The Lamar register., 1916-11-08

securing evidence OF their ownership,
Walter had to visit some of the widest
parts of the district Here desperate
and dangerous clique held control, re-
senting the intrusion Of strangers. but
the clients of Walter protected him by
furnishing him with a secret sign
which would pass him anywhere in
safety.
BY a strange freak NJ destiny Judge
Ray was apportioned to take the place
of a judge who was to decide some
cases at Wadsworth. Through some
inexplicable within Eugene asked to
accompany her father on his trip to
that place. Little did the judge sus-
pect that it was because of Walter that
Eugene was SO intent on becoming his
companion on this especial journey.
So it was at Wadsworth that Eu-
genie and Walter again met. Walter
was glad and Eugene was happy, al
though she strove to conceal her true
emotions from parent and friend alike
The young people met frequently, for
the little hotel where the Rays put up
was the center Of activity in the town
and Walter called there every eve
ming.
Walter appeared in several cases be-
fore Judge Ray. Then came on one in
which another attorney appeared as
counsel for the defense. The county
was seeking to Gust a gang OF notori-
GUS squatters, who swore that If the
Judge ruled against them they would
have his life. He did rule against
them Just after dusk one day Walter
came hurriedly to the hotel and sent
up word to the judge that he must see
him Immediately.
You will have to leave Wadsworth
at once. Judge Ray" he spoke hur-
riedly
81 was arranging to start for home
in the morning" announced Eugenies
father.
Delay may be fatal pronounced
Walter grayely. Perhaps 1t will be
too late now. The back hills men. in
furiated at your decision against them,
have sworn that you shall never leave
the place alive Here" and Walter
placed bundle on the table. lis dis
guise. Don it at once and leave the
hotel by the rear exit. DO not take the
east course. 1t is guarded at avery
point Strike due west"
But that leads directly across the
bad lands"
Where you will not be suspected of
venturing. In your disguise you will
be safe-with that and the high sign"
The high sign?" repeated the Judge
vaguely.
4 nh tn INN art tn. NTnuN
what l have no right to disclose,
but"
He glanced at Eugene. Her very
soul was in her face. He led the judge
aside and made a motion with a finger
to his lip, then described a peculiar
motion with the same hand lifted high
over his head.
Deliver that sign whenever chal-
lenged."
But Eugenie-my daughter!" cried
the Judge, agitatedly.
mo harm will come TO her. She will
be safe in charge OF the hotel matron.
Besides, the marshal is trying to get
posse together to drive away the rus
tiers, II possible"
Judge Ray departed unobserved
from the hotel. The following morn
ing, as Walter stood in front of the
hotel, cavalcade Of desperate-looking
men drove up furiously. Their leader,
a brawny giant, confronted him.
Judge Ray-where is her" demand
ed the ruffian.
Gone. You are too late" answered
Walter. cone moment, friend; | am
a man OF honor. The Judge by this
time is safe l saved him. l gave him
the high sign. It has doubtlessly en-
abled a safe trip homeward."
"You-you did that?" fairly shouted
the incensed leader.
ITO save a friend-yes Gentlemen.
il that makes me a traitor in your eyes
l am willing to accept the penalty"
With a great snarl the leader struck
out with his heavy riding whip and
dealt Walter a blow that sent him
PROSTATE to the ground, senseless.
Hang him to the nearest treei" he
growled out vengefully. but at that mo-
ment there was a new commotion. The
marshal with a posse from the next
town appeared on the scene. and then
began a struggle that ended in a bat
tie fatal to the last one OF the desper-
ate group.
Eugenie came running from the no