Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-08-02
THE MI 1CKER By EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS
Al NlNANlNL1C Of TARZAN nd MARS STORIES

The two prisoners took advantage of the
CONSERVATION of their guards to grapple
with them and possess themselves Of
weapons.
There had been but six Samurai in the
party. Two had fallen before Byrne's
initial onslaught; but the other four, re-
covered from their first surprise, turned
now to battle with all the terrific ferocity
of their kind.
Again, at a crucial moment had Their
ere's revolver missed fire and in disgust
Byrne discarded II, falling back upon the
longsword, with which he was no match
for the Samurai. Norris snatched Byrne's
spear from the ground and ran II through
the body Of one of the Japs who was press
ing Byrne too closely.
Odds were even now-they fought three
against three.
Norris still clung to the spear-it was by
far the most effective weapon against the
longswords of the Samurai With it he
Killed his antagonist, and then rushed to
the assistance of Foster.
Barbara Harding from the island saw
that Byrne's foe was pressing him closely.
The white man had no chance against the
superior swordmanship OF the Samurai.
She saw that the mucSer was trying to
get past the Japs guard and get his hands
upon him, but it was evident that the man
was too crafty and skilled a fighter to per-
NIT of that.
There could be but one outcome to that
duel unless Byrne had assistance and that
mighty quickly. The girl grasped the short
sword that she constantly wore now and
rushed into the river
She had never before crossed It except in
Byrnes arms She found the current swift
and strong 1t almost swept her off her feet
before she was halfway across but she
never for an instant thought of abandoning
her effort.
After what seemed an eternity she found
ms
reached the top of the bank she saw to her
delight that Byrne was still on his feet
fighting. Foster and Norris were pushing
their man back-they were in no danger
Quickly she ran toward Byrne and the
Samural. She saw a wicked smile upon the
brown face of the little warrior, and then
she saw his cleaning sword twist in a sud-
den feint. AS Byrne lunged out awlSwardly
to parry the expected blow 1t swerved and
came down upon his head.
She was an instant too late to save but
just in time to avenge. Scarcely had the
Samurais sword touchgd the mucker than
the point of Oda Yorihotos short sword,
welded by the fair hand of Barbara Hard
ing, plunged into his heart.
With Shrek he collapsed, close to the
body of his victim
Barbara Harding threw herself beside
Byrne. Apparently life was extinct. With
little cry of horror the girl put her ear
close to the mans lips. She could hear
nothing.
Come back! Come back! I" she walled.
Forgive me for that cruel laugh. Oh,
Billy. Billy / love you!" and the daughter
of old Anthony Harding, multimillonaire
and scion of the American aristocracy, took
the head of the Grand avenue mucker in
her arms and covered the white, bloody
face with kisses.
In the midst of 1t Billy Byrne opened
his eyes.
She was caught in the act. There was
no escape and, as n crimson flush suffused
her face. Billy put his arms abo. her and
drew her down until their lips met
This time she did not put her hands upon
his shoulders and push him away.
II love you, Billy" she said simply.
Remember who and what 1 am" he
cautioned, fearful lest this great happiness
should be stolen away from him because she
had forgotten for the moment
81 love you Billy" she answered, "for
what you are"
Forever" 1
Until death do us part !"
And then Norris and Foster, having
dispatched their man, came running up.
rs he badly hurt, madam" cried Captain
Norris
81 don't know" replied Miss Harding
I'm just trying to help him up, Captain
Norris" she laboriously explained in an
effort to account for her arms about Billy's
neck
Norris gave start of surprise at hearing
his name.
Who are you?' he cried How do you
know me?" and, as the girl turned her face
toward him. Miss Harding! THANH God,
Miss Harding, you are safe ~
But where on earth did you come from?"
asked Barbara.
IT'S a long story. Miss Harding" replied
the officer, and the ending of it is going
TO be pretty hard on you. You must try
to bear up, though"
you don't mean that father is dead?"
she asked, look of terror coming to her
eyes
Not that--we hope" replied Norris HE
has been taken prisoner by these half-breed
devils on the island l doubt If they have
killed him. We were going to his rescue
when we ourselves were captured. He
and Mr., Mallory were taken three days
ago"
Mallory" shouted Billy Byrne, who had
entirely recovered from the blow. The
sword had twisted too far in the Jap's
hand, and he had been struck by the back
and not the edge. II had stunned him for
a moment lis Mallory alive?"
He was yesterday" replied Norris