The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1913-09-28

! GRUFFL4.
/ ir remote region. situated on an arm
Of the Hudson bay. The flying ma
chine had ferreted them out II be
clipped a hundred miles of his flight
record he would lose ont on the trophy
and the prize money. On the other
side was the pitiable group Of white
faced men with their hunted. desperate
eyes.
III report from the next telegraph
station?" be asked.
| Its 200 miles
What is the name Of the placer"
"Flume station But can we depend
upon your promise!' asked Gates
doubtfully. and the others murmured
dissatisfaction.
For answer Stoddard detached the
ed them the record 1t registered 800
miles. record breaking fight for the
young aviator Deliberately he manip-
ulated the recorder until he had set it
back 400 miles When l reach Flume
station it will register 200 more, making
me Goo be said as he replaced the in
strument.
whats to prevent your setting it
ahead again?" demanded the weasel
faced man suspiciously.
Nothing but the action Of the planes
can effect that" returned Stoddard
gravelv. and for their satisfaction be
brought out from a locker a book OF
directions for adjusting the speedome-
ter. They read it eagerly as if their
tired eyes We're glad to look upon
printed page even Of dry technicalities
and gave ii back to him.
your success will mean we shall be
bounded farther into the wilderness"
said Gates in an agitated tone.
Shut up. you old fool" squealed the
weasel faced man angrily. Then be
turned to Stoddard with sickiy smile
writing his features. We're party OF
-er-nnt,1ral lists he explained lamely
Stoddard was silent for long while.
Then be turned away his head that be
might not see the shame in their faces.
II might as well tell you that | can
guess the situation recognize some
O1 you. SpHtleIleu. DIt Sudll .OlSet
all about this as soon as leave"
Gates broke the hush that followed
these words. You know there are re-
wards out for some. and they are OF
tempting size" But Stoddard shook
his head
I'm not a cad" he said briefly.
One BY one eight hands went out to
meet his extended palm, and last Of nj!
the reluctant hand Of the weasel faced
man, 1t was like contact with a cold.
dead fish The young aviator hesitated
an instant before be started the ma
chine down the incline that was to
giveehim Impetus for his fight.
Gentlemen" he said slowly. Its
none of my business. but why don't
you come back. work 1t out and live
afterward:"
Perhaps we WILL said voice tim
idly. and then they stood back as he
left them. When he hung above their
waved his handkerchief before starting
southwark. He heard faint cheer
One brief backward glance showed
the glitter Of the bay. the dark cont
fers Of the forest In which the fugitves
made their home Then Stoddard saw
something strange. a spectacle that al
ways came before his eyes when be
thought Of these men
The dark forest that housed them
had been visited by fire at some period
and the course Of devastation had fol
lowed the lines Of cross. Now it
stood out dark smitten evidence
against the green Of the forest. even az
their SINS laid a cross upon their sonls
Stoddard. his face set to the south.
going back 4 loser in flight that had
promised him great awards. was not
thinking Of what he had lost He was
still thinking Of the significance OF the
lark cross