The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1920-09-25


would be killed The Pearlhunter dis
missed the plan.
18th woman didn't know there'd be
company tonight" the sheriff muttered
as he held the dishes within reach Of
the arm thrust through the bars. "1'm
afeared you'll be sklmped little. But
we'll try an cook up a-plenty In the
morning."
He closed the door and turned the
key in the lock. The Pearlhunter
watched him until he had crossed the
square Of light shining out from the
kitchen and re-entered the house. until
the door closed and the muslin cur
tains fell back into place at the side
window. Then he laid the stove leg
by. His chance was gone.
The revolver tucked under his
waistband at the hnnk of his back
and hidden by his blouse seemed to
have personality. Its friendly pres
ence helped his appetite, though, for
that matter, II was already keen
enough, as he had eaten nothing since
morning. He could have eaten three
such suppers rs the sheriff provided.
The friendly revolver; the thought
Of q grizzled old river man. doubtless
ut that moment rowing hard up the
river, took some of the smart out Of his
cuts and bruises, His left eye was
swelling shut. He winked II limber
and stood wondering whether TO blow
out the candle or leave II burn while !;
finally blew 1t out, and went back to
the west window.
A sound caught his ear; steps com
Ing down the river road. He listened.
The steps turned In at the jail yard ;
came around 10 the west window. A
face appeared between the bars,
Enough light fell from the stars to re.
veal It's identity-the suave, handsome
face of the man he least expected to
see there.
The Pearlhunter came close TO the
window The other backed step
| away.
"Pleased to find you in" he sneered.
The Pearlhunter passed by the taunt
in silence. II seemed to lrritate the
other that his shot had missed.
"Just thought I'd call around at your
--ah-your boarding place this evening
and talk over little matter OF bust
ness-a sort of roposition-a--ah--
| bargain" he drawled.
The man on the inside of the bars
made no answer. His face was as
| stoIid as II he hadn't heard. Neither
was the other much on talk. He shot
| straight and talked the same way
| Half petulnntly he shifted to his other
foot took his thumbs out Of his vest
pockets. The easy smile left his face
| the real man came out-a wildcat
fanged and clawed.
"I'll uncork this rotten old jug" hi
growied. ''if you'll bolt the Flatwood'
and stop queeriE' my game"
His lips snapped tight. His cards
were on the table. The Pearlhuntel
pondered them In his deliberate va,
and cast up the sum total Of their q
act value.
First. There would be ne mob
Otherwise he would have trusted Il
that. The meeting behind the Nut
Hen had nxzled.
Second. He had no stomach 70
going into court.
Third. "Queerin'" his game" Wha
did he mean by his game? He couldn'
have meant the Blue Moon, for h
didn't know the Pearlhunter knew h
had It. His game. That tense seen
nj the fence the evening before fashe
up clear as the river bed under tn
jack light: girl with basket
frightened eyes; yellow curl that ros
and fell upon startled bosom.
"I'll stay where ! am" he answered
crisp and cold. "The law put me In
the law can get me out"
The other shrugged his shoulders
furious OF the baffiing GOODNESS he Ell
countered. And yet he couldn't affor
10 give MP his plans. or spoil them b.
nny untimely show OF his real feel
ings. The easy smile came back.
those questions you were expect
ing to ask--l might answer them (
boot"
The Pearlhunter's fingers tightene
on the bar. He breathed deep. ThOs
questions His life through, they ha
haunted him. And the man before hir
knew the answer. His face set hare
ANSWER or not, as you please" b
said; but I'll not bolt the FlatwoOdi
was expectin' to ask about my--ft
Their"
The other vhIpned n curious look Q