDper."
He assisted the Iumbcrtack to his feet
and steadied him until the whirlpool
in Harris brain settleI
After the evening meal, which the
roaring one ate with his head incased
In bandn~~. tho HsGn smotred rire
toye.hcr. RisiH stole occAsi0nal awed
stances at ArieanA NJ she went shout
her household duties. Nj Tower
knitted rlacidly by 3ne Arenlaee.