Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1914-04-17
"Tracks!"
Tracks,"
Sure! Strange tracks. Mans


tracks,"
What does that signify?"
I'VE amt altogether certain. Ca
rara says he seen a stranger hangin'
around night before last, and Jest now
we found where a hoss had been pick
eted out in the ravine. Looks like he'd
stood there more'n once"
1T has nothing to do with me-"
81 amt sure. 1t looks to us like It's
somebody from the Centipede. They're
equal to any devilment."
Speed showed an utter lack of COM
prehension, SO Willie explained.
Understand, we've made this race
pay or play. Mebbe they aim to
cripple you"
MEL" Speed started. Good heav-
ens!"
"Oh, they'd do 1t quick enough! I
wouldn't put 1t past 'em to drop a As
through your winder II It could be
done SAFE"
Shoot me, you mean?"
"Allah!" said Glass, devoutly from
his corner.
Slower and Willie nodded. "If was
you. I'd keep the lamp between me
and the winder every night"
"Why, this is abominable!" ex-
claimed the young college man, stiffly
IL can't stand for this, it's getting
too serious"
There amt nothin' to fear" said
Willie, soothingly. Remember,
told you at the start that we'd see
there wasn't no crooked work done.
Well, I'm goin' to ride herd on you,
constant. Mr. Speed" He smiled in a
manner to reassure. "If there's any
shootin' comes of, I'll be in on It,"
"S-say. what's to prevent US being
murdered when we're out for a rum"
queried Glass.
Mel" declared the little man. '1l!
saddle my bronze an lope along with
you. Wen keep to the open country"
Instantly Speed saw the direful con-
sequences Of such a procedure, and
summoned his courage to say: mo.
It's very kind Of you. but shall give
up training"
"Whati"
Il mean training on the road. T.
I'll run indoors"
Not bit like IT," declared Stoyer.
You'll get your daily run II we have
to lay OF all the punchers on the
place and put 'em on az a body-guard.
We can't let you get hurt You're
worth too much to u.s."
Larry and ] will take a chance"
mot for mine!" firmly declared the
trainer. Il don't need no mineral in
my system. I'm for the house."
Then shall run alone"
You're game" said Willie admir-
ingly. and his auditor breathed easier,
but We can't allow It."
It'd rather risk my life than put
you to SO much trouble"
IT'S only. a pleasure"
Nevertheless, can't allow II. I'll
run alone, II they kill me for it"
"Oh, they won't. try to kill you.
They'll probably shoot you in the legs.
That's Just as good. and it's a heap
easier to get away with"
Speed felt his knee-caps twitching.
I've got IT." said he at last an
run at night"
Slower hcsitated thoughtfully.
Il don't reckon you could do your.
self justice that-away. but you might
do your trainin' at, daylight. The
Centipedc goes to work the same time
we do. and the chances is your assas.
sin won't miss his breakfast"
Good! I'LL do thatl"
Il sure admire your courage, but II
you see anything suspicious, let us
know. Wen git EN-" said Willie.
Thank you"
The two mon went out, whereupon
Glass chattered:
"W-what did tell you? It's
worse'n suicide to stick around this
farm. I'm going to blow"
Where are you goingr
New York. Let's beat it!"
"Neverl" exclaimed tho college
man. Btubbornly. Wen hear from
Covington before long. Besides, I
can't leave until get some money
from home"
Let's walk"
Don't be q fooli"
Then I've got to have a drink"
Glass started for the living-quarters,
but at the door ducked quickly out Of
sight. "Shes therel" he whispered
tragically. "she seen me. tool"
Mariedetta was squatting in the
shade opposite. her eyes fixed stolidly
upon the training-quarters.
"Then you've not IN law Iou tgit .h.