The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1920-04-30

| influence of Kirby, and ne hao, 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 a pistol
or two. even though barricaded be-
hind the log walls of cabin. And
with one of their number within, any
attempt at defense would be but a
farce. This same gang had already
sacked the cabin, taking with them, as
they believed, every weapon it 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.
Whatever might be the final result,
surprise of no pleasant nature was
awaiting their advance.
Convinced, as l had become, that
Black Hawk was actually with the
party, although was unable TO obtain
any glimpse of him, I felt there was
small chance of his departure, without
| making at least one effort to capture
| the cabin. That was his nature, his
reputation-that of bulldog to hang
on, tiger to strike. More, even, this
band of raiders must be far south of
! the main body of the Hawks follow
| ers, and hence in danger themselves.
They would never remain here long,
facing the possibility of discovery, of
having their retreat cut off. If 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 half-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 "it mought be mighty
handy ter hav' round afore the fracus
Eloise, no shrinking, no evidence of
cowardice. Not once did I feel the
need of giving her word of encour
agement-even as / glanced toward
her it 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 few yards
away, Kirby strained at his 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-all the |
pitiless hate, and love of revenge |
which belonged to his wild Indian
blood blazed 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 mot yet |
you haven't, you 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 white-faced
chit over there-do you know who
she is? She's my wife; do you hear?
my wife I've got the papers, d.
you! She's mine mime; and / 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 out here Wait till they find
out what has happened to me. Oh,
I'll watch you die at the stake, you
sneaking white cur, and spit in your
facet"
''Kirby," I said sternly, but quietly,
stepping directly across toward him,
you are prisoner, and helpless, but
am going to tell you now to hold
your tongue. Otherwise you will never
see me at the stake, because / shall
blow your brains out where you lie.'
"You dare not do"
"And why not? 1t will rid the girl of
you, and that means something to me
and her. Just try me, and see."
He must have read the grim mean
ng in my face, for he fell back against
he log, muttering incoherently, his
lark eyes wells of hate, his face a
picture of malignancy, but utterly
lurking coward in him,
Unable to face my threat. left him
md stopped above her.
eve shall be busy presently; the de-
ay cannot be much longer. / am |.
fraid that fellow may succeed some
low in doing us harm. He is crazed
nough to attempt anything. May /
rust you to guard him?"
Her eyes, absolutely fearless and di- :.
ect looked straight up into mine. :,
Eyes, he will make no movement l !
hall not see. Tell me; do you believe