Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-01-12
G NAN Of 9
MUSIC MOUNTAIN
By frank II. SpedrmdN
Author Of Whispering Smith -
AliNOl' Of whispering Smith


touching his hat. Though nothing
was lost on her, Nan protested not to
see the greeting. When she spoke her
tone was dry with suspicion.
"Wait a moment, Sassoon. Where
are you going?' she demanded. Sas-
soon hitched with one hand at his
trousers band. He inclined his head
sulkily toward his companion. "Stnrt-
Ing man on the trail for Sleepy Cat"
"Stop," she exclaimed sharply, for
De Spain, pushing his own horse ahead,
had managed without being observed,
to kick Sassoon's horse in the flank.
and the two were passing. Sassoon ut
the resolute summons stopped. De
Spain could do no less; both men.
haltng faced their suspicious inquisi-
tor. She scrutinzed De Spain keenly.
"What is this man doing in the gap?"
"IIe came up from Thief river last
night" answered Sassoon monoton-
ously.
"What is he doing here with you?"
persisted Nan.
Hes cousin Of John Rebstock's
from Williams Cache" continued Sas
soon. The yarn would have sounded
decently well In the circumstances for
which it was intended, but in the
searching gaze Of the eyes now con-
( fronting and clearly recognizing him,
It sounded so grotcsQuc that De Spain
would fully as lief have been sitting
between his horses legs AS astride his
back.
THAT'S not true. Sassoon," said his
relentless questioner. Her tone and
the expression of her face BODIED no
friendliness for either of the two she
had intercepted.
De Spain had recovered his wits.
you're right he interposed without
an instants hesitation. ut isn't true.
But that's not his fault; he is under
arrest, and is telling you what | told
him to- tell you. came In here this
morning to take Sassoon to Sleepy Cat.
He is prisoner, wanted for cutting up
one of our guards
Nan, coldly skeptical, eyed De Spain.
"And do you Try to tell me'-she
pointed to Sassoon's unbound hands
that he is riding out of here, free
man, to 20 to jailF'
Il Go tell you exactly that. He is
my prisoner"
Il don't believe either of YOU" de-
clared Nan scornfully. you are plan
ming something undcrhand together
De Spain laughed coolly. We've
planned that much together, but not,
assure you, with his consent"
81 don't believe your stories ut all,
she declared firmly.
De Spain flushed. The irritation ant
the serious danger bore in on him. III
you don't believe me it's not my fault,
he retorted. 'I've told you the truth
Ride on, Sassoon."
He spoke angrily, but this In NJ
wise daunted Nan. She wheeled he
horse directly in front of them Don
you stir, Sassoon," she commanded
"untl call Uncle Duke"
De Spain spurrcd straight at her
their horses colldcd, and his kne
touched hers in the saddle. I'm 60
ing to take this man out of here" h
announced in tone she never ha
heard before from man. i've n
time to talk. Go call your uncle If 20
like. We must pass"
"You shant pass a step"
With the quicl; words Of defiance tn
two glarcd at each other De Spai
was taken aback. He had expected n
more than a war of words--a fey
screams at the most. Mans fac
turned white, but there was no SYM
tom even of a whlmpcr He notice
her quick breathing, and felt, instint
lively, the restrained gesture Of he
right hand as it started back TO he
side. Tho move stendcd him. "On
I question:" he said bluntly, ARE 70
armcd"
, She hatcd even to answer and M
, his searching gnzc essentially, bl
, something in his tone and mannc
wrung reply. ~ can defend myself,
she exclaimed aDgrily.
, De Spain raised his right hand frof
: his thigh to the ponlmel Of his saddle
| The slight gesture was eloquent OF HI
surrender Of the issue Of force.
, can't go into Il shooting.mutch wit
i, you about this cur. II YOU call YOU
/ uncle there will be bloodshcd--rnlcs
, you drop mc Off my horse right her