The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1918-02-01
CHAPTER Discontinued.

Buck got up awkwardly and went
stumbling down the steep slope with
his hands trembling in the air upon
either side of his head. From thoiI
nervous quivering it was evident that
his memory was good and that it was
working upon the subject which Ward
had suggested to him. He did not give
Ward the weakest imitation of an ex-
cuse to shoot. And so the two of them
came presently down upon the level
and passed around the cabin TO the
door with no more than ten feet OF
space between them, SO inexorably had
Ward crowded close upon the others
stumbling progress.
Hold on a minute!'
Buck stopped as still as though he
mad gone against rock wall.
Ward came closer, and Buck finch
ed away from the feel of the rifle muz-
gle between his shoulder blades. Ward
reached out a cautious hand and pulled
the six shooter from it's holster at
Bucks right hip.
Got a knife? fou always used to
go heeled with one. Speak up and
don't lie about il"
Inside my coat grunted Buck, and
Wards lip curled while he reached
around the mans bulky body and found
the knife in its leather sheath. Evil
IDENTIFY Buck was still remembering
with disquieting exactness what rea-
sons Ward might have for wanting to
kill him.
Take down your left hand and open
the door"
Buck did so and put his hand up
again without being told.
Now go in and stand with your face
to the wall" With the rifle muzzle
Ward indicated which wall. He no
ticed how Bucks fingers CROPPED and
trembled against the wall, just under
the caves, and his lip curled again in
the expression which Billy Louise so
hated to see.
Ward had chosen the spot where he
could reach easily a small coil of rope. |
He kept the rifle pressing Bucks shoul-
ters until he had shifted the knife into
one hand, leaned and laid its blade |
against Bucks cheek.
Feel that? I'll jab it clear through !
you if you give me a chance. Drop |
your hands down behind you" He |
spent busy minute with the rope be-
fore he pushed Buck Olney roughly to-
ward chair.
Buck sat down, and Ward did lit
tie more rope work.
Say, Ward, you're making a big
mistake if you"
"ShLt upi" snapped Ward. Cant
sou see I'm standing all 1 can stand
just with the sight of you? Don't pile
1t on too thick by letting me hear you
talk. l heard you once too often as
it is
Buck Olney caught his breath and sat
very still. His eyes followed Ward
rs the eyes of Gagged animal follow
is keeper.
Ward tried to ignore his presence
while he lighted a fire and
'ried bacon and made coffee, but the
lard set of his jaw and the cold in :
entness Of his eyes proved how con- !.
cious he was of Bucks presence. He
ried to eat just to show how calm he
vas, but the bread and bacon choked
lin. He could feel every nerve in his
'ody culver with the hatred he felt for c
he man and the bitterness which the c
light of him called up out of the past.
lie drank four cups of coffee, black {
nd sweetened at random, which q
teadied him little. That he did not II
ffer Buck food or drink showed how e
ntense was his hatred. AS rule, your
rue range man is hospitable even to y
lis enemies.
He rose and inspected the ropes to
make sure that they were proof against l
straining muscles and took
n extra turn or two with the loose
nd just to make doubly sure of the il
lan's helplessness.
where did you leave your horse?' ii
e asked him CURLY when he was a
trough L,
Buck told him, his eyes searching 81
yard's face for mercy or at least for G
me cew to his fate and dulling with 81
sappointment because he could read h
Jthing there but loathing. b.
Without speaking again Ward went
i nad closed the door firmly behind
m Ha fsrt relieved to be away from y,