The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1912-08-03
CHAPTER xl.
(continued,)

Used TO know Steele once
went on DeBar THAT was back
where it happened. He was one OF
my friends. "
For a moment he turned his eyes on
Philip. They were deep gray eyes,
set well apart in face that among
a hundred others Philip would have
picked cut for it's frankness and cour-
age he knew that the man before
him was not much more than his
own age, yet he appeared 10 years
older
He sat up on his sledge as DeBar
left his bird 10 thrust sticks into the
snow. OH the ends OF which he hung
Philips frozen garments close 10 the
fire. From the man Philips eyes tray
eled TO the dog, The hound yawned
IN the heat and he saw that one OF
his fangs was gone
IF you're starving, why don't you
Kill the dog" he asked
DeBar turned quickly. his white
teeth cleaning through his beard.
Because he's the best friend I've
|
saiG warmly. He stuck 10 me through
thick and thin for 10 years. lie
starved with me. and fought with me
and half died with me, and he's going
10 live with me as long as live
! Would you eat the flesh OF your broth
| CIR. steele? He's my brother--tht
last that your glorious law has left
TO me- Would you kill him II YOU
were me?"
Something stuck hard and fast In
Philips throat. and he made no re
ply. DeBar came toward him with
| the hot bird on the end of his stick
| With his knife the outlaw cut the
bird into two equal parts, and one
| OF these parts he cut into quarters
! One OF the smaller pieces he tossed
/ TO the hound, who devoured II at
gulp. The half he stuck on the enc
OF his knife and offered 10 his com
panion
No" said Philip. II can't"
The eyes of the two men met. and
! DeBar. Oh his knees. slowly settled
/ back, ssh gazing at the other. In the
ewes OF one there was understanding
I i'm those OF the other stern determin
alton.
See here" said DeBar, after a
moment. don't be fool, Steele. Let s
forget. for a little while God knows
what's going TO happen 10 both OF us
tomorrow or next day and it'll be
easier 10 die with company thar
alone. won't Il? Let's forget thai
you're the Law and I'm the Man, and
that I've killed one or two. Were
both In the same boat. and we might
as we'll be little BIT friendly for 9
| few hours, and shake hands. and b'
at peace when the last minute comes
III we get out of this. and find grub
we'll fight fair and square. and the
best man wins. BE square with me
old man. and III be square with you
s'elp me God"
He reached out a hand. gnarled
knotted. covered with callousea ant
scars. and with a strange sound II
his throat Philip caught ii tightly II
his own.
'I'n be square. Bill" he cried. 9
swear that I'll be souare-on thos'
conditions. IL we find grub and live
wen fight it out-alone-an the bes
man wins. But I've had food today
land you're starving Eat that ant
ETll still be in better condition thar
you. Eat It. and well smoke. Prais'
God I've got my pipe and tobacco"
They settled back close in the le'
OF the drift, and the wind swrle'
white clouds Of snowmist over thei
heads. while DeBar ate his bird ant
Philip smoked. The food that Wen
down DeBars throat was only MOI
sci, out il put new life into him, ant
he gathered fresh armfuls OF stick
and sapling boughs until the fir
burned Philips face and his dryini
clothes sent up clouds OF steam
IOnce, a hundred yards out In tn
plain. Philip heard the outlaw burs
into a snatch of wild forest song a
ne pulled down dead stub.
Seems good TO have comp'ny," h
lsaid, when he came back with hi
load. my God. do you know w
never felt quite like this-so easy an
happy like, since years and years?
wonder II 1t is because ! know tn
end is near?"
There's still hope" replied Philip
Hope" cried DeBar ITS NOR
than hope, man It's a certainty TO
lme-the end, | mean. Don't you see
phil" He came and sat down clos
Ito the other on the sledge, and spok
as II he had known him for years
ITS got to be the end for me. and
guess that's what makes me cheerful