Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1915-03-10
Gbe
Horse Thief
How He Was Saved.
By N. II. w0RSLEY.
Copyright by Frank A. Munsey Co


usual, and between the nearest point
Of civilization and the shack stretched
a waste of cleaning snow.
As the girl came from behind the
shack, hauling the brushwood after
her, the soft yet distinct pad-pad of
runners feet In the snow caused her
to throw her head back and listen in
tently
Slowly the girl. her face almost as
wood and crept into the shack, and her
fingers felt for the bolts on the door.
But she was too late,
mans arm was thrust into the
opening between the door and the
jamb. She pushed at the door with all
her strength, but did not utter word.
For Gods sake. give me fighting
chance" the man groaned
She stepped back.
1.-THE sheriff. Hide me.'
They're herer' she said quickly as
the shouting of dozen men was
heard. Get behind that curtain. I'm
going to light the lamp. Don't move
or get skeered into shooting"
No tricks, mind~ said the man.
This isn't kids game I'm playing.
I've got you covered, and il you give
them so much as a wink r.
A laundering at the door closed his
mouth. He stepped quickly behind the
curtain. slit half an inch in length
affording him view of the scene at
the door.
The girl Lit the lamp. then carelessly
drew back the bolts.
The man at the door leaped lightly
from his saddle and politely raised his
hat His companions drew back their
horses and waited.
Il apologize for having disturbed
woman at this time Of night. but we're
looking for an ex-freighter by the name
of Joe Gregar. Lifted horse some
miles back and not the first by good
many. He's given US mighty good
run for the money. but l reckon we've
freed him."
You're the new sheriff, aren't your
There was biting irony in her voice.
We've heard about you In these parts
Something brand new from Boston.
eh? Came out here to show them how
to rope in Brunte Heath. didn't you?
Is 1t Brunte that you're afterT"
"Brunte can wait. Well take Gregar
to 60 on with. Like as not they're one
and the same"
is your sense of manliness as great
as your sense Of justice? Perhaps
you'd Ike to search my shackr
Its my duty" he stammered. much
- ! may regret It"
She stepped back from the door and
walked slowly to the other side Of the
room. She stopped over q shakedown.
then turned and glanced at the man in
the doorway.
he was watching her curiously.
Something beneath the clothes ON the
shakedown stirred uneasily. She Wits
pered aoothingiy and drew down the
sheet The man at the door saw the
flushed face Of suffsring girl child.
The woman recrossed the floor.
is that your manr she asked
brokenly. Would you like to search
furtherr
mo-" he said: TN take your word
II you'll take my apologies What II
It? Can't be fever this weather. but
her face Is flushed"
Broke her arm" said the woman.
land it's set badly"
The man behind the curtain waited
till the sheriff had gone and then came
from big hiding place.
why didn't you tell me?" he asked.
nodding at the shakedown. lis it your
kiddy"
mo; my niece" sN
Let me have look at her arm"
He went over to the shakedown and
gently turned aside the clothes. The
child locked up into his face and seem
ed satisfied.
Are you the doctor man?' she ask
ed. He nodded reassuringly and COM
menced tenderly to remove the band
ages.
''Setw he muttered. 1T hasn't had
splintsY'
II did, said the woman. 1T was the
best l could do
You can't expect a woman 10 be
clever at everything" he unused. Give
me that box" With the aid of his
jackknifc he fashioned the splints and
cast round for a sling Now that
belt" be commanded. indicating a
mans cartridge belt hanging behind
the door.
Mechanically she handed it to him.
and. though the muscles of her face did
not move. she saw the look of surprise
that came into his eyes as be took the
belt in bis fingers and turned it over
Within half an hour the child was
sleeping peacefully.
I'm obliged to you" said the WON
an. Are we quitsg'
81 should like to think So" he re-
piled. moving toward the door.
There are couple Of horse rugs in
the other ROOM" she said quietly. 'sThe