The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-12-08

engaged In determined effort to re-
possess the money which he had so
magnificently cast abroad among the
citizens of Salt Springs. Following his
usual method when doing business
with the natives. he was playing poker
I'm the office bar of the Palace hotel
Opposite him, and the heaviest loser.
sat young miner. Davis. A jackpot
was opened. and after the draw only
Carson and Davis held their cards, the
gamblers being barely visible above
the edge of the table.
The pipe which the young miner had
been smoking fell to the door. He
stopped quickly to recover it. and Car
sons tickle goddess of luck, laughing
moekingly. deserted him. it was the
precise instant that Davis stopped that
Carson chose TO extract two cards from
his bootleg. Davis Strengthened with
jerk, and as he leaned far across
the table his blue eyes blazed.
''You dirty, cheating thief" he snarl
ed. and swiftly the crowdlng men
sprang back from what they knew
would follow.
lt was at this moment of close h,v.
ering tragedy that Betty entered and
for an instant too short to he meas,
ured. vet long enough for many
thoughts to fash through her brain,
and for Carson TO grow white and
limp as he looked into Deaths own
eyes, the girl stood motionless, Then
she darted forward and caught Davis
arm, already beginning its downward
swing with cleaning knife.
'Please. oh. please. give his life to
me-" she cried. and in her voice was
so fierce yearning that IL reached
even Davis rage dulled brain.
'Shorely. miss. Any little ole thing
yo' want" he stammered awkwarCily
and returned Retty's smile of gratitude
with an embarrassed but admiring
grin You git up, This here lady
don't want You TO die" he added con
temptuously to Carson. and the gam.
bier rose tremblincly
NO, you can't buy no drink here"
was the greeting Of his sometime
friend. Mr. Baylor. the landlord, as
Carson lurched eagerly toward the bar
This here house don't serve no gent
chat gets caught cheatin." he added
with cold seorn. and with an express
sion Of cowed fury the gambler hur,
f.2t! ou,. -.. - horse and
| g6lloped from tHy tnwa,
! Betty placed siuatl brown hand in
| the E.,SSive nav OF the miner
II thank YOU" she said simply, and
| then ran quickly m the stair
Suddenly there arose in the one treet
wild wells, and Il horsemau pulled his
reeking mustang TO sudden stop in
front Of the hotel, from which the man
came hurryiny.
Cold the horseman roared
They've struck free gold in Sandy
Gdlch-richer n Cripple Creek,
In an instant the town had stam-
peded, and when, a few moments later
! Betty came from the hotel. seeking to
I know the cause of the excitement. the
I dust of hasty departure was already
settling. Not man. apparently. was
I left in Salt Springs. her attention
[ was INV SN tl' dttldtteu pN tue stage
approaching from the east. and she
( waited with idle curiosity to observe
what manner of passengers il would
I bring.
( "'Io. Betty, Where's everybody
done gone at?" the driver asked ru.
riousiy as he brought his team TO a
! stop and rolled his eyes about the de-
/ serted village.
Struck it rich-in Sandy Gulch." Il
belated citizen yelled as he tore past,
and without word the stage driver
leaped TO the ground. swiftly cut free
the harness of one of his horses. spraus
upon its bare back and dashed away.
! A single passenger was getting slow.
| iy from the coach. and Betty moved
/ forward with casual Indifference
Il fancy am bit Ill. V know"
Lord Cecil said. as with droooing head
he leaned weakly against wheel. IF
/ you would I've kind enough To get some
one TO assist me-
The blood few dizzily to Betty's
I head. and her heart pounded wildly
\ The impulse TO run away was aim Isl
| overpowerirg. hut She fought il down
and faced him bravely though her face
burned Cecil raised his eyes.
To Be Continued.