The Arvada enterprise., 1920-04-29

inAuenee q Kirby. and he had. beyond
question. informed them ~ to who
We were. and the conditions under
which We had hed 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,
unaFmed. except possibly with pistol
or two. even though barricaded be-
hind the log walls Of q cabin. And.
with one Of their number within, any
attempt at defense would be but =
farce. This same gang had already
sacked the cabin. taking with them, ~
they believed. every weapon 1t con-
tanned. 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, q
surprise Of no pleasant nature was
awaiting their advance.
Convinced, a. I had become, that
Black Hawk was actually with the
party. although was unable to obtain
any glimpse Of him. I 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 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
err. and hence In danger themselves.
They would never remain hero long.
facing the possibility of discovery. Of
having their retreat cut of. II they
attacked the attempt would not be
long delayed.
6till there was nothing left to d
but wait. We were already as com-
pletely prepared ~ possible with our
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. Is
ready ~ 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, q grim reply to my
question. that ut mought be mighty
handy ter hav' round afore the fracus
wus DONE" There was NO fear in
Eloise. NO shrinking. no evidence Of
cowardice. Not once did I feel the
need Of Giving her word Of encour-
agement-even - I glanced toward
her II 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 q few yards
away. Kirby strained at his blanket
bonds. and had at last succeeded in
lifting himself up far enough 20 n
to stare about the room. There was
none Of the ordinary calm Of the
gambler about the fellow now-all the
pitiless hate. and love Of revenge
which belonged to his wild Indian
blood blaxed in his eyes. He giared
at me In sudden. impotent rage.
You think you've got me. do your"
he cried. scowlinE across: then an ugly
grin distorted his thin lips. mot yet
you haven't. you soldier dog. I've got
some cards left to play In this game.
you younK fool. What did you butt
In for anyway This was none Of your
AFFAIR. D. you. Knox. do you know
who she isf mean that white-faced
chit over there-do you know who
she isf She's my wife; do you hearf
my wife! I've got the papers. ID
youl She's mine mime: and I am
going to have her long after you're
dead-yes. and the whole d. Beau
caire property with her. BY G.! you
talk about 6EhtinG-why there are nifty
Indians out here. Wait till they ind
out what has happened to me. Oh.
I'll watch you die at the stake, you
sneakinE white cur. and spit 10 your
facew
kirby" I said sternly. but quietly.
stepping directly across toward him.
you are q prisoner. and helpless. but
I am going to tell you now to hold
your tongue. Otherwise you will never
see me at the stake. because I shall
blow your brains out where you lie."
"You dare not do"
"And why notf II 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. muttering incoherently. his
dark eyes wells Of hate. his face .
picture Of maliRnancy. but utterly
helplesa-the lurking coward In him.
unable to face my threat. I left him
and stopped above her.
1--WE 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 10 cra.eti |
enough to attempt anything. May I
trust you to guard himr'
Her eyes. absolutely fearless and d.