The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1913-06-12
Hughes Story.
CHAPTER XVII.

Hughes Story.
Hamlin thrust his glove into hi
belt, drew forth his revolver, an
gripped it's stock with bare hand. Thi
odd, hidden dwelling might be dc
serted, a mere empty shack, but h
could not disconnect 1t in his min,
from that murderous attack mad
upon their little party two hours be
fore. Why was 1t here In the heart o
this desert? Why built with such evi
dent intent Of concealment? But 70
what had occurred on the plateau
above, his suspicious would neveI
have been aroused. This was alread!
becoming a cattle country; adventur
Gus Texans, seeking free range an(
abundant water, had advanced alont
all these prominent streams with theil
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 fol
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 b%utchered their cattle, and once
again roamed these plains as mas
ters. Hamlln 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 outrider's shack,
but--the fellow who fired on them! He
was q 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 or
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, dittering dimly through
some crevice in the blum, and the
darker shadows were Redeemed by the
CHEEKY glow Of a fire place directly CD.
posite. although where the smoke dis
appeared was not at first evident.
Hamlin perceived these features at a
glance, standing motionless. His
quick eyes visioned the whole interior
IA rude table and bench, q rife lean
ing In one corner. q saddle and trap
pings hanging against the wall; a
broad-brimmed hat on the floor. a pile
Of skins beyond. There was an ap
pearance of neatness also, the floor
swept, the table unlittered. Yet he
scarcely realized these details at the
time so closely was his whole atten.
ton conferred on the figure OF q man.
The fellow occupied q stool before
hhe fireplace, and was bending slight
ly forward, staring down at the red
smbers, unconscious Of the intruder.
He was q thin-chested, unkempt In
dividual with long hair, and shaggy
whiskers, both iron gray. The side
of his face and neck hal q sallow look.
while his nose was prominent. The
sergeant surveyed him q 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 win do. friendl" Hamlin's
voice rang stern.
stand a. you are-your gun ID ~
Ing on the bench yonder. Rather
pareless Of you In this country. No.
wouldn't risk Il II I was you: this
b . hair trigger" :.
The fellow stared helpless into the
gray eyes.
swho-who the hell Are youf" he
managed to articulate hoarselys -
! soldierfs
Hamlin nodded. willing enough 70
lot the other talk.
sYou're-you're NOT one o L.
Hevre's outnti"
ssWhooefs
"0sne II Fevre-ths damn skunk;
ron know himf~
Startlsd - - was. TIE serge.nt
80 ~ A