The copper era and Morenci leader., 1912-04-19

was nothing to shoot at-the fellowj had faded away into the black void of prairie. Keith stood there bafded, staring about into the gloom, theI smoking revolver in his hand. The sound of mems voices behind was alll that reached him, and feeling the use lessness of further pursuit, he re-i traced his way back through the nar- row passage.
 A group was gathered about the body in the rain, a single lanteTni glimmering. Two or three men had started down the passageway. and Keith met them, revolvers drawn and suspicious.
 Who are you?" snapped one sharply. Were you doing all that shooting yonder"
 Keith recognized the voice, thank full that he did so.
 'I fired at the fellow, but he got away onto the prairie. I reckon you couldn't have done any better, Bill"
 Jack Keith" and Hickock's voice had new tone, his hand dropping on the others shoulder. .Never was gladder to meet fellow in my life. Boys, this is an old deputy of mine down in Dodge. When he gives up chasin' a murderer there isn't much use our tryin' Let's go back, and find out how bad the fellow Is hurt. While we're feelin' our way, Jack, you might tell us what you know about this af- fair"
 Tt was just the flash of a gun. and the man dropped" Keith explained, briefly. 'T was ten or a dozen feet behind, and the fellow fired from un- der the wagon there. He must have been laying for some one-I reckon, maybe. 1t was me-"
 You? Then it's likely you have some notion who he wasf'
 Well. if I have, Bill," and Keith's lips were set tight, I'm not liable to tell you If it's the lad think likely, I'll attend to the case myself. You understand-this is my personal ab- fair"
 Hickock nodded, his hand again pressing the others shoulder.
 Sure, Jack, if you feel that way. There's enough doing here in Shert dan to keep a marshal reasonably busy, without dippin' into private matters. rather reckon you can take care of yourself, but if you need me, old boy, I'm always right here on the job. You know that"
 q do, Bill, and appreciate it"
 The group about the motionless body fell away, and made room for the | marshal, the last man to rise saying soberly:
 He's dead all right, Hickock. guess he never knew what hit him. Good shoot1n', too, dark as 1t Is here"
 Had the range fixed, likely" re- turned the marshal That's what for"
 He bent down, striving to dtsun- guish the dead mans features turned up to the dr1zzle. but the night re- vealed only the faintest outline.
 Anybody know himr' There was no response, only . shuf1ing of feet in the mud. Here, you man with tho hold it over where I can sec. There, that is better. Now, you fol lows take a look, and see if some of you can't name the poor devil"
 They glanced down, one after tho other, over Bill's shoulder, shading their eyes from the rain SO as to see clearer The light of the fickering lantern streamed full on the ghastly face, but each man shook his head, and passed on. Keith hung back, hop ing some one would identify the body, and not make it necessary for him to take part In the grewsome task. It was not likely to be any one he knew, and besides, he felt the man had died In his stead, and he dreaded to look upon the stricken face. When the last of the group had driftsd back out of the radius of light, Hiokock looked up and saw him.
 Here, Jack" he said, gravely, you better t1y-you might know him."
 Keith bent over and looked down. As he did SO his heart seemed to rise ,Aoktnx into his throat and a blNr