The Benson signal., 1916-07-08


inexplicable whim 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
Eugenie 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 Oust 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.
"I was arranging to start for home
in the morning" announced Eugenies
father.
"Delay may be fatal" pronounced
Walter gravely. Perhaps it 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, "is dis
guise. Don it at once and leave the
hotel by the rear exit. Do not take the
east course. 1t is guarded at every
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.
eyes. am about to impart to you
what | have no right to disclose,
but"
He glanced at Eugene. Her very
soul was in her face. He led the judge
aside and made motion with 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 a
posse together to drive away the rus
tiers, if possible"
Judge Ray departed unobserved
from the hotel. The following morn
ing, as Walter stood in front of the
hotel, a cavalcade of desperate-looking
men drove up furiously. Their leader,
a brawny giant, confronted him.
Judge Ray-where is he?" demand
ed the ruffian.
"Gone. You are too late," answered
Walter. Zone moment, friend; I am
man of honor. The judge by this
time is safe. I saved him. gave him
the high sign. 1t has doubtlessly en-
abled a safe trip homeward."
"You-you did that?" fairly shouted
the incensed leader.
"To save friend-yes. Gentlemen.
if that makes me traitor in your eyes
am willing to accept the penalty"
With a great snarl the leader struck
out with his heavy riding whip and
dealt Walter blow that sen. him
PROSTATE to the ground, senseless.
"Hang him to the nearest tree!" he
growled out vengefully, but at that mo-
ment there was new cOmmOtiOn. The
marshal with a posse from the next
town appeared on the scene, and then
began a struggle that ended in bat
tie fatal to the last one of the desper-
ate group.
Eugene came running from the ho-
tel, white and frantic. She knelt be-
side her wounded hero. She pleaded
for help as his head lay in her lap.
Weeping, distressed, she leaned over
and pressed her lips to his cheek
the cheek she had once dealt with so
cruelty.
ooh, he may die!" she cried. And
+"
He opened his eyes. He smiled up
into her own.
"My queen!" he murmured raptly.
"ThiS moment is worth ALL"