Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1913-09-25
A ELB0rDcs
COPYRIGHT 1879 BY A.c.nscluso g CO.

again roamed these plains as mas.
ters. Hamlin knew this; he had met
and talked with those driven out, and
ne 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 fired 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 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, differing dimly through
some crevice in the bluff, and the
darker shadows were redeemed by the
CHEEKY glow of fire place directly op.
posite, although where the smoke dis
appeared was not at first evident.
H9mlin perceived these features at a
glance, standing motionless His
quick eyes visioned the whole interior
"a rude table and bench. rifle lean
Ing in one corner. saddle and trap
pings hanging against the wall; q
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 centered on the figure of a man.
The fellow occupied a stool before
'he fireplace, and was bending slight
~ forward, staring down at the red
embers, unconscious Of the intruder.
tic was a thin-chested, unkempt in
o.vidual 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 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.
! wouldn't risk it if 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 articulate hoarsely. "a
a soldier?"
Hamlin nodded, willing enough to
let the other talk.
"You're-you're not one O. Le-
Fevre's OUTFIT"
"Whose?"
Gene lie Fevre-the damn skunk;
you KNOW MIN!
Startled as he was. the sergeant
held himself firm, and laughed.
81 reckon there isn't any one by
that name friend o. mine," he said
coolly. so you're free to relieve
your feelings as far as I'm concerned.
Were you expecting that gent along
this trail?"
Yes, was, an 'twa'nt no pleas.
ant little reception lowed to give
him neither. Say! Wouldn Z yer just
as soon lower tibet shootin iron? We
amt got no call to quarrel SC fur as
| kin see."
Maybe not, stranger" and Ham
lin leaned back against the table, low
ering his weapon slightly. as he
glanced watchfully about the room.
but I'll keep the gun handy just the
same until we understand each other
Anybody else in this neighborhood?
mot unless it's lie Fevre. an his
outfit"
Then l reckon you did the shoot
ing out there bit ago?"
The man shuYled uneasily, but the
sergeants right hand came to a level.
did your"
Il s'pose thar amt no use o. deny
in It," reluctantly. cycling the gun In
the corner, but didn't mean to
shoot up no outfit but lie Fevre's. So
help me, didn't The DANCED snow
was SO thick couldn't see nohow. but
never s'posed any one was on the
trail 'cept him. Thar amt been no
white man long yere in three months.
Didn't hit none of yer, did II"
Eyes, you did," returned Hamlin
slowly. striving to hold himself In
check. You killed one OF the best
fellows that ever rode these plains,
you sneaking coward, you. Shot him
dead. with his back to you. Now, see
here, it's a throw of the dice with
me whether | fill you full of lead. or
let you go. | came in here intending
to kill you, II you were the cur who
shot US up. But I'm willing to listen
to what you have got to say. I'm some
on the fight. but plain murder don't
appeal to me- How is it? Are you
ready to talk? Spit 1t out, mani"
"I'll tell yer Jest how 1t was"
DO 1t my way then; answer
Straight what ask you. Who are
you? What are you doing here?"
kin sit DOWN."
Yes: make it short now; all
want Is facts"
wal, my name is Hughes-Jed
Hughes; | ulster hang out around San
Antoine. an hev been mostly in the
COW business The last FIVE yeas lie
FeVre an hev been grain cattle in
between yere an Buffalo Creek"
"Partners?"
wal. by God! thought so. till Just
lately" his voice rising. Anyhow.
he'd bunch o. money in on the deal.
though I'll be darned II NOW Just
what's become O. 1t. Yer see. stranger.
Gene he'd the inside o. this Injun