Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-04-03
CHAPTER XVII.
HUGHES, Story.


belt, drew forth his revolver, and
gr1pped it's stock with bare hand. This
odd, hidden dwelling might be de
serted. a mere empty shack, but he
could not disconnect it in his mind
from that murderous attack made
upon their little party two hours be
fore. Why was it here in the heart OF
this desert? Why built with such evi
dent intent of concealment? But fol-
what had occurred on the plateau
above, his suspicious would never
have been aroused This was already
becoming a cattle country; adventur
GUS Texans, seeking free range and
abundant water, had advanced along
all these prominent streams with their
grazing herds of long-horns. Little by
little they had gained precarious foot
hold on the Indian domains, slowly
forcing the savages westward. The
struggle had been continuous fo1
years. and the final result inevitable
Yet this year the story had been q
different one, for the united tribes had
swept the invading stockmen back,
had butchered their cattle, and once
again roamed these plains as mas.
ters. Hamlin knew this; he had met
and talked with those driven out, and
he was aware that even now Black
Kettles winter camp of hostiles was
not far away. This hut might, Of
course, be the deserted site Of some
old COW camp. some outriders shack,
but-the fellow who fred on them! He
was reality-a dangerous reality
and he was hiding somewhere close
| at hand.
The sergeant stole along the front
to the door, listening intently for any
warning sound from either without OF
within. Every nerve was on edge; all
else forgotten except the intensity OF
the moment. He could perceive moth
ing to alarm him, no evidence of any
presence inside. Slowly, noiselessly
his Colt poised for instant action he
lifted the wooden latch, and permitted
the door to swing slightly ajar, yield
ing a glimpse within. There was light
from above, fittering dimly through
some crevice in the bluff, and the
darker shadows were Redeemed by the
CHEEKY glow of fire place directly CD
posite, although where the smoke dis
appeared was not at first evident
Hamlin perceived these features at q
glance, standing motionless. His
quick eyes v1sfoned the whole interior
"a rude table and bench, a rifle lean.
Ing In one corner. a saddle and trap
pings hanging against the wall; a
broad-brtmmed hat on the floor, pile
of skins beyond There was an ap'
pearance Of neatness also, the floor
swept, the table unlittered. Yet he
time SO closely was his whole atten-
ton centered on the figure of a man.
l The fellow occupied stool before
The fireplace, and was bending slight
ly forward, staring down at the red
embers, unconscious of the intruder.
He was a thin-chested, unkempt in
dividual with long hair, and shaggy
whiskers, both iron gray. The side
of his face and neck had sallow look.
while his nose was prominent. The
sergeant surveyed him a moment his
cooked revolver covering the motion
less figure, his lips set grimly. Then
he stepped within and closed the door.
At the slight sound the other leaped
to his feet, overturning the stool. and
whirled about swiftly, his right hand
dropping to his belt.
THAT will do, friend!" Hamlin's
voice rang stern.
Stand as you are-your gun is ly-
ing on the bench yonder. Rather
careless of you in this country. No,
l wouldn't risk it If l was you: this
is hair trigger"
The fellow stared helpless into the
Sergeant's gray eyes.
"Who-who the hell are your" he
managed to articulats hoarsely, "a
soldier?"
Hamlin nodded, willing enough to
let the other calk.