The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1914-01-17
Tracks,"
Mans

| ouie. SlfdtS0 lTdChS. MAN .
tracks"
What does that signify?"
we amt altogether certain. Ca
| rara says he seen stranger hangin'
around night before last, and jest now
we found where boss 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 it quick enough! I
wouldn't put it past 'em to drop AS
through your winder if 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.
II can't stand for this, it's getting
too serious"
There amt nothin' to fear" said
| V-i,1io coOtbiDpIv "Rpmomhnr
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 off, 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. I'll
saddle my bronze an lope along with
you. Well 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 l shall give
up training"
What"
Il mean training on the road. L
I'll run indoors"
Not bit like it," declared Slower.
You'll get your daily run if we have
to lay off all the punchers on the
place and put 'em on as body-guard.
We can't let you get hurt. You're
worth too much to US"
Larry and will take chance"
Not 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,"
lid rather risk my life than put
you to so much trouble"
ITS only pleasure"
Nevertheless, | can't allow it. I'll
run alone, if 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"
|
1--WE got it," said he at last I'll
run at night"
Slower hesitated thoughtfully.
81 don't reckon you could do your
self justice that-away. but you might
do your trainin at daylight. The
Centipede goes to work the same time
we do, and the chances is your assas-
sin won't miss his breakfast.
Good! I'LL do that"
Il sure admire your courage, but II
you see anything suspicious, let US
know. Wen git EN-" said Willie.
Thank YOU"
The two men went out, whereupon
Glass chartered:
"W-what did tell you? It's
worse'n suicide to stick around this
farm. I'm going to blow"
where are you going?"
| New York. Let's beat it,"
"Never!" exclaimed the college
man, stubbornly. Well hear from
Coyington before long. Besides,
can't leave until l get some money
from home"
Lets walk"
/ Don't be fool!"
"Then I've got to have drink. y
Glass started for the living-quarters
hut at the door ducked quickly out OF
sight "She's there!" he whispered
traeically. "She seen me, tool!
Mariedetta was squatting IN the
shade opposite, her eyes fixed stolidl,
upon the training quarters.
"Then you've got to lay low TIL sne