Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-04-20
CHAPTER X.
The Ape-Oid Story.

Texas and Sam Davort had gone on
far to the south to make their own
way until Bart Sears could ride once
more. Danger lurked in numbers
and, besides, it would return no ma
terial profit for them to remain IN.
der cover until their leaders wound
healed.
Ellis Hardy's visits became less and
less frequent to the Navin ranch as
time went on. When he did 90 he in
yariably made the trip at night, true
to his trust, but in that practice had
never been anything of the sku!ker.
He was at peace with himself and his
plan of future action had long since
shaped itself in his mind, leaving
nothing for him to do but wait upon
events.
One evening he sat beside Sears's
bed. eyilg hin thouehtfullv. The out
law va freshly gha, IN and about MS
counter nce lth the tousied hal was
even more >oi that NA ch rad ,nseG
the physician once before 10 think of
him as only reckless hoy, with spirits
diverted into bad channel.
How about settln' up. doc?' the
man asked. I'D like to pay up; I've
cot the money here"
lie reached under the pillow and
drew out thick wallet.
Hardy held UP protesting hand
You owe rae nothing" he said.
Sears stared in amazement; then
repeated Tie declaration but Why"
ha demanded,
I'm tell you why" said Hardy, get
ting to his feet. It's because your
money is blood money. You eol il rs
murder and robbery. don't want it
not that kind.
When ] pronounce you we'll you
can 90 your ytay-and ioi get my actn-
ices. ! wont touch dollar Of what
YOU have!"
Nothing of the olier-than.thou spir-
it there; nothing theatrical; no play
for effect. His voice was dispassionate,
merely uttering his frank, unminced
beliefs.
Sears sat up in bed with a slow ef-
fort.
well, III be damned" he mnlter-
ed, staring at Hardy, who then paced
The room.
Beyond your conception. isn't it,
The doctor suddenly asked him. a
whimsical interest in his face. a dol.
lar is a dollar TO you--no matter how
obtained.
1T is that very idea, Sears, that
money prompts every action, which
creates such men as YOU are. We're il
not for this mercenary spirit in hu
mans, we'd have no outlaws in OLA
homa
And because you're a victim oil
your environment, you can't imagine
amy call higher than the clink of dol
lars which might drag a physician in
10 case like this. Mark me, Sears
money wouldn't have brought me neal
you--not in lifetime. You tlicket
ME TO get me here, but | forgot tha
when | saw you, because you needed
help and 1t was my duty to give it
I've taken care OF you because of thai
sense OF duty, but can't take none,
Tor II.
Il can keep quiet and help you bacl
10 health because that Is my job 5,
long as you are my patient you
confidence is safe in me. That
why rye said nothing. II wasn't fea
that kept me quiet. Don't think that
Sears"
He stood beside the bed. arms fold
ed. nostris dlaied slightly as hi
honest contempt for the whole affai
rose, looking down on the recumben
figure that stared back at him wit
such mingling OF wonder and admire
ton in his face
Hardy had meant every word. TIL
ou,bmrst had not been for the mer
purpose OF expressing an opinion.
had come from the bottom OF his sou
aud SO strongly did he thina on th
matter that he could no more hay
held back those sentences. than b