The spectator., 1920-11-02
CHAPTER li-Continued.

That night, before the darkness had 1 gathered too deep, they selected the site of their house on the very bench that McCrae had indicated. It was about an acre in extent, and stood halfway between the prairie level and the bottom of the coulee, where small river was now running. It was quite dark when they sought the cover of their little tent, and the wolves were bowling far down the ra- i vine.
 | Presidently they were startled by a 1 crashing noise, as of some big ami mals rushing upon them through the l poplars, and the horses, in headlong haste, almost swept over their sleep 1 ing place.
 That wolf howl put the fear into 1 the silly brutes." said Harris, speak l ing calmly, although his own flesh was | creeping just little. "I suppose they've ripped their tether ropes to | pieces Well. we'll tie them down here. where they'll have company" | And he led them back short distance | Into the bushes.
 A moment later, suddenly, as if con | gealed out of thin air on the bank right above them, silhouetted against the dim light in the western sky, stood mind came a warning of McCrae: "Sleep with one eye open when your horses are tethered out"
 l Harris had no proof that the strange | rider was horse thief. but 1t struck him at the moment that the terror of l the horses might not have been due al- 1 together to wolves.
 He stole silently toward the tent. | There was gun there. loaded with shot for any possible game on the prai- rie. As he moved in the deep dark ness of the valley he stumbled over root and fell. The same moment came a flash of light on the bank. and Har- ris heard the ''thuk" of ball bury ing itself in the sod. He lay perfectly still. The stranger peered into the | darkness for full minute; then, dis mounting, began to come cautiously down the hillside. Harris would have rushed for his gun, but he feared to reveal the whereabouts of his wife. So he lay still, and the stranger came op, the glint of his gun barrel showing in the darkness. It was evident he thought his bullet had found it's mark. and he proposed still to possess him. self of the horses. But he was taking no chances. Presently he discerned Harris body on the ground and again raised his gun to his shoulder. Har- ris lay in an agony of suspense pray ing that the aim would be faulty, and that his assailant would advance un- til he could spring up and disarm him. Then came another flash. a loud re port. yell from the intruder who half fell to earth. then scrambled to his feet. rushed up the bank, pulled himself somewhat Imply on his horse, and rode into the darkness.
 "oh, Jack, are you killed2' cried the girl, rushing in his direction.
 "Not even hurt" he answered; and she fainted in his arms
 He carried her to the tent and ap- piled water to her forehead As he was engaged in restoring her his hand fell on his gun. The barrel was hot
 He raised her face to his, and kissed her again and again.
 In the morning they found a few drops of blood on the grass at the top of the bank.
 Harris and his wife allowed them selves no time for nerve strain over the experience of their first night on their homestead. The next morning. after caring for their cows, they an ax, saw, their gun. and lunch. and set out for the valley. returning late at night with sufficient logs and poles for the framework of their house and stable. The next day construc- ton was commenced Four stout posts were set on end, enclosing a rectangle .Sx16 feet. The tops of the posts were connected by logs laid upon them. dove-tailed at the corners after the fashion of woodsmen. and held in po- sirisa by wooden pins driven in auger holes. Lengthwise along the center, to form ridge pole, another stout log was laid and the whole framework supported by additional posts, among which were two on the east side to en- close the door. Small poles were then placed on end, sloping slightly in wards and resting against the plate logs. Similar poles were laid from the plate logs to the ridge pole to sup port the roof.
 Harris found . southern slope where