The Dolores star., 1920-04-30

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 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 II
farce This same gang had already
sacked the cabin. taking with them. as
they believed, every weapon ii con
tained 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. II
surprise of no pleasant nature was
| awaiting their advance.
Convinced, as | had become, that
Black Hawk was actually with the
party. although I was unable to obtain
any glimpse of him. | 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 a 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
crs. and hence in danger themselves.
They would never remain here long,
facing the possibility Of discovery, of
having their retreat cut OF. II they
attacked the attempt would not be
long delayed.
Still there was nothing left TO do
but wait. We We're already as com
pletely prepared as possible with odr
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 1t into
one corner out of the way. His only
explanation was. grim reply to my
question. that 'it mought be mighty
handy ter hav' round afOre the fraCuS
WIS done" There was no fear in
Elose. no shrinking. no evidence of
COwurdiCe. Not once did | feel the
need of giving her word OF cncour-
ngement-eyen as | glanced toward
her it was to perceive the CLEAN of
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
pitil"SS hate. and love Of revenge
which belonged to his wild Indian
blood hlazed in his eyes. He glared
ut me in sudden. impotent rage.
you think you've got me. do you?"
he cried. sCnwlng across then nm ugly
grin distorted his thin lips. Not 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? mean that whte-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 mine; and I am
going to have her long after you're
dead-yes, and the whole d Beau
caire property with her. BY c.. you
talk about tighting-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
face,'
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? It 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
ing in my face, for he fell back against
the log. mutterlng incoherently, his
dark eyes wells of hate, his face n
picture of malignancy, but utterly
helpless-the lurking coward In him,
unable to face my threat. left him
and stopped above her.
eve shall be busy presently the de-
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 him?"
Her eyes, absolutely fearless and d.
rect, looked straight up into mine.
''Yes, he will make no movement I
shall not see. Tell me; do you believe
there is hopper"
God knows. We shall do our best.
| ~ hn