Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-12-30

" 'aa' ioi NY mibu mao Qrlfted into
review OF the nights adventures.
and plan for the morrow. We met
with no one, heard no noise except the
steady pounding of our horses boots,
little later the sky to the east be-
gan to tighten in the promise of dawn.
We climbed a long Hill, our horses
slowing to the ascent, and by the time
we attained the summit the gray light
revealed our faces. looked across
at her. and her eyes. uplifted sud.
denly to mine. smiled.
You are worn out" ! said.
II am tired" she confessed. 81
l have been two days and nights with.
out sleep. Ii | could only rest for an
hour
You shall--ail day long. We will
find place in which to hide down
there in the valley"
The road led winding down between
rocky banks into . narrow valley.
hemmed in by great hills. and watered
by small stream. As we paused to
let the thirsty animals drink. the In
creasing daylight gave me glimpse Of
bride path skirting the edge of the
stream along the west bank. The
path turned sharply to the right. and
as we mounted to the slightly higher
ground we could see the cabin perched
on little knoll, against the black hill
behind.
Surely nothing about the shanty. or
its immediate surroundings. indicated
present occupancy. Yet when finally
advanced 1t was with caution. and a
strange sense of expectation. Noreen
followed closely behind, treading al
most in my footsteps, as noiseless as
a fawn, her skirts held close about her
limbs. At the edge of the woods she
stood motionless as l went crouching
forward. The cabin was not deserted.
in spite of its desolate outward ap.
pearance. Opposite me was an open
fireplace, an iron kettle sitting In the
ashes. while q short barreled rife
stood upright In corner. On one Of
the stools lay a ad-brimmed hat,
and pair of ragged corduroy trousers
hung on wooden peg beside the un-
barred door. motioned to her to
join me. In spite of the lines of weari-
ness in her face the light of the dawn
revealed beauty that caused my
heart to throb~ Her eyes silently ques-
toned me, and / explained quickly
what discovery had made.
But the man may return" she said
doubtfully.
''Ot course. although l imagine he
has disappeared for the day. II he
Is hiding out he may not dare to re.
main here in daylight. Anyway you
can rest safely. for I am not in need
of any sleep. l mapped In my cell
yesterday. and just short doze will
serve me. But you are terribly tired
1t Is in your eyes"
YES" she confessed, Il must sleep
somewhere"
Then come; we'll find a bite to eat
and place for you to lie down"
opened the door noiselessly. al.
though l took no special precaution,
and held 1t wide, while she stepped
across the threshold, and stood look.
ing curiously about. Then closed 1t
behind us. and we were in q sort Of
twilight, amid which objects appeared
rather indistinct
All" said, "the fellows cupboard
must be over yonder. hope he keeps
1t well stocked"
| stepped across in front of her, with
no other thought than that of explor
ing the larder, when she gave vent to
a startled cry, and / stopped suddenly.
sweeping my eyes about to learn the
cause OF alarm. The ragged quilt was
on the floor, and man leaped across
the room and grasped the rife In the
corner. / saw the swift movement,
realized the purpose, yet had scarcely
time to draw a revolver from the belt,
before he had hand On the weapon.
and whirled savageiy about, facing us.
For the instant the gloom distigured
his facial knew was that he was
big fellow. with ragged. untrimmed
hair and scraggly beard. | stepped
forward and flung up my arm.
Drop it," said shortly Lift that
gun and you're dead!"
At first thought him crazy enoug.
to take the chance of my FIRE: then
the big fingers relaxed. and the rife
fell gathering to the floor. To my sur
prise. the fellow laughed.
We'll. I'll be damned" be chortlea.
you here"
He threw back his head. and | rec
ognized him-Jem Taylor. old Ned
Cowan. | drew a quick breath, my
teeth c9enched. my arm STEADY. This
encounter vas going to prove no boys
play
Put down yer popgun, boy. an take
it easy-the blame thing mout 60 of
reckon as how we all hav'n't got
nuthin' ter fight fer, hav' We? How
Their Sam Hill did yer ever git yerer
Now wait" broke in coldly. You
stand just where you are. am not
sure whether you know me or not;
but | know yon. Ned Cowan-l know
what you did at Hot Springs. and how
you took me along so as to make 9TH