The diamond drill., 1920-04-17


and she knew that her lover had risen
early to put II there unnotIced.
Family there came 10 her wind
swept sound. She pulled up and walt
ed. but no repetition Of II reached her
ears. But before her pony had moved
a dozen steps she stopped him again.
This time she was almost sure OF far
cry. and after II the bark Of a re-
volver.
With the touch OF rein she guided
her horse toward the sound. II might
mean nothing. On the other hand II
might be call for help. Her shout
brought an answer which guided her
to the edge of prospect hole. In the
darkness she made out an indistinct
figure.
water" husky voice demanded.
She got her canteen from the saddle
and dropped II TO him. The man glued
his lips to the mouth as N he could
never get enough.
"ror Gods sake get me out OF here"
he pleaded piteously.
"How long have you been theref"
1.-TWO days. l fell In at night whilst
I was cutting across country"
Kate fastened her rope to the horn
Of the saddle. tlghtened the cinch care
fully. and dropped the other end TO
him. She swung to the back OF the
horse and braced herself by resting
her full weight on the farther stlrrup.
"Now," she told him.
The imprisoned man was dragged
over the edge with one cheek scratched
and bleeding.
Might a-known you'd hurt me II
you moved so fast" he complained.
nursing his wounded face In such a
way as to hide II.
"rm sorry. did my best to go care
fully" the girl answered. stepping for
ward.
His hand shot forward and caught
her wrist. Her startled eyes flashed
10 his face. The man was the convict
Blackwell.
"Got anything to eat with you. Tn
starving" he snapped.
"Yes. shot some quail. Let so my
hand"
He laughed evilly, without mlrth.
"Don't try any OF your sassy ways on
me. I'm wolf on the howl"
She fought and twisted till she was
worn out In her efforts to free herself.
Painting, she faced him.
"Let me go, tell you"
For answer his open hand struck
her mouth. mot till you learn your
boss. Before I'm through with you
squaw won't be half so tame as you"
He dragged her to the horse. took
from It's case the rife that hung by
the saddle and flung her from him
roughly. Then he pulled himself TO
the saddle.
"March ahead OF me-" he ordered.
AS soon as they had reached the bed
OF the canon he called halt and bade
her light fire and cook him the quail.
She gathered ironwood and catclaw
while he watched her vlglantly. To-
gether they roasted the birds by hold
Ing them over the fire with sharpened
sticks thrust through the wings. He
devoured them with the voracIty OF
wild beast
Hitherto his mind had been busy
with the immediate present, but now
his furtive shifting gaze rested on her
more thoughtfully. He dared not leave
her In the prospect hole, He was not
yet ready TO do murder, for fear OF
punishment. That was possibility to
be considered only If he should be
hard pressed. The only alternative
LETT him was 10 take her to the border
as q companion of his fugitive dou-
bings.
Wen be going now" he announced.
after he had eaten.
Going wheref Don't you see I'll be
a drng TO your Take my horse and 20.
You'll get along faster"
DO you think sof"
For the first time Il came 10 her that
II he did not take her with him he
would kill her 20 insure his own safety.
None OF the arguments that would
have availed with another man were
Of any weight here. Her sex. her