The Huttig news., 1915-11-13

A Big Fellow With Ragged, Un-
 trimmed Hair and ScraegIy Beard. creasing daylight gave me glimpse of bridle 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 it's immediate surroundings, indicated present occupancy. Yet when finally advanced it was with caution, and strange sense of expectation. Noreen followed closely behind, treading al most in my footsteps, as noiseless as fawn, her skirts held close about her limbs. At the edge of the woods she stood motionless as 1 went crouching forward The cabin was not deserted, in spite of it's desolate outward ap- pearanee. Opposite me was an open fireplace, an iron kettle sitting in the ashes, while @ short-barreled rife stood upright in corner. On one of the stools lay a broad-brimmed hat, and pair of ragged corduroy trousers hung on wooden peg beside the un- barred door. I motioned to her to join me. In spite of the lines of weari- ness in her face the light of the dawn revealed a beauty that caused my heart to throb. Her eyes silently ques- toned me, and | explained quickly what discovery I had made. "But the man may return" she said | Iidoubtfully
 "Of course, although I imagine he has disappeared for the day. If h, is hiding out he may not dare to re main here in daylight. Anyway vol can rest safely, for I am not in neet .of any sleep. I mapped in my eel yesterday, and just short doze will serve me. But you are terribly tired ] it is in your eyes"
 ''Yes." she confessed. q must sleep somewhere"
 Then come; we'll find bite to eat ! and place for you to lie down." I opened the door noiselessly, al though l took no special precaution, and held it wide, while she stepped across the threshold, and stood look ing curiously about Then I closed 1t behind us, and we were in sort of twilight, amid which objects appeared rather indistinct.
 An" I said, "the fellows cupboard must be over yonder- I hope he keeps it we'll 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 I 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. I 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 savagely about, facing us. For the instant the gloom disfigured his face-all I knew was that he was big fellow. with ragged, untrimmed hair and scraggly beard I stepped 1 forward and flung up my arm. Drop it!' 1 said shortly. Lift that gun and you're dead!"
 At first I thought him crazy enough to take the chance of my fire; then the big fingers relaxed, and the rife fell clattering to the floor. To my sur prise, the fellow laughed.
 Well, I'll be damned!' he chortled, you here?"
 He threw back his head, and I rec ognized him-Jem Taylor, old Ned Cowan. I drew a quick breath, my teeth clenched, my arm steady. This encounter was going to prove no boy s play
 Put down yer popgun, boy, an take it easy-the blame thing mout go of 1 reckon as how we all hav'n't got nuthin' ter fight fer, hav' we? How ther Sam Hill did yer ever git yere?"
 Now wait" broke in coldly You stand just where you are. I am not sure whether you know me or net: !: but l know you, Ned Cowan---I know what you did at Hot Springs. and how Sou tooh Hie dloHB so as to Hdke oth. CTS believe I was guilty
 "Shucks, lad: twas no more than fair fight
 Tt was cold-blooded murder. Cow an!" exclaimed indignantly, "the cul. imitation of feud."
 Huh who told yer that?"
 I stepped aside. but still held him under the muzzle of my revolver The change in posture brought the man face to face with Norecn; l saw him lean forward and gaze at her; then