The Carlisle independent., 1917-01-11

rred to the Machine.
 Seagrue was not for an instant to be sweryed from his purpose. Get that whelp," he shouted, pointing at Spike. I'll look out for the girl"
 Albeit with the poor stomach, Lug and Bill attacked the powerful outlaw.
 Helen, looking distractedly for a weapon of defense, saw the explosive cylinders. A blow struck by Lug from behind had stunned Spike. He lay helpless and the three men turned to secure Helen. Stopping swiftly, she picked up cylinder and stood at bay. Come another foot and I'll smash this if it kills every one of us,' she cried, reckless of consequence.
 Lug and Bill halted in terror-they knew if she carried out her threat it meant death to them all Seagrue's was the harder nature. Throw it if you dare" he cried, tauntingly. He knew she would not commit suicide. Together, boys" he shouted; rush her"
 'Seagrue," cried a voice from the window behind Helen, get backt" Storm had gained hip of the roof commanding the room and thrusting his hand through the window covered the men inside with revolver.
 Helen laid her dangerous cylinder down. Storm handed her the pistol. Keep them covered till l get in, Helen!"
 The window proved difficult to ne: gotiate. Storm tried to drop inside from it, and Helen turned to help him. In doing so, she left the three an in. stant uncovered. They sprang through the door and down the stairs. Lug and Bill made for the car. 'No," shout ed Seagrue, hide"
 Helen and Storm bent over Spike. He lay dazed. When he was able to help himself little and with their aid could rise to his feet, they SUD- ported him downstairs.
 Their enemies were nowhere to be seen. But in the roadway stood Sea- grues machine No member of the party had scruple about confscatiDg it. Spike and Storm, together. soon mad the engine turning and they put Helen in on the seat where she had so lately lain helpless, and drove back with her to Rhinelanders camp, where they found him anxiously awaiting news of his endangered protegee.
 He greeted the sight of Helen with rejoicing, but his features darkensd when his eyes fell on the redoubtahle Spike. Helen and Storm, enjoying the mystery of the situation, allowed the amazement on Rhinelanders face to grow, as he looked from them to Spike, and from Spike to Helen and Storm for an explanation.
 Yes" cried Helen, laughing at her foster uncle, T know it looks strange, to see us three in friendly company, doesn't it? But we're friends-aren't we, Spike?"
 Spike looked at her. You're my friend, sure" he muttered.
 Rhinelander. incredulous, pointed at Spike. Have you brought him here to hang him?" he exclaimed. If that fellow had anything to do with steal ing you from the train, I'll help pull the rope myself"
 No cried Helen, whose eyes sparkled with the fun of the puzzle. We didn't bring him here to hang Him. We brought him here to eat the best Sunday dinner you ever served Tn a construction camp"
 You're to carve the roast for him yourself interposed Storm
 You've both gone crazy" declared Rhinelander, weakening
 No" persisted Helen, instead of Spikes being to blame for my disap- pearance, I'm afraid I should never have lived to see you again. Uncle Amos, if he hadn't been my friend in need today" And she and Storm, each constantly breaking in on the other, told the days story.
 By Georgel" cried Rhinelander. holding his hand ungrudgingly out to Spike, T believe there's something decent in your worthless carcass after all, Spike. You are entitled to a good dinner. And you shall eat it with mo. you blamed rascal Go clean yourself up and report at my car within an hour" he said roughly. By the way, Helen" he turned suddenly on his foster niece: Those right-of-way con. tracts?"
 Here, Uncle Amos" she exclaimed. She drew from her blouse the regis. tered package. But the Christmas mail for the camp was stolen by those brutes! It's lost"
 Not quite,' interposed Storm, pull. ing punches of letters from each od his pockets. T picked 'em up befogs we left the room"
 (TO RE CONTINUED.)