Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1916-06-29

ground. He had hurled his assailants
aside, upsetting them, bursting through
the press as Il football player pcnc-
trates a line, and when the retreat had
begun he was close at the heels Of his
victim. He had ovcrtaken Denny be-
Sc of the barricadcs just as
-! seized Il rifle and raised it.
VITA one wrench he possessed him
self Of the Weapon, and the next in
slant he had bcnt the barrel over its
owners head.
Then as the fight surged onward he
had gathered the limp figure in his
arms and borne it into the light Of a
gasoline torch. where he could admin
lister first aid. He was kneeling over
the fellow when Appleton found him
as he came stumbling along the grade.
But the decisive moment had come
and gone now, and without n leader to
command them Gordon's men seemed
loath to adopt a more bloody reprisal.
They ave way therefore in Il half
hearted hesitation that spelled ruin to
tAA% In WIN btlNN L "
their encampment.
Dan Appleton, very dirty. very tired,
but happy, found Natalie and Eliza
! awaiting him when he limpcd up to
their tent in the early morning light.
One of his eyes was black and nearly
closed, his lips We're cut and swollen,
but he grsnned cheerfully as he eX-
claimed:
"Say. 1t was a great night, wasn't
it,"
Eliza cried out in alarm at his ap-
p%earance.
you poor kid. You're Il sight" She
ran for hot water and soap, while Ma
tale said warmly:
you were perfectly splendid. Dan.
[ knew you'd do it."
did you?" He tried to smile his
appreciation, but the effort resulted in
a leer so repulsive that the girl looked
dismayed. "You ought to have seen
the shindy."
Seen it! Maybe We didn't
"Honestly?'
Did you think re could stay be-
hind? We sneak,I along with the
%coollhouse gang, and one of them help
ed us up on the gravel cars. He smell
cd Of dishWatcr, but he was 4 hero.
We screamed and cried and Eliza
threw stones until Mr.. O'Neil discover
ed us and made us get down. He was
aEfully mean"
Hes q mean man."
He isn't. lie was jumping around
on Il leg like q crippled grasshopper.'
Il made a thousand dollars" said
Dan. Guess what I'm going to do
with 1T"
Glow can I guesS":
I'm going to buy an engagement
ring" Once more he leered repul-
sively.
GLOW NICE" said Natalie coolly.
Congratulations"
Guess who it's for?"
Il couldn't, really"
IT'S for YOU"
"Oh, no., it isn't" Natalie's voice
was freezing. "You have made a mis-.
take, a very great mistake, Dan. I like
you. but-we won't even mention such
things, if you please"
Eliza's entrance saved her further
embarrassment and she quickly made
her escape. Dan groaned so deeply as
his sister bathed his injuries hat she
was really concerned.
Goodness, Danny" she said. care
you as badly hurt as all that?"
I'm worse" he confessed. GIVE
just been shot through the heart Slow
music and flowers for me! Arrange for
the services and put a rose in my hand,
sis"
Nonsense! I'll put a beefsteak on
your eye" she told him unfeelingly.
Under DR.. Gray's attention O'NeiIs
ankle began to mend, and by the time
the track had been laid far enough be
yond the crossing to insure against
further interference from Gordon he
declared himself ready to complete the
, journey to Kyak, which he and the
!, girls had begun three weeks before.
During the interval Eliza had occu'
, pied herself in laying out her maya
, zine stories, and now she was eager
to complete her Investigations so as
to begin the final writing. Her expert
= ence In the north thus far had given