Courier Democrat., 1916-01-27
CHAPTER XXI.
"Lahoma of Oklahoma"

eu hlInSelI. Il amt saying
nothing" he explained to
Wllfred. because he amt pervious to
reason and it does him good to get that
out Of his system
LET me make a suggestion" ex-
claimed Wilfred suddenly.
Wilcox looked at him suspiciously.
"lf it amt counter to my plans
ut isn't. It's this: Suppose we drop
the subject till tomorrow. 1t won't
hurt any OF us to sleep on it. and
know I'd enjoy another night with
you, as in the old days"
I'm willing to sleep on it out Of
friendship" Wilcox conceded unwil-
lfngly, Though I'd rest easier on bed
in the Jail There never was no bird
more crazy to get into Il cage than |
am to be shut up. But as to the old
days, they amt none left. Them depu-
ties is in the dugout; they're in the
cabin L built for Lahoma; they think
they owns our cove. Well, they's no
place left for me. Life wouldn't be
nothing crouching and Sinking up here
in the rocks. Life wouldn't be nothing
to me without Lahoma. I'd have q
pretty chance for happiness now,
wouldn't l. sitting up somewhere with
Bill Atkins? l amt saying l mightn't
get out OF this country and find Il safe
spot where L could live free and dis
posed with an old renegade like him
that nobody amt after and amt AGAR
ing whether he's above ground or in
kingdom come. But couldn't be with
Lahoma. Pm under ban.'
III you were on my farm near Okla
homa City," Wilfred suggested, and
Lahoma and l lived in the city YOU
could often see her. Up there nobody'd
molest you. nobody'd know you That's
what Pve been planning. You could
look after the farm, and Bill could go
back and forth. AS soon as the news
comes that Red Feather killed Gled-
ware it'll be taken for granted that he
killed Red Kimball and attacked the
stage. You'll be cleared Of all that,
and nobody will want you arrested"
Wilcox rose. Are we going to sleep
on this or shall l answer you now?"
he demanded flXedly.
Wilfred hastily asked for time.
They passed the night in the noun
tain top. But Wilcox had spoken tru-
ly--there were no old days. The one
subject forbidden was the only subject
in their minds. All attempts at rem
iniscence, at irrelevant anecdotes, were
l4nere pretense. The fact that Wilfred
and Lahoma were now married seem
ed to Danish events Of Il month ago as
II they were years and years in the
past.
The next morning they had breakfast
in the gray dawn and departed for the
town. Brick Wilcox was determined
to yield himself to the power Of the
law. Lahoma had gone out Of his life.
and he cared little as to what happened
to him.
In oppressive silence they skirted
Turtle hill and emerged from the
horseshoe bend. finding in sheltered
nook the three ponies that Wilfred had
provided at nightfall. He had hoped
to the last that Wilcox could be pre-
vailed ON to alter his decision, and even
while riding away toward Mangum he
argued and coaXed But it was in
vain, and us they clattered up to the
hotel veranda Wilcox was searching
the crowd for Il glimpse of the sheriff.
The street was unusually full for that
time Of night. Some topic Of engros-
sing interest seemed to engage all
minds until WillocL's figure was recog-
nized; then, indeed, he held the center
Of attention. Men gathered eagerly,
curiously. but without the hostility
they would have displayed had not
message regarding Red Feather reach
ed the town. Brick was still an out
law, to be sure. but whatever crimes
le had committed were unknown.
hence unable to react on the magma
tion. The surviving friend of Red
Kimball. giving up his efforts against
Wilcox on the liberation Of Bill. had
left the country. harmless without his
leader.
Conversation which had been loud
and excited, eager calls from street cor
ners that had punctuated the many
tongued argument and exposition. dim.
med to silence. There was a forward
movement Of the men, not rush. but
a vibratory swell Of the human tide
pushing toward the steps Of the hotel.
The two riderless horses danced side
wise. Brick Wilcox had jumped upon
the unpainted floor of the veranda, and
Wilfred had sprung lightly to his side.
''I'll just keep on my horse" mutter-
ed Bill, resting one leg stifly over the
pommel. II can't get up as used to,
and I expect to stay with ye. Brick. to
the Jail door,"
Wilcox did not turn his shaggy head
to answer. He had seen the sheriff at
the other end of the piazza, and he
made straight for him, not even con-
descending to grin when tho other,
mistaking, his intentions. whipped out
his revolver.
Hpnt it IN M rd - RriCE catd orr, IN Y,