The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1914-02-27

months wages IN advance. and we
have put 1t up. Moreover. have bet
my watch, which was presented to me
by the officials Of the Santa Fe Tor
KILN q pair OF road-agents when
was deputy sheriff"
Miss Blake uttered little scream,
and Speed regarded the lanky speaker
with new interest.
tits Waltham movement, solid
gold case, eighteen jewels. and en-
graved with my name"
mo wonder you prize it." said
Wally.
II bet my saddle" informed Carara,
in his slow, soft dialect. Stamp
leather wit silver filagree. It is more
dear to me than well-I love it YER
much, senor!"
Seems like Willie has made the
extreme sacrifice" Slower followed up.
while all our boys has gone the
limit. Willie has topped 'em all; he's
bet his gum"
Indeed! Is it good weapon?"
"It's been good to me" said the lit
tie man, dryly. Il took it of the quiv-
ering remains Of a sheriff in Dodge
City, up to that time the best hip shot
In Kansas"
Speed felt a cold chill steal up his
spine, while Miss Blake went pale and
laid trembling hand upon his arm.
you see it amt intrinsic value so
much as association and sentiment
that leads to this interview" Slower
continued cit amt no joke-we dom
joke with the Centipede-and we've
relied on you. The Mex here would
do murder for that saddle" Carara
nodded, and breathed something in his
own tongue. II have parted with my
honor. and Willie is gamblin' just as
high"
But notice Mr.-Willie still has
his revolver
"Sure / got it," Willie laughed, alb
ruptly. "And don't give it up till we
lose. neither. That's the under
standin'" His voice was surprisingly
harsh for one so high-pitched. He
looked more like a professor than
ever.
willie has reasons for his caution
which we respect" explained the
spokesman.
]. Wallingford Speed, face to face
with these serious-minded gentlemen,
began to reflect that this foot-race
was not thing to be taken too
lightly.
Il can't understand" he declared,
with touch Of irritation, why you
should risk such priceless things up
on friendly encounter"
"Friendly!" cried Willie and Slower
in tone that made their listeners
gasp. "The Centipede and the Flying
Heart is just as friendly as pair of
wild boars."
you set. it's good thing we wised
you up" added the latter.
Carara muttered fiercely: "Senor,
/ worka five year for that saddle.
am good gambler, 81, 81! but l keel
somebody biffore lose it to the
Centipede."
"And is that Echo photograph worth
all this?" inquired Helen.
I'VE won that photograph at risk OF
life and limb" said Willie, doggedly.
from the Centipede-"
and twenty other outfits, senior"
tits trophy" declared the fore
man, land SO long as it amt where it
belongs. the Flying Heart is in dis
grace"
Even the Leven X treats US scorn-
full" cried the smallest of the trio an
.grily. Were q joke to the whole
state"
II know just how these gentlemen
must feel" declared Miss Blake, tact
fully, at which Slower bowed with
grateful awkwardness.
"And it's really wonderful in
strument," said he. II don't reckon
there's another one like it in the
world, leastways in these parts.
You'd ought to hear it-clear as
bell"
"And sweet" said Willie. God! It's
sure sweet"
Il begin to feel your loss" said
Speed gravely. Gentlemen, can only
assure you shall do my best"
Then you won't take no chances?"
inquired Willie, mildly.
you may rely upon me to take care
OF myself"
Thank you'll" The delegation moved
away.
What d you think of him?" in
CURED Slower of the little man in
glasses, when they were out Of hear
ing.
Il think he's all right" Willie hesi-
tated, Aonly kind of crazy, like all east
ern boys. It don't seem credible that
no sane man would dast to bluff after
what we've said. He'd be flynn in the
face of Providence"
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
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