Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-12


thought to be dying. He must have been irresponsible
when he wrote you that. He a drug user"
"rhen it be that, stridng up to her, he caught
her in iron grip, that my boy never died? An
swer me! You must tell mel
"He-lived!7
Lives? Now"
him to private hospital in New York. where nursed
him for three years. Spinal trouble, resulting from his
injuries. His mother left no relatives. No claimed
him. So adopted him.
As she spoke she sdestepped defensively inter
cep the glance he darted toward the chair where
hudded little figure with big fearful eyes and sensitive
lpS gazing from the one to the other.
"My little boy.' burst from the man like sob.
"No!" she cried sharply, standing guard over the
chair "Not yours, but mine-dO you hear: have
RED him on pillow when he too i'll to know |
have fought for his life many night, till 1t seemed that
it part of myself was trying to save What have
you done for him? l have built up my home around
him. have given up my life to him. Can you prove
clear title to him.?
"No-except that he is my flesh and blood"
"The beasts can say that of their young. What good
will certificate of fatherhood do you if you can't
show yourself fit to be ntrusted with the of little
child? Are youo YOU who trying to drive innocent
people from their homes by barbarian methods and
identifying yourself with the forces of lawessness, you
bring up my Partner? Why. you aren't civilized
You're probably right; but-you hit confoundedlv
hard!" He could only vince before the onslaught of
this splendid creature
AI'm sorry to have to hurt you but there's more at
stake than wounded feelings. The words poured forth
in torrent you've disputed title to this land.
Very well, III move out tomorrow and give you quit
claim for the place. I'll go far away and trouble
you again, if you'll promise not to disturb me in pos
session of Partner. Remember it for his good.
"Oh don't deny it's for his good he choked. But
its devish Keep the lad l won't have it at such
price 1t sickens me-.
At the cry, she swallowed hard and turned from the
sight of Partner struggling manfuy with his tears:
II just can't give him up she breathed pacing the
in despair, until strange whispers from the outer
night began beat upon her misery, sounds which
hoobeats mingled vaguely with the humble of voices.
simultaneously the tread of feet upon the front
step, accompanied by heavy knock.
WHITE and startled, she turned to Buchanan. THE
w cattlemen!'
an settle those chaps he muttered, whipping out
back
NO not yet! I'll not open till | have to-" Then,
raising her voice. she called in clear Tone who it,
pease?"
Captain Street of the United States Cavalry. May
have word with you, Ma ann?
"'rhe soldiers" Her relief mingled with new anxi-
ETY.. They're probably after you, Mr.. Buchanan.
Quick, hidein my closet! You show him, Partner, and
keep out of sight yourself.
81 can't play the coward and leave you to face them.
No telling
"Do as say!" And there nothing to do but obey
the swift, imperious whisper; while she cautiously
opened the door.
4Sorry to disturb you, Ma'am,7 said the bluff, ell
derby officer, waving his hand to include tie aides
who accompanied him, and the mounted group at
the gate "but we're detachment of the cavalry
under orders from the Interior to take the nonsense
of these cattle fellows. We cooperate with the
local and State authorities. Now we've just got wind
of one of their leaders, holy they call Doc Blu
chanan On our way up met tough-looking
toner who told we'd find Buchanan hanging around
here making things warm for you. Doesn't happen to
be around now, does he?
"Absurd The man you met must have been Buck
Radord, of the gang, and he simply lied to you.
The man Buchanan never annoyed me. You may find
him riding somewhere up the road.
Thank YOU, Maam. Goodnight.
Still quvering, she boted the door and carried the
lamp back into the sitting On the threshold she
paused at the sight of Partner nestled close Buchanan
- Lc,t