The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-04-07

know not how long We rode. Of
how far. for my mind had drifted int
a review of the nights adventures
and plan for the morrow. We ne
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 long hill, our horses
slowing to the ascent, and by the time
we attained the summit the gray light
revealed our faces. | looked across
at her, and her eyes, uplifted sud
denly to NINE smiled.
You are worn out" l said.
IL am tired" she confessed. Ct
| have been two days and nights with.
| out sleep. If | could only rest for an
| hour"
You shall-all day long. We will
find place in which to hide down
there in the valley"
The road led winding down between
rocky banks into a 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
bride 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
its immediate surroundings. indicated
present occupancy Yet when | finally
advanced it was with caution, and a
strange sense of expectation Noreen
followed closely behind, treading al
most in my footsteps, as noiseless as
a fawn, her skirts held close about her
limbs. At the edge of the woods she
stood motionless as / went crouching
forward. The cabin was not deserted.
in spite of its desolate outward ap-
pearance. Opposite me was an open
fireplace, an iron kettle sitting in the
ashes, while short rifle
stood upright in a corner On one of
the stools lay a broad brimmed hat,
and pair of ragged corduroy trousers
hung on wooden peg beside the I'M
barred door. | 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 l had made.
But the man may return" she said
doubtfully.
"Ot course. although l imagine he
has disappeared for the day. If he
is hiding out he may not dare to re-
main here in daylight. Anyway you
can rest safely, for l am not in need
Of any sleep. / mapped in my cell |
Yesterday, and just short doze will |
serve me. But you are terribly tired
It is in your eyes,"
YES" she confessed, Il must sleep |
somewhere"
Then come; we'll find bite to eat
ind place for you to lie down"
l opened the door noiselessly, al
hough | took no special precaution,
Ind held it wide, while she stepped
lcross the threshold, and stood look
ng curiously about. Then | closed it
behind us, and we were in a sort of
wilight, amid which objects appeared
ather indistinct
All" | said, "the fellows cupboard
must be over yonder. hope he keeps
well stocked"
l stepped across in front of her, with
% other thought than that of explor-
ng the larder, when she gave vent to
startled cry. and stopped suddenly.
my eyes about to learn the
ause of alarm. The ragged quilt was
n the floor, and a man leaped across
he room and grasped the rifle In the ,
orner. / saw the swift movement.
ealized the purpose, yet had scarcely ,
me to draw revolver from the belt, s
efore he had hand on the weapon, 8
nd whirled savagely about, facing us. r
or the instant the gloom disfgured 6
Is facial | knew was that he was I
big fellow. with ragged. untrimmea r
air and scraggly beard | stepped 7
inward and flung up my arm. +
Drop it," said shortly. Lift that q
IN and you're dead!" 4
At first | thought him crazy enough X
take the chance of my fire; then a
e big fingers relaxed. and the rifle b
II Gathering to the floor. To my sur
Use. the fellow laughed. !,
We'll, I'll be damned" he chortled. d
ou here?" ii
He threw back his head, and | rec q
nized him-Jem Taylor. old Ned |
IVAN. | drew quick breath, my c.
eth clenched. my arm steady. This IL
counter was going to prove no boys 81
ny. q,
Put down yer popgun. boy, an take nj
easy-the blame thing mout go Off az
reckon as how we all hav'n't got ia
thin ter fight fer. hav' we? How vi
sr Sam Hill did y9r ever git yere?' m
Now wait" broke in coldly. "You or
md just where you are ! am not 70
re whether you know the or not; ST,
| know you. Ned Cowan-l know st.
at you did at Hot Springs, and how TO