The Lamar register., 1917-07-11
G NAN Of 9
MUSIC MOUNTAIN
By frank H. opedrman
Author Of Whispering Smith


wipe out the whole accursed clan, If
Sleepy Gait"
John Lefever, Jeffries, Scott in turn
took him in hand TO hold him during
three days, TO restrain the fury of his
resentment, and keep him from riding
to the gap in temper that each OF
them knew would mean only tragedy
worse than what had gone before.
Even three days of tactful representa-
tion and patient admonition from cool
headed counselOrs did not accomplish
all they hoped for in De Spain's ntti-
rude. His rnge subsidized, but only to
he followed by settled gloom that
they knew might burst into uncon-
trollable anger at any moment.
A report reached McAlpin that Gale
Morgan WIS making rendy to return to
Music mountain with the remnant OF
Sandusky's gang, to make demand
ON Duke for certain property ana
partnership adjustments. This rumor
he telephoned to Jefrries. Before talk
ing with De Spain. Jeffries went over
the Information with Lefever. The two
agreed 1t wus right, in the circum-
stances. that De Spain should be near
er than Sleepy Cat to Nan. Moreover,
the period of waiting she had enjoined
on him was almost complete.
Without giving De Spain the story
fully, the two men talking before him
let the discussion drift toward pro
posal on his part to 90 down to Gala
basus, where he could more easily keep
truck of any movement to or from the
gap, and this they approved. De Spain
already chatting under hardly en-
dured restraint. lost no time In start
ing for Calabnsas, directing Lefever to
follow next day.
1t added nothing to his peace OF
mind in the morning to learn definitely
from McAlpin that Gale Morgan, with
in twenty-fOur hours, had really disap
peared from Calabasas. No word OF
any kind had come from Music noun
tain for days. No one mt Calabasas
was aware even that Nan had gone
into the gap again. Bob Scott was at
Thief River. De Spain telephoned to
him to come up on the early stage, and
turned his attention toward getting in
formation from Music mountain with.
out violating Mans injunction not to
frustrate her most delicate effort with
her uncle.
As possible scout to look into her
present situation and report on 1t, Nc
Alpin could point only to Bull Page
Bull was ready instrument, but his
present value as an assistant had be
tically every man In the gap had
threatened within the week to bow his
head off-though Bull himself felt nc
scruples against making an attempt to
reach Music mountain and get back
again. 1t was proposed by the canny
McAlpln to send him In with a team
and light wagon, ostensibly TO bring
out his trunk, which, II IT had not been
fed to the horses, was still in Dukes
barn. As soon as rig could be got up
Page started out.
II was late November. A far, clear
air drew the snow-capped ranges
sharply down to the eye OF the desert
as II the speckless sky, lighted by the
radiant sun, were but a monster glass
rIgged to trick the credulous retina. De
Spain, in the saddle In front Of the
barn. his broad hat brim set on the
impassive level of the western horse
man, his lips seeming to compress his
thoughts, his lines over his forearm,
and his hands half-sllpped into the
pockets of his snug leather coat,
watched Page with his light wagon and
horses drive away.
Idling around the neighborhood of
the barns In the saddle, De Spain saw
him gradually recede into the long
desert perspective, the perspective
which almost alone enabled the watch
er to realize as he curtained his eyes
behind their long, steady lashes from
the blazing sun, that IT was a good bit
of a way to the foot of the great out
post of the Superstition range.
De Spain's restlessness prevented his
remaining quietly anywhere for long.
As the morning advanced he cantered
out on the Music mountain trail, think
ing of and wishing for a sight OF Nan.
The deadly shock of Pardaloe's story
had been dulled by days and nights of
pain. His deep-rooted love and his
loneliness had quieted his impulse for
vengeance and overborne him with a
profound sadness. He realized how
different his feelings were now from
"a 4.