The Ekalaka eagle. [volume] (Ekalaka, Mont.) 1909-1920, 1916-06-02

tie cl3plcd his hands to his Il ana
san into my chair by the fire. The
bag looked his way and sworc at him
with a snarl of contempt.
"Comc. now: what does this mean:'
at means that if you don't like it
YOU can clear out. the pair of you,'
and she turned ticrccly on Nolna.
"Coming here with your lies about be-
ing lost and wanting to rob poor and
honest folk and then trumping up a
lying accusation. Who are you, Id
like to knOW:'
He assurance was as brazen as her
courage was unq%ucstionablc. ! W |
was at a loss what to do.
"That won't do with me. Jour one
chance is to toll the TRUTH I said.
"You'rc a man, aren't YOU. to call a
woman a liar? DO you hear that.
Ivan:' And she went to him and
shook him. "Gct up, pig. Don't sit
shaking there when you hear me ah's-
ed by this thief of the night" She
hauled him to his feet. and Nolna took
the opportunity of crossing to m; d
"iou mustn't talk like that here he
said. with a sort Of hangdog manner.
I'D rather talk to you than to the
woman there. Now. YOU
'You near that. Ivan. Strike him
for that. You deal with him, and I'll
look after the wench.' She pushed
him toward nc and seemed for the
moment to infect him with some of
her own desperate courage.
IF you don't like it 60" he said.
NO. they shan't go now interrupt
cd the fury. I'VE darcn't let them go
now. YOU fool. You know. Go on"
He still hung back. however. and
thcn she suddenly wrenched open a
drawer and took out a formidable
looking chopper.
Here. Ivan. now will YOU do it:
Down with the man. and leave the
wcnch to me. 1t will be death if we
don't do it and get away"
The remnants Of his courage awoke
when he felt the weapon in his hand.
and | heard Nolna catch her breath at
the look which gradually stole into his
bcady. cruel eyes as he looked at me.
Goaded by the woman's taunts and
the fear thoughts which her words had
started. he took a couple of stealthy
steps toward me. while the woman
went round the table to reach Nolna.
just as he was raising his weapon
To ru>h at me | whipped my revolver
out and covered him.
Drop that. you murderous devil" I
cried in q ringing tone.
With a cry of fear he started back
and let the chopper fall on the brick
floor. In ii moment ! had possession
of it and handed my pistol to Nolna.
IF she movcs use it, said.
But the sudden turning of the tables
had knocked the fight even out of the
virago of a ma The man no
longer counted. He stumbled back and
covered against the wall. getting as
far away from me as possible. and
Just stared at me. beside himself with
fright.
Now We can talk I said.
"Wc didn't mean anything,' declared
the 1--WE were only trying to
brighten YOU So that we might get
safely out of the room. I'm SURE |
tried I" do all | could for YOU. giving
YOU food and
.'Thatll do. &c to that end of the
ROOM She obeyed me. Now answer
my questions. why did you come steal
ing into the room just now-bcfore
this time:'
Il only wanted to see you were all
right and to fetch the lamp. I've done
my best for you.' she murmurcd i'll a
whining. canting, fawning tone.
"You won't answer, ch? We'll, III
give your man a chance. Now you
tell me what was that rope for you
brought i'm
The woman tried to reply. but ! 81
fenced her. The man glared at me
srccrhlcss and helpless.
"Yuur only chance is to tell the truth
You were going TO tie me up with it
Confess"
NO. no. no." he gasped through his
pallid lips.
"Iou had We ropes. one for ME anc
=, one for my sister here
$40, no. no." he repeated.
You know ! speak the truth. But il
YOU won't confess that tell me why
YOU drusgcd that coffee YOU gave me.
The woman broke out again, dcclar
ing by all the saints that | must bt
mad to ask such a question.
Lot him drink it, then said Vol
ma. And the woman's start at Tho
>hrcwd suggestion told me that it hat
struck home.
, Yes, that's the test" I agreed readi
lN. "WilI you get that jug:
NoIna took ont the jug and poured
| the coffee back into the cups.
Z, They both watched her intcntly a:
she did this, turnin. now and thcl
from her tn me with swift slanccs o
speculative fear.
NOW. if this is not druggcd o
| poisoned drink it," And | took one o