The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-11-13

ZOE sat in silence for some ten
minutes after he had gone; then
a. he rose and began to lead away
southeast
Evans ill hear Val Blacks the
owner of the pink necker AT Lavette
village It's an otter's to musk
rats pelt that then he'll head straight
for Val's We've got to he there afore
him"
The afternoon was yet young when
we arrived at Val Blacks Val was
not at home. but ,loe entered the hut
and searched it thoroughly. asked
him what he was seeking.
Those skins of Sally's."
'Then you think Black
~ think nothing vet. And here's the
man himself. anyway"
He turned 10 the door as Val Black
came swinging mp the trail. He was
of middle height. strongly built, with
quick eyes and dark hair which.
though cropped close. still betrayed its
tendency to curl He greeted Novem-
even more slow spoken than usual.
Val" he. said, after some talk.
"have you still got that pink necker
Sally knitted for you:"
"Yes. I've got her"
where 80 L
fright here" and Black pulled the
muller out If his pocket
"Hnh," said Hoe
There WAS Il silence. rather strain
ed silence between the two.
Then November continued. Where
was you last night
Val looked narrowly ut .Ioe. Joe re.
turned his stare
Say. November Joe. are you search.
ing for trouble:" asked Black in an
pminously quiet voice.
Seems as if trouble was searching
for me-" replied November
There WAS another silence Then
Val ierkcd nut. Il call your hand =
" show IT," said Joe You're sus.
pectcd nf rohhing SaIly's traps this
month back. And You're suspected Of
entering Sally's house hast evening
ard stealing prltS"
With shout of rage Val made at
Joe
November stood quite still under the
grip of tie others furious hands
You act innocent done you. YOU old
coyote" lie grinupd ironically. ii
pnynr Sui,r StlSpnrrnl Won "
Black drew off, looking little fool
ish. but he tinrpd up again.
who is it suspects me-"
"Iust Evans And he's got good evi-
dence Where was you between q and
{ last night
''ln the wnads, come back aud
s!ep' lrre a."
WAS ynu a!one?"
Yes"
Then you can't prove no alibi." Joe
paused
Ii was ut this moment that Evans,
accompanied by two other forest ran.
gers, appeared upon the scene. Quick
as lightning he covered Black with his
shotgun
up with your hands" he cried. ''or
III put this load of birdshot into your
face
Black scowled. but his hands went
up. He stood painting at sign one
Of the rangers sided up. and the click
of handouts followed.
What ain charged with" cried
Black
Robbery"
You'll pay me for this. Simon Ev.
ans!''
ut won't be for awhile-not till they
let you out again" retorted the war.
| den easily. Take him Off up the trail.
Bill
/ The rangers walked away with their
/ prisoner and Evans turned to Joe.
Guess | have the laugh of you, No
vember." he said
Looks that way. Where you takiD'
/ him?"
| ITO Lavette. I've sent word to Mrs
/ Rome to come there tomorrow. And
J now" continued Evans. I'm going to
| search Blacks shack"
What Tor
The stolen pelts."
Got a warrant?"
I'm a warden-don't need one"
you'll not search without It," said
! November. moving in front Of the door,
who'll stop me:" Evans chin shot
out doggedly.
II might" said Joe in his most gen
tie manner I'm In the right, for It's
agin the law. and you know it, Mr.
Evans"
Evans hesitated. Have it your way
but I'll he back with my warrant be
fore sunup tomorrow, and I'm war
den. and maybe you'll find it's better
to have me for friend than
Huh. Say. Mr.. Quaritch. have you
fill of that light baccy o. yours?
want soothin'.''
As soon as Evans was out Of sight
Joe beckoned me to thick piece Ol
scrub not far from the hut
"Stay right here till come back
Everything depends on that he whis
! narad