The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1920-05-18

shelby stared at the gruesome
sceno. unable TO rsmovc his gaze.
In tho dim light tho features OF the
two men were almost unrccognizable.
What had caused this tragedy. this
fierce death grappler He could only
conjecture from what little he knew
OF the circumstances. Beyond doubt
one OF these antagonists would be the
guard whom Macilin had left to
watch over his captive while he dc.
parted hut the othcrf Someone
who sought entrance probably. some.
one endoavoring to reach the woman,
either inspired by good or evil intent
Yct which WAS the guard. which the
INVADER Those who had aocompa
nied the Kid at tho ranch were all
Indians. and II was. therefore. most
likely that n savage had been left to
watch over the girl Then 10 was the
white man who thus sought 10 reach
her. For what purposer
shelby bent down and p-crod In
quiringly into the agonizcd face OF
the dead white man Tho features
were discolorod. distorted from the
agony in which he had died. the lips
drawn hack. disclosing a grinning
row OF teeth. Tho face scarcely ap.
pcarcd human. and yet was vaguely
familiar. lie had seen Il once be.
forc, revealed I'm the glare ~ n match.
and tho recollection came back haunt.
ing him--the fellow was slagin. Han
lcys partner. Then he had come
there for no good, Had come there
In tho night like sinking cur.
knowing OF Maektlnis absence. TO
carry out some foul object OF his
own. Wen. he had paid dearly,
whatever his purpose
Tho ranchman drew In long
breath. and stood up. The silence
and gloom oppressed him. an his eyes
apartment IL was surely III abode
for murder. but the sight of those
two dead bodies intcriockcd on the
floor was more than he could bear.
obeyinw the first Impulse he dragged
them. stin gripping each other. across
tho floor and thrust them under the
bench. flingtng over them the folds
OF a tatter.d blanket Now. at least.
they were out OF sight. and he could
move about without those dead dis.
torted faces ieer1ng a, him
But what Of hcr-Oiga' Surely no
ono could have bern herr since these
two m-n fought Otherwise their
bodies would have been found. and
cared for. II must b. that Markun
had not yet returned. and that Han
Icy knew nothing OF siaRinis dc.
pcrats venture. Then tho giri must
sttll be confined In tho house. help
less to escape and guarded by these
dead men Tho thought sent the
blood surging into Sheiby's throat,
and his eager eyes sought tho only
door opening thru the side wall. 4,
was tightly closed and secured by a
strong bar OF wood. Hs picked up
the revolver from tho floor. and went
swiftly forward. prepared TO face
whatever might b revealed beyond.
The bar fitted snugiy, yet he forccs,
IL free Of the clasps. and pushed tho
door opon with his knca. watchfuliy
p~ertng into the darkness behind
lie sag nothing. no fiustcr OF move
ment. no evidence that the place was
occupied In spite Of daylight with
out. the room. with It's suffered win.
dows. remained black. His heart al.
most ceassnd to beat. yet he advanced
into the room. flinging the door wide
open behind him This emitted sum.
eicnt light to enable him 10 dimly
make on; his surroundsngs--a couch.
covered with a bearEkin. a rudely
made chair. a bucket Of water in one
corner. and family revealed figure
against the further wan.
Olga he exclaimed. Olga
She moved. leaning forward eager.
~.
Who are your Who calls me -
The voice was strained. trembling.
Tt Ia you them lie Eprang for.
ward. Don't be afraid: am sheIbyr.
Shelby Tom Shelby o
God this is not dream
NO. MOI I am Just ms real an you
arc See: touch me. You thought