Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-02-04
FLOWER OF THE NORTH
s>~~~~ By JAMES OLIVER CURWOOD
By JAMES OLIVER CURWOOL

/ taken for Thorpe, so that when the
latter passed within the small circle
of light that came from the supply.
house window he vas fifty instead of
dozen PAGES away. Something in the
others manner, something strangely
and potently familiar in his slim, 1.-THE
form, In the quick, half.running move
ment of his body, drew q sharp breath
from Philip. He was on the point of
calling a name. but it died on his lips
A moment more and the man passed
through the door. Philip was certain
that 1t was Pierre Couchee who had
followed Thorpe.
He was filled with a sudden fear as
he ran toward the store. He had
scarcely crossed the threshold when q
glance showed him Thorpe leaning
upon narrow counter. and Pierre
close beside him. He saw that the
half.breed was speaking, and Thorpe
drew himself erect. Then, as quick as
flash, two things happened. Thorpe's
hand went to his belt. Pierre's sent a
lightning CLEAN Of steel back over his
shoulder. The terrible drive of the
knife and the explosion Of Thorpe's
revolver came in the same instant.
Thorpe crumpled back over the coun.
ter. clutch!ng at his breast. Pierre
turned about, staggered, and saw
Philip. His eyes lighted up, and with
moaning cry he stretched out his
arms as Philip sprang to him. Above
the sudden tumult Of mems feet and
excited voices he gasped out Jeanne's
name. Half dozen men had crowded
about them. Through the ring burst
'MacDougall, a revolver in his hand.
Pierre had become a dead weight in
Philips arms.
Help me over to the cabin with
him. Mac" he said. He looked around
among the men. 1t struck him as
OF Thorpe's gang. "Is Thorpe done
for?" he asked.
Hes dead" replied some one.
With an effort Pierre opened his
eyes.
Dead" he breathed, and in that one
triumph.
Take Thorpe over to his cabin" /"
commanded Philip. as he and Mac.
Dougall lifted Pierre between them. 81
will answer for this man."
They could hear Pierre's sobbine
breath as they hurried across the open.
They laid him on Philips bunk and
Pierre opened his eyes again. He
lOOkeu at fnlllp.
"Msieur," he whispered, tell me
quick-if must die!"
MacDougall had studied medicine
and surgery before engineering, and
took the place of camp physician,
Philip drew back while he ripped
open the half-breed's garments and
barred his breast. Then he darted to
his bunk for the satchel in which he
Kept his bandages and medicines,
throwing off his coat as he went.
Philip bent over Pierre. Blood was
oozing slowly from the wounded mans
right breast. Over his heart Philip
noticed B blood.stained locket, fastened
by babiche string about his neck.
Pierre's hands groped eagerly for
Philips.
"M'sieur--you will tell me-if I
must die?" he pleaded. There are
things you must know-about Jeanne
If l go. 1t will not hurt. 1 am not
afraid. You will tell me"
Yes" said Philip.
He could scarcely speak, and while
MacDougall was at work stood SO that
Pierre could not see his face. There
was sobbing note inSPierre's breath,
and he knew what it meant. He had
heard that same sound more than once
when he had shot moose and caribou
through the lungs. Five minutes later
MacDougall Strengthened himself. He
had done all that he could. Philip fol-
lowed him to the back part of the
room. Almost without sound his lips
framed the words. "Will he die?"
Yes" said MacDougall. There is
no hope. He may last until morning."
Philip took a stool and sat down
beside Pierre. There was no fear in
the wounded mans face. His eyes
were clear. His voice was a, little
stronger.