The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1913-05-23
The Fortunes of the LandrayS
csEes BIZ Vaughan Kester A~aS. md 1s the r Tss %
Author Of 1.-THE Prodigal Judge.
Just and the Unjust" etc.

Ephriam quietly III II becomes
known that there is reason TO doubt
the Indians We're solely responsible
Tor the killing OF those men, II VIII
make talk; and, supposng the guilty
parties are in camp near the city
and many strangers are in camp
there--we may have to look TAR loI
them when We want them.
THAT sounds whole lot better
said the Missourian. Well, Wen tuck
along into town. and we leave the boy
with YOU TO send back TO the States.
Ephriam led the way TO the los
stables. He wanted 10 see the last oil
these two men, before he repented oil
the part he was playing. They seem
ed simple. kindly fellows, who would
have dealt fairly by the boy
The Missourian wrung his hand
with feryor at parting.
You let us out easy, yet 1t AIM
really fitting we should carry him on
70 California he said.
Ephriam stood by the corral as they
rode away.
They are honest fellows he niue
tered at last and then he realized that
he was staring at Il stretch OF empty
road; they had passed from sight
down the trail.
He went slowly back 10 the house.
His daughter met him at the door.
Why. have they gone? she SAID
in surprise.
Yes"
But the boy. father"
He is TO stay with US until can
send him To the States he told her
she saw nothing unusual In what ne
had done; since this kindness, FOR
such IL seemed TO her. was wholly
characteristic of him
That's Just like you, father; you
are always taking trouble for other
people"
Am /? didn't know" He smiled
at her. DO you mind he added.
NO; poor little fellow. He fell
asleep at the table, and carried him
upstairs and put him TO bed.
Ephriam chuckled softly.
Il guess you're every bit as bad as
l." he said.
He seated himself on a bench BY
the ranch door, and fell 10 consider
ing the child's story. seeking TO fix
some explanation to it, that would
account for Youngs interest in him.
Inside the house the girl came and
went Lost In thought the old man
did not note the passing OF time. and
1t was only when his daughter appear
ed In the doorway TO tell him that
supper was on the table, that he
reused from his long revery. but with
the problem as far as ever from solil-
ton.
BLESS me. it's almost candle-light.'
he cried Where's the boy?'
He's still asleep
Then we'll let him be- he said.
But after they had eaten. he stole up
stairs where he found Benny still rest
ing quietly.
Hes sleeping yet, but I'll go see
him again before | go to bed" he
told his daughter when he rejoined
her In the room below. But when
two hours later. he mounted Benny S
room. he found him wide awake and
sitting up in bed. Seeing Ephriam he
smiled in friendly recognition, and
sank back on the pillow.
You've had long sleep. Benny =
said the old man. He seated himself
on low stool beside the bed. placing
his candle on the floor at his feet.
Are you hungry" he added
mo, not Bit" said Benny.
Benny, you're sure il was the In
dams that killed your father
Benny instantly sat erect again
Did they tell you 10 ask me that?"
he demanded, with keen suspicion.
They? Who do you mean. child
The men"
No. They have gone; you are TO
stay here with me"
Benny smiled. then his face fell.
But they'll come back for me-" he
said.
No. you'll probably never see
either of them again; they are going
on to California"
And I'm TO stay here with you?' he
asked
Yes -"
For always" he demanded eag
erly.
Yes. az long as you like"
~ shall like that---always," he de-