Philip weekly review and Bad River news. [volume] (Philip, Stanley County, S.D.) 1912-1918, 1916-03-30


how far. for my mind had drifted into
. review of the nights adventures,
and q plan for the morrow. We met
with no one. heard no noise except the
steady pounding Of our horses hoofs.
A little later the sky to the east be-
gan to tighten in the promise OF dawn
We climbed q long hill. our horses
slowing to the ascent. and by the time
we attained the summit the gray light
revealed our faces. l looked across
at her. and her eyes. uplifted sud.
denly to mine. smiled.
You are worn out" ! said.
IL am tired" she confessed. f.
] have been two days and nights with.
out sleep. II could only rest for IN
hour"
You shall-all day long. We will
find q place in which to hide down
there in the valley"
The road led winding down between
rocky banks into q narrow valley.
hemmed in BY great hills. and watered
by . small stream. As we paused to
let the thirsty animals drink. the in
creasing daylight gave me glimpse Of
q bride path skirting the edge Of the
stream along the west bank. The
path turned sharply to the right. and
40 we mounted to the slightly higher
ground We could see the cabin perched
on q little knoll. against the black hill
behind.
Surely nothing about the shanty. or
its immediate surroundings. indicated
present occupancy. Yet when finally
advanced It was with caution. and .
strange sense OF expectation. Noreen
followed closely behind. treading a.
most in my footsteps. as noiseless as
a fawn. her skirts held close about her
limbs. At the edge of the woods she
stood moti0nless a. l went crouching
forward. The cabin was not deserted.
in spite OF ito desolate outward ap-
pearance. 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 q broad-brimmed hat.
and q pair of ragged corduroy trousers
hung on q wooden peg beside the un-
barred door. l motioned to her to
join me. In spite of the lines of weari-
ness In her face the light of the dawn
revealed q beauty that caused my
heart to throb. Her eyes silently ques-
toned me. and ! explained quickly
what discovery ! had made.
But the man may return" she said
doubtfully.
"Of course. although l imagine he
has disappeared for the day. II he
is hiding out he may not dare to re-
main here in daylight. Anyway you
can rest safely. for am not in need
Of any sleep. ! mapped In my cell
yesterday. and Just a short doze will
serve me. But you are terribly tired
1t IL in your eyes"
"Yes." she confessed. Il must sleep
somewhere"
"Then come: we'll find q bite to eat
and a place for you to lie down."
I opened the door noiselessly. a.
though ! took no special precaution,
and held 1t wide. while she stepped
across the threshold. and stood look
ing curiously about Then I closed 1t
behind US. and we were in q sort Of
twilight. amid which objects appeared
rather indistinct.
"Ah." I said. "the fellows cupboard
must be over yonder. 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
. startled cry. and stopped suddenly.
sweeping my eyes about to learn the
cause Of alarm. The ragged quilt was
on the door. and . man leaped across
the room and grasped the rile In the
corner. saw the swift movement,
realized the purpose. yet had scarcely
time to draw . revolver from the belt.
before he had hand on the weapon.
and whirled savagely about, facing Us.
Fer the instant the gloom disfgured
his facial I knew was that he was
big fellow. with ragged. untrimmed
hair and . scraggly beard. l stepped
ie9ward and flung up my arm.
drop IT." aid shortly. Lift that
gun and you're dead!"
At nrst thought him crasy enough
to take the chance OF my nre: then
the big fingers relaxed. and the rife
fell Gathering to the door. To my sur.
prise. the fellow laughed.
We'll. III be damnsd!" he chortled.
you here?"
He threw hack his head. and | rec
ognized him-Jem Taylor, old Ned
Cowan. ! drew . quick breath. ny
teeth clenchsd. my arm steady. THU
encounter was going to prove no boyis
play.
Put down yer popGsn. boy. en- take
Il easy-the blame thing mout 20 a..
] reckon - how " all hav'n't ooG
nuthin' tsr 1Ght fss. hov' wo3 How
thee Ian Hlll "a yee ever Slt yeeoS''
Nov waik" bsoho n eddy. sYou
Sand just whees yes ~. ] - net
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