The daily Alaskan., 1915-04-12
Ghe Horse Thief How He Was Saved.
By Nj. Il. WORSLEY.
Copyright by Frank A. Munsey Co.

1 < Copyright by Frank A. Munsey Co. S'
 sSaHS {.
 The winter had broken earlier than usual, and between the nearest point of civilization and the shack stretched a waste or gleaming snow.
 As the girl came from behind the shack, hauling the brushwOOd after her, the soft yet distinct pad-pad of a runners feet in the snow caused her to throw her head back and listen n- tently.
 Slowly the girl. her face almost as white as the snow, dropped the brush wood and crept into the shack, and her fingers felt for the bolts on the door. But she was too late!
 4 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.
 ~The sheriff. Hide me!'
 They're here!' she said quickly as the shouting of a 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 lhc man. This isn't a kids game I'm playing. I've got you covered, and il yOu give them so much as wink I"-
 A laundering at the door clnSrd his mouth. He stepped quickly nrh:ud the curtain. slit half an inch in length affording him view of the scene at the door.
 The girl lit the lamp, then coreieSsly drew back the bolts.
 The man at the door Ieaped lightly from his saddle and politely raised his hut. His companions drew back their horses and waited. "I apologize for having disturbed woman at this time of night, but we're looking for an ex-frcightcr by the name of Joe Gregar. Lifted horse some miles back and not tue first by good many. Hes given Us a mighty good run for the money, but reckon we've treed him."
 | "Yuu're the new sherin, aren't you:' | 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: l Is it Brunte that you're after"
 "Bvunte can wait. We'll take Grcgar to go on with. Like as not they're one and the same"
 "Is your sense Of manlincSS as great as your sense of justice? Perhaps you'd like to search my shackE
 Its my duty" he stammered, much as may regret it"
 She stepped back from the door and walked slowly to the other side of the room. She stopped over shakedown. then turned and glanced at the man in the doorway,
 He was watching her Curiously | Something beneath the clothes on the shakedown stirred uncaSily. She whis' pered soothingly and drew down the sheet. The man at the door saw the flushed face of a suffering girI child The woman recrossed the hoor
 "Is that your man:" she asked brokenly. Would you like to search | further?"
 No" he said; I'll take your word if you'll take my apologies What is 1t? Cant be fever this weather, but her face is flushed"
 Broke her arm," said the woman, and it's set badly"
 The man behind the curtain waited till the sheriff had gone and then came from his hiding place.
 "Why didn't you tell me- he asked nodding at the shakedown "ls it your kiddyi"
 "No; my niece"
 Let me have Q look at her arm
 He went over to the shakedowu and gently turned aside the clothes. The child looked 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.
 "Setr he muttered Tt hasn't had a chance to set. Who made these Spllntsp
 "I dld." said the woman. Tt was the best could do"
 You can't expect woman to be clever at everything" he unused. Give me that box" With the aid of his jackknlfe he fashioned the splints and cast round for q 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 he took the belt in his fingers and turned it over. Within half an hour the child was sleeping peacefully.
 "Tm obliged to you,' said the woW an. Are we quits?"