The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1918-03-08
CHAPTER Ix-Continued.

49,
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 their
nervous quivering 1t 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 minuteW
Buck stopped as still as though he
had gone against a rock wall.
Ward came closer, and Buck finch
ed away from the feel of the rife muz-
zle between his shoulder blades. Ward
reached out a cautious hand and pulled
the six shooter from its holster at
Bucks right hip.
"Got knife? You always used to
go heeled with one. Speak up and
don't lie about 1t.
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. Evi-
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.
wow go in and stand with your face
to the wall" With the rife 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 80
hated TO see.
Ward had chosen the spot where he
could reach easily a small coil Of rope.
He kept the rifle pressing Bucks Shout
one hand. leaned and laid It's 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 a chair.
Buck sat down, and Ward did lit
tie more rope work.
Say, Ward, you're making big
mistake if you"
"Shut upr snapped Ward Cant
you see I'm standing all l can stand
Just with the sight of you? Don't pile
it on too thick by letting me hear you
talk. / heard you once too often as
it is
Buck Olney caught his breath and sa
very still His eyes followed Ware
as the eyes OF Gagged animal follow
its keeper.
Ward tried to ignore his presenc,
completely while he lighted fire ant
fried bacon and made coffee, but thu
hard set of his jaw and the cold In
tentness of his eyes proved how con
scious he was of Bucks presence. III,
tried to eat Just to show how calm b,
was but the bread and bacon choke,
him. He could feel every nerve In hi
body culver with the hatred he felt 10
the man and the bitterness which tn
sight Of him called up out Of the past
He drank four cups Of coffee, blacl
and sweetened at random. whic
steadied him a little. That he did no
offer Buck food or drink showed hov
intense was his hatred. AS q rule, you
true range man is hospitable even t
his enemies.
He rose and inspected the ropes t
make sure that they were proof agains
twisting, straining muscles and too
an extra turn or two with the loos
end just to make doubly sure Of tn
mans helplessness.
where did you leave your horse
he asked him CURLY when he wa
through.
Buck told him, his eyes searchin
Wards face for mercy OF at least fo
some clew to his fate and dulling wit
disappointment because he could rea
nothing there but loathing.
Without speaking again Ward wer
out and closed the door firmly benin
DIN He felt relieved to be away froI