Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1915-05-27
CHAPTER xxvli,.
rL c~.Ll A. l-...

The Snake In ths Image.
n" HEY mean business this
time," Drake growled ~
,5SS they did their best to bar
ricade the single door and
window II believe those hills are full
Of them"
And our own DULLES aren't up fight
ing with good grace. either" Wilker.
son confessed. '.These half whites
have no 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 ut u.s."
That's 30" Wilkeyson responded
thoughtfully. II wonder who 1t can
beY"
He was soon to know. for after night.
fall John Dorr and his single attendant
rode 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 ~
he 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 second hail
of bullets ratified on its 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 here1'
"Some hillmen took us for enemies
and chased US pretty much all day
long" Dorr explained. I'VE saw this
hut. and when 1t was dark enough to
conceal our movements we made for
it."
'And now you can make for some
other place." Wilkerson said, handling
his revolver meaningly.
John laughed.
II feel myself that the place IL too
small for both Of us. But it's white
man against native now. II they get
me they'll get you. Our only hope "a
to stick together now"
''l'l see you dead f1rstg' 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 crack showed
the hillmen closing up about them, and
Wilkerson gave in with 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 1t 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 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 wild
rush against the nearest hillmen.
These were so surprised at the bold.
ness of the maneuver that they ded,
and soon the coast was clear except
for 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
one accord they silently consented to q
truce.
Yet WiIkerson could not resist taunt.
ing his rival.
ut looks as If you were always a
little late" he said. throwing himself
back in a settle while John dropped
upon stool by the table.
Il heard you got the IDOL" John re-
piled in a dull tone.
"Yes. and what was In the idol t0ol'
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. | guess I'm ahead In thia
game
John nodded. his fatigue 20 great
that ne was unable even to reply.
81 guess that's right" said Wilker
son in an altered tone. wen catch q
little needed sleep and get away be
fore daylight Time enough then t.
talk"
For a little while both men kept theil
eyes open. watchful each Of the other
Wilkerson was the first to laugh and
say: whats the use? I've got thu
things and the men to defend them
I'm going to sleep. you'd better do q
too. Drake will keep watch"
John nodded carelessly and laid biz
head on his hands. folded on the table
A moment later he was asleep. and
not long afterward Wilkers0n's satuf
nine visage was turned to tho shad
Owy ceiling.
Drake sat in a corner ON the pact
sacks. his revOlver.1n hand.
The natives slumbered across from