The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1920-01-08

Ifdluence OF Kirby, and he had, beyond
question. Informed them as to who
we were and the conditions under
which we had fled FROM Yellow Banks.
The only addition to our party since
them was the rescued boy. They would
have little fear of serious loss In an
attack upon two men, and two women.
unarmed. except possibly with q pistol
or two, even though ~barricaded be-
hind the log walls Of a cabin. And.
with II of their number within, n
attempt at defense would be but n
farce. This same gang had already
sacked the cabin. taking with them. as
they believed. every weapon IL con-
tanned. In their haste they had over
looked the cellar below. They had no
thought of its existence, nor that we
awaited them rifles In hand and with
an ample supply OF powder and lead.
surprise OF no pleasant nature was
awaiting their advance.
Convinced. as I had become. that
Black Hawk was actually with the
party, although i was unable TO obtain
any glimpse of him. I felt there was
small chance OF his departure. without
making at least n effort to capture
the cabin. That was his nature, his
reputation-that Of a bulldog to hang
on, q tiger to strike. More. even. this
band OF raiders must be far south OF
the main body of the Hawks follow
crs, and hence In danger themselves.
They would eve remain here long.
facing the possibility of discovery. of
having their retreat cut oil. IL they
attacked the attempt would not be
long delayed.
Still there was nothing left to do
but wait. We were already as com
pletely prepared as possible with our
resources.
The main assault would undoubtedly
be delivered from the front, directed
against the door. the only point where
they could hope to break In. Here
Tim and myself held our positions. as
ready as we could be for any emer-
gency. and watchful OF the slightest
movement without. Tim had even
brought UP the haif-keg OF coarse pow
der from the cellar. and rolled it into
one corner out of the way. His only
explanation was. a grim reply to my
question. that at mought be mighty
handy ter hav' round afore the fracus
wus done" There was no fear In
Eloise. no shrinking. no evidence Of
cowardice. Not once did I feel the
need OF giving sher word Of encour-
agement-even as I glanced toward
her 1t was to perceive the CLEAN OF a
pistol gripped in her hand. She was
of the old French fighting stock.
which never fails.
Against the log wall a few yards
away. Kirby strained at mis- blanket
bonds. and had at last succeeded In
lifting himself up far enough SO as
to stare about the room. There was
none of the ordinary calm of the
gambler about the fellow now-an the
pitiIess hate. and love of revenge
which belonged to his wild Indian
blood bldzed In his eyes. He glared
at me In sudden. impotent rage.
you think you've got me. do your
he cried, scowling across; then an ugly
grin distorted his thin lips. "Not yet
you haven't. o soldier dog. I've got
some cards left to play in this game.
you young fool. What did you butt
in for anyway? This was none OF your
affair. D. you. Knox. do you know
who she Is? i mean that whlte-faced
chit over there-do you know who
she Is? She's my wife; do you hear7
my wifel I've got the papers. d.
you'll She's mine l-mine; and 1 am
going to have her long after you're
dead-yes. and the whole d. Beau
caire property with her. BY G.! you
talk about fighting-why there are fifty
Indians but here. Wait till they find
out what has happened to me. Oh,
TIL watch you die Mt the stake, you
s~neaking white cur. and spit In your
FACET
"Kirby." | said sterniy. but quietly.
stepping directly across toward him,
you are, a prisoner. aud helpless. but
am going to tell you now to hold
your tongue. Otherwise you will never
see me at the stake. because I shall
blow your brains put where you lie.'
"Tou dare rot do"
"And why notf IT viii rid the girl of
you. and that means something &c me
and her. Just try me. and See"
He must have read the grim mean
Ing I'm my face. for he fell back against
the log. muttering incoherentiy. his
dark eyes wells Of hate. his face u
picture Of malignancy. but utterly
heIpless-the lurking coward in him.
unable to face my threat. I left him
and stopped above hcr.
I'VE shall be- busy presently; the der
lay cannot be- much longer. I am
afraid that fellow may succeed some
how In doing us harm. He is crazed
enough to attempt anything. May I
trust you to guard hIm7"
Her eyes. absolutely fearless and d.
rect. looked straight up Into mine.
sYes, ne win make no movement I
shall not see. Tell me: do you believe
there is hopef"
"God knows We shall do our best
II the worst comes-whatf~