The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-05-14
CHAPTER v
The Snake In the Image.

~
|MMSNMI they did their best to bar
~ ricade the single door and
window. Il believe those hills are full
Of them"
And u own DULLES aren't up fight
ing with good grace, either" Wilker-
son confessed. '"These half whites
have II 10 sand"
Its an odd thing" Drake said when
the afternoon had passed without an
assault, that we hear firing. but none
of it is directed at u.s.
THAT'S So Wilkerson responded
thoughtfully. Il wonder who it can
be?"
He was soon to know, for after night.
fall John Dorr and his single attendant
o d furiously up to the hut and tried
for admittance. ,
A few scattering shots told that they
had been discerned in their flight.
For the moment Wilkerson did not
recognize his old enemy, disguised as
be was in native costume, but when
he was sure he reluctantly opened the
door and admitted him.
John flung himself inside and JAM
med the door to just as a second hail
of bullets ratified on it's surface. Then
he stared at the man opposite him.
"Wilkerson!" he gasped.
YES. it's me-" was the snarling re-
Spouse. what are you doing here?"
Some hillmen took US for enemies
and chased US pretty much all day
long" Dorr explained. I'VE saw this
hut. and when it was dark enough to
conceal u movements we made for
it."
And now you a make for some
other place." Wilkerson said, handling
his revolver m%eaningly.
John laughed.
II feel myself that the place is too
small for both of us. But it's white
man against native now. If they get
me they'll get you. Our only hope is
to stick together now"
"I1l see you dead first!" snarled the
other.
But Drake spoke up and silenced
him.
while you two are fighting for the
benefit of the servants those hillmen
are preparing to assault the hut"
A long look through a crack showed
the hillmen closing up about them, and
Wilkerson gave in with a bad grace.
He was glad of the help, however,
when the firing grew hotter and they
were hard pressed in the hut.
The natives proved themselves ar
rant towards, and it depended on the
three white men to defend the place.
This they did with such success that
their assailants slowly withdrew.
Nov is the time for a sortie," said
Dorr: We've got to drive them clean
away from here or else We'll be as bad
~ off as ever"
Wilkerson and Drake agreed, and
John promptly led them out in a wild
rush against the nearest hillmen.
These were so surprised at the bold
ness of the maneuver that they fed,
and o the coast was clear except
for. a few too badly wounded to join
in their comrades fight.
Now that the immediate peril was
past, Wilkerson and Dorr found them
selves again antagonists.
But both were so wearied that by
n accord they silently consented to a
truce. ~
Yet Wilkerson could not resist taunt-
ing his rival. -:
1T looks as if you were always a
little late." he said, throwing himself
back in a settle while John dropped
upon a stool by the table.
Il heard you got the IDOL" John re-
piled in a dull tone.
"Yes. and what was in the idol tool"
Then, despite brakes gestures of re-
monstrance, he went on: II got the
deeds and the master key and the
idol and the plans Tom Gallon robbed
me of. l guess I'm ahead in this
game"
John nodded. his fatigue so great
that he was unable even to reply.
II guess that's right" said Wilker-
son in an altered tone. "We1l catch a
little needed sleep and get away be-
fore daylight. Time enough then to
talk -.
For a little while both men kept their
eyes open. watchful each.of the other.
Wilkerson was the first to laugh and
say: Whats the use? I've got the
things and the men to defend them.
I'm going to sleep. You'd better do so
too. Drake will keep watch" .
John nodded carelessly and laid his
head on his hands, folded ION the table.
A moment later he was, asleep, and
not long afterward Wilkeason's satur-
nine visage was turned to the shad-
owy ceiling.
Drake sat In q corner on the pack
sacks, his revolver in hand.
The natives slumbered across from