The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1916-01-05

wouldn't I. sitting up somewhere with
Bill Atkins? Amt saying I mightn't
get out Of this country and find safe
spot where could live free and dis
posed with an old renegade like him
that nobody amt after and amt AGAR
ing whether he's above ground or in
Kingdom come. But couldn't be with
I.ahoma. I'm under ban"
IF you were on my farm near Okla
homa city" Wilfred suggested. and
| Lahoma and | lived In the city you
could often see her. Up there nobody'd
MODEST you. nobody'd know you That's
what I've been planning. You could
! look after the farm. and Bill could go
| back and forth. AS soon as the news
comes that Red Feather killed Gled-
ware it'll be taken for granted that he
killed Red Kimball and attacked the
stage. You'll be cleared of all that.
and nobody will want you arrested"
Wilcox rose. Are we going to sleep
on this or shall answer you now?"
he demanded iixedly.
Wilfred hastily asked for time.
They passed the night in the noun
tain top. But Wilcox had spoken tru-
ly-there were no old days. The one
subject forbidden was the only subject
in their minds. All attempts Mt rem
iniscence, at irrelevant anecdotes, were
mere pretense. The fact that Wilfred
and Lahoma were now married seem
ed to Danish events of II month ago as
If they We're years and years in the
past.
The next morning they had breakfast
in the gray dawn and departed for the
town. Brick Wilcox was determined
law. Lahoma had gone out of his life,
and he cared little as to what happened
to him.
In oppressive silence they skirted
Turtle hill and emerged from the
horseshoe bend. finding in a sheltered
nook the three ponies that Wilfred had
provided at nightfall. He had hoped
to the last that Wilcox could be pre-
vailed on to alter his decision, and even
while riding away toward Mangum he
argued and coaxed. But it was In
vain, and as they clattered up to the
hotel veranda Wilcox was searching
the crowd for glimpse of the sheriff.
The street was unusually full for that
time of night. Some topic of engros-
sing interest seemed to engage all
minds until WillOck's figure was recog-
nized; then, indeed, he held the center
of attention. Men gathered eagerly.
curiously, but without the hostility
they would have displayed had not a
message regarding Red Feather reach
ed the town. Brick was still an out
law, to be sure. but whatever crimes
he had committed were unknown.
hence unable to react on the magma
ton. The surviving friend of Red
Kimball. giving up his efforts against
Wilcox on the liberation of Bill. had
left the country. harmless without his
leader.
Conversation which had been loud
and excited, eager calls from street cor
ners that had punctuated the many
tongued argument and exposition, dim
med to silence. There was forward
movement of the men, not rush, but
vibratory swell of the human tide
pushing toward the steps Of the hotel.
The two r!1erless horses danced side
wise. Brick Wilcox had jumped upon
the implanted floor Of the veranda, and
Wilfred had sprung lightly to his side.
''Ill just keep on my horse" mutter-
ed Bill. resting one leg stiffiy over the
pommel. 81 can't get up as l used to,
and l expect to stay with We. Brick, to
the Jail door"
Wilcox did not turn his shaggy head
to answer. He had seen the sheriff at
the other end of the piazza, and he
made straight for him, not even con-
descending to n grin when the other,
installing his intentions, whipped out
his revolver.
Put it up, pard," Brick said gruffly.
"When you come to me in the cove
few years ago give you warm well
come. but now | amt a-coming to you,
I'm a-coming to the law. Where's that
there warrant
to the sheriff's discourse before the ar
rival of the highwayman scattered at
sight of the drawn weapon, all except
Lahoma.
Brick she cried. .'Oh. Brick.
Brickr'
There was something in her voice
he could not understand, but he dared
not turn to examine her face. He
could not trust himself If he once
looked at her
Get out your warrant" he cried
savagely, land get it out quick If you
want me!' His great breast heaved
with the conflict of powerful emotions.
I'm sure sorry to see you. old man.
Mizzoo declared. I'VE know Red
Feather done what we was charging
up against you, but guess there's no
other course open to me. AS my aunt
used to say Miss Sue of Missouri Il
got duty-do 1t | must" He thrust