The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1916-05-18
CHAPTER XVII.
UNDER PRESSURE.

That nigth Earle worthing was in
his office.
The death of Csrdross had shocked
him painfully. wiping out, so far as
| he was concerned, all scores against his
| old friend. He had ridden over at once
to be OF any service to Nance Cardross
, which she might permit, which, indeed,
| he'd proved to be Of no service at all.
For Nance Cardross, idolizing her
| brother, and in a manner attributing
his death to the feud between Worth
| ing and him, had at this juncture re-
| fused to see Worthing.
And there were haunting doubts In
Workings own mind about the whole
! occurrence. Kilrain had told him of
the treachery of Grange, a treachery
which, at Workings own advice, they
had agreed to overlook for the mo-
ment, not neglecting to keep the mans
actions themselves under close surveil-
lance.
Yet Grange was not to be blamed
for this, for all day he had been in
Kilrain's sight.
Jess Kilrain had admitted to her ia
Their that she had talked with Card
ross at the DAM What her story lacked
In detail 1t was reasonable enough to
believe was accounted for by the girls
horror at the subsequent event.
But Worthing, remembering how Just
Cardross, could not Danish a sinister
fear. Yet Jess could not have wrecked
the dam, for she was at home when
that occurred.
Worthing stopped in his restless pac-
ing Of the floor at the sound OF a
knock upon the door. He knew by the
first glimpse of the face Of the man
who entered the room that he was to
learn something more definite about the
catastrophe.
You, Buck!" he cried, cordially.
I'm mighty glad to see you. am
worried clear through. Sit down and
help yourself" LAX.
He pushed chair and cigars TO his
visitor. continuing his own pacing of
the room.
I'm feared I'm goin' to have to add
to your worry, Mr.. Worthing."
Earle Worthing glanced around hur-
You know something about this ter
rible thing that has happened, Buck2
Tell me what 1t is. I need not assure
you of my discretion"
faltering In his own manner, though
kindly eyes. There wa sno sign Of
faltering in his own manner, thuogh
his usual bright face was clouded.
i knows al about It." he said, calm
ly, for I done it-done It ALI"
You done tt-you did It'll" echoed
Worthing. What do you mean, Buck?"
ders.
II shot Blass cardross through his
false heart" he said. Then, thinkin'
blowed up the dam. I amt sorry for
either dom, Mr.. Worthing, though
things has messed themselves badly,
an knows I've got to answer for 'em.
That's all that troubles me-" he added
the messin'."
was trembling. He was far more dis
turbed than Buck.
What did you do this thing, Buck?"
ne asked. i do not mean about the
dam" III. 0.I.-- 80.
Il can't tell you. sir. All I can say Is,
1t had to be done!"
The eyes of both men met In Bucks
Worthing read a calm determination
that was not to be shaken. In Worth
ms Buck read the slow and certain
dawning Of perfect comprehension.
There was long and heavy silence.
You have said nothing of this to
any one, Buck?"
1.-THE least of It."
Worthing got up from his chair once
more in troubled thought. He did not
turn at the low but steady voice of
Buck Brannon.
Il come to you, Mr.. worthing, as in
duty bound. We've been more like
friends than rancher an cowpuncher.
In the mornin' and Buck here rose
himself-"Pm goin' into the town to
give myself up. 'Tain't easy, I allow:
but I amt squealin'. an the laws the
law"
Worthing faced about.
And You are not going to do any
thing OF the sort, Buck" he cried, We
hemently. THE law" he laughed. a
bitter derision in his voice. Did the
law do anything when I appealed to
It? Does the law make men like you?
I am the law on the Loop. and you
stay right here"
Buck smiled. There was a warm light
in the eyes he turned upon Worthing.
But he shook his head.
Il couldn't live, Worthing," he said,
softly, with this thing shut up inside
Of me. couldn't look a cow in the
face an feel I was man with this
hid In me like a sim"
Worthing halted before his cow
Not for her sake, Buck?" he asked.
quietly repressed. Think Of that. You
do not know the law you would honor.
1t Is famed for stirring up all that
happens after It has allowed 1t to hap
pen. You might hold your silence but
self would have to speak against him
against her. She would have to speak.
Think Of that-of Martin Kilrain. of
me. of Cardross' sister-of Jess her
self"
Bucks head dropped.
You make a coward of mel" he
cried. Don't do that, Worthing."
God made a man of you first" said
Worthing. You need not fear, Buck"
It's the man I'm thinkin' Of" muir
INJURED Buck, and his voice shook.
"Mebbe faint much, but it's plumb ev-
erythin'! I must Worthing. I must!"
The door was pushed gently open.
Mrs. Worthing entered, starting back
at sight Of her sons visitor.
Il thought no one was with you.
Earle. You have been a stranger, Buck.
lately. Some one is here wishing to
see you, Earle"
Some one!"
Jess Kilrain," she whispered. Poor
child"
"Ah!" exclaimed worthing. while
Buck lifted anxious eyes.
Show Jess in here, mother" Worth
ing added on quick impulse. "You
won't mind sitting alone a little longer"
He walked over to his mother and
placed q hand upon her arm. Mrs.
Worthing glanced at Buck. She had
not needad the hint Che as - -