The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1917-07-13

ONCE. WOulu ItmOVC = w.
stitute one Of his own and claim pos,
session Of the Molly Gray. II she couio
only reach Crow rock before Dave
Iumly she would fight with all the
fiercepess Of old Jim Gray himseil lor
the possession Of her lovers rights
Molly frowned as she thought an
these things over, and every now ana
then she turned and looked back along
the trail for some sign Of the approach
of Pete Clarkson. II he returned 10
the cabin, as he had intended DOING ne
would find her note.
With heart beating in time TO tne
muffled thud Of Daisy's hoofs, she ore"
rein on the crest Of the ledge and
looked about for Dave Lumly, but ne
was not in sight, and with resumed
confidence she cantered along the mar
row, uneven trail to Crow rock.
When she rounded the rock the sor-
rel was nipping the parched turf and
Lumly, on his knees, was stufhng a
piece Of white paper into his pocket.
His back was toward her, and he mad
doubtless mistaken the tread OF her
horse for the trampling of his own
beast
Look here, Dave Lumly."
Lumly Jumped to his feet and look
ed into the barrel Of revolver leveled
with cool precision.
"You git outer my way, young lady,
he snarled defantly, making move,
ment to grasp her bride rein.
"Stop there or I'll fire. she said
calmly.
what do you want?" he growled,
looking at her out Of stealthy red eyes.
II want you to put that paper back
in the hole" she commanded sharply
And If I don't?' he grinned saw
agely.
why. if you don't" she said, with
a calculating glance, II believe I'll just
bore your right arm"
1.-The devil you will! 1t seems to me
you are pretty highly tightly, miss"
Are you going to do it, she
asked.
"Oh, sure: Of course couldn't refuse
lady" he said, taking the paper from
his pocket with his right hand and fur
lively reaching with his left around to
his hip.
Your left hand up" she command
ed again.
With muttered oath he swung his
arm aloft. The sorrel horse drew near
and thrust an inquiring nose toward
his master. With quick movement
Lumly held out the papes, the sorrel
caught 1t between his lips, and In an.
other instant 1t fell to the ground a
mass Of pulp Lumly laughed exult-
antly.
Molly Gray whitened about the lips.
"Other hand up" she commanded
shortly.
The man obeyed.
Turn your back and walk toward
me-" Then, as he hesitated. she added
contemptuously, Don't be afraid. I'm
not going to shoot you in the back"
He turned sullenly and backed slow
~ up to the mares side. With muzzle
pressed close to his shock of rough hair
she distracted the six shooter from his
belt and ascertained that there was no
other weapon. The man trembled
signify. 1t was pesky dangerous
thing to have woman fooling with
revolver. One never knew what
NOW walk forward twenty stems
and don't turn; IL you do 1t will be for
the last time" Molly did not recognize
her own sweet voice In the firm tones
that cut the air like the lash of n wbin
The man obeyed. When. at her word
OF command. he faced about, the feet
OF the little mare were gathered in the
Mole In the ground, and her rider. with
SHINING eyes and bright, glad smile
looked at him down the length Of his
own six shooter.
In hfteen minutes at the atest
Pete Clarkson, Mill Hodges and tho
Sheriff will strike this ledge. | advise
you, Dave Lumly, if you value vour
lie, to prospect around Cartertown
way for few years. The trail e
plain; there's your horse. and I'm civ.
ing you n chance"
Lumly looked back down tho trail
Several horsemen were riding ranidIv
up Crow creek bottom. There was
nash OF sunlight on metal
with a muttered curse he turned 70.
ward his horse. You'll nav for int
hoidup, GIRL he said threateninplv
Its not holdup; it's a hold down ).
retorted Molly saucily.
As Lumly disappeared among ,ha
distant western slopes three men rod
madly down the trail and rounded
Crow rock in a cloud of dust and .
scatter of flying stones. Molly Gror
with trembling lips, smiled upon tbo,,
Where is he:" demanded Pete Will
the other men looked mingled dison
pointment and admiration upon nre.,,
Molly. pretty
She pointed toward the west whor.
a solitary horseman was silhono,,as
against the amber sunset skv orc :,
dropped behind distant hill
So you let the critter gor' utto,o,
the sheriff ruefully. eeu
fete looked at her questioninelv
i didn't want hloodsbo1