Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1918-04-25

that rider had whirled TO come after
him
And this shadow moved with more
caution than did the physician, even
though the scuifing of the bic bays
hoofs, ever close 10 the ground in his
peculiar gait, was audible for great
distances.
When the shadow could hear the
click of pebbles. the sculi OF shod
hoofs on hard earth, il pressed on ST
ceased to blow in its face. the pony
stopped in It's tracks while the rider
leaned forward 10 listen; and at times
settled back 10 wait until Il snap or a
thud or click. from ahead Told the
story of travel.
So they went--Ilardy first the other
rider second; and behind the second.
skulking, silent as thought itself.
slipped the third moving body, small
Ter, lighter
Where the trail branched and went
tlliuuSH wv pth liN SlstuoN 0''ppsN
and. with knee flung over saddle-horn,
waited many minutes. Then. sure OF
safety. but ever cautious The rider
slipped TO the ground and led the
quick stepping pony into the brush.
moving but few yards al time.
listening, stopping, progressing, with
the practised tread OF those born 10
the wild places.
While the third fitting figure crept
on behind,
And the night knowing all, hiding
all, wore Oh toward midnight. Never
had il taken Hardy so long to cover
the distance for the nearer his dest-
nation he arrived the greater became
his caution and the longer his waits.
Though his good ears told him OF no
movement save that of the gras
and lrecs before the urgings of the
hlceZc. he would not relax, and as he
drew nearer Navin's his Judgment
was backed by an unnamed apprehen-
sion
r. once he stood for long halt hour.
faced about waiting, watching, listen
ins-all because he thought he had
heard Il thump as OF horse stamping
on tho soft turf behind him,
A dozen times he was prompted 10
tell himself that it was fooiishness,
that he should hurry on; but always
biz determination to make sure over
came he argument for haste. SO he
stood there until another traveller
could have come into hearing distance
and gone on dozen times before
moving.
And when he went forward again
the shadow slipped along in The night
cautiously. after long wait Then
the third thing arose from its crouch.
ing, and set silent feet in motion
Another time the doctor stopped
and wheeled his horse about with a
gasp. He had heard nothing, but his
eyes were prepared TO focus on an OBJ
ject back yonder. For the space of q
dozen slow breaths he strained his
eyes, confident that significant, NOV
ing shape would come into sight. Ye.
none came, and he scoifed at himself
for hysterica weakling. At the
time the shadow drew long, culver
ing breath of relief and rode forward
slowly, giving Hardy Il greater lead.
And the third, having swung out
on the prairie, away from the trail
followed by the others. progressed
abreast of the quick-steppng pong,
seeing, but out Of sight.
Hardy approached the ranch. No
sign OF life showed, not so much as Il
ray Of light under the door. He lied
his horse with swift. certain motions
and approached.
A mulyled query followed the
knock.
Hardy, open up" he said, and a
moment later the door was swung
slowly open. He advanced into the
blackness
With the portal shut again, Navn
made light and Hardy. still blink
ing before the rays, Went toward
Sears.
The outlaw sat on The edge of his
bed, dressed, rubbing sleep from his
face
You've been up and around?'
Hardy asked.
Yeah" with a yawn. Went out.
side little today, doc?"
Take off that shirt and let's have
look at that scar"
lrD I'll, CON,rINI'rnN