Clearwater Republican. [volume] (Orofino, Idaho) 1912-1922, 1918-06-07
k1NM AT THE WOLVERINE.

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hose deep little gulches. have you ever
e anything Of a-corral, up therer
Billy Louise held herself rigidly
srom starting at this. She bit her lips
10 that II hurt. whereabouts IL It'll"
me asked. without looking at him.
And then: II thought you would go to
any length before you would accuse
anybody"
II would. But when they deliberate
y try to hand me the blame--and I'm
lot accusing anybody-anybody In
particular, am I? The corral is at the
head Of a steep little canyon or gulch,
back in the hills where all these bigger
canyons head. Some time when you're
riding up that way. you keep an eye
put for II. That" he added grimly,
rs where Peter and / ran across
these cattle; right near that corral"
The heart Of Billy Louise went heavy
In her chest. Was It possible? Doubts
are harder TO kill than cats or snakes.
You think they're done for, and here
they come again, crowding close SO
that n can see nothing else.
"Have you any idea at all, who
II isT" She forced the words out Of
her dry throat. She lifted her head de-
lhantly and looked at him full, trying
to read the truth from his eyes and
his mouth.
Charlie Fox met her look, and in his
eyes she read pity-yes, pity for her.
TT ! have" he said, with an air Of
gently deliberate evasion, "Ill wait till
Ii am dead before l name the man. I'm
not at all sure I'd do 1t even then, Miss
Louise; not unless / was forced to do
1t in self-defense. That's one reasoD
why l brought the cattle down here.
] didn't want to be placed in a posi-
ton where l should be compelled to
fight back"
Bafled and angry and hurt to the
very SOU of her, Billy Louise opened
the gate and went out. IF you know
anything to tell, for heavens sake don't
hold back on my account! It's nothing
to me, one way OF the other. I'm no
rustler, and nc friend Of rustlers, II
that's what you're limiting at" She
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and a very straight back, went to Blue,
and mounted him mechanically. Billy
Louise was seeing red" just then. She
rode back past the gate, the three were
still standing there close together
talking.
Billy Louise had ridden but a short
distance when, with q sudden impulse
born Of her stern instincts Of justice,
abe jerked Blue around and galloped
back. Charlie had disappeared, and
Peter Rowling Dog was walking sui.
lenly toward the corraled cattle. Mar
thy wat going slowly up the path to
the cabin, looking old and bent and
brOken-spirited because of her bowed
shoulders and stiff, rheumatic gait, but
harsh and unyielding as to her face
Billy Louise stopped by the fence and
called to her. Marthy turned, stared
at her sourly, and stood where she
was. nn
'"Wall, what d'yuh want nowi" she
asked uncomprOmisingly.
Billy Louise fought back an answer
ing antagonism. She must be Just
she could not blame Marthy for feel.
ing hard toward her. She had insulted
them horribly and killed Marthy's dog
II want to tell you I'm sorry l was
so mean, Marthy," she said bravely
Il haven't any excus to make for 1t
only you must see yourself what a
shock 1t would be to a person to find
those cattle down here. But / know
you're honest, and so is Charlie. And
! know you'll do what's right. I'm
sorry shot your dog, Marthy."
Apologies did not come easily tt
Billy Louise. She wheeled then and
rode away at a furious gallop, before
Marthy could do more than open her
grim lips for reply.