The Lamar register., 1920-04-07
CHAPTER XII.
A Good Samaritan.


truth. After leaving him Kate had rid
0en forward to the canon and entered
1t. She did not mean to go much
farther, but she took her time. More
than once she slipped from under II
fold of her waist letter and re-read
sentences of II. Whenever she did this
her eyes smiled. For It was love let
ter from Curly. the first she had ever
had. II had been lying on the inner
edge of the threshold OF her bedroom
door that morning when she got up
and she knew that her lover had risen
early to put 1t there unnoticed.
FaIntly there came to her wind
swept sound. She pulled up and walt
ed. but no repetition of 1t reached her
ears. But before her pony had moved
a dozen steps she stopped him again.
This time she was almost sure of far
cry. and after II the bark OF re-
vOlver.
With the touch OF a rein she guided
her horse toward the sound Ii might
mean nothing. On the other hand II
might he call for help. Her shout
brought an answer which guided her
TO the edge of prospect hole. In the
darkness she made out an indlstinci
figure.
Water" husky voice demanded.
She got her canteen from the saddle
and dropped 1t to him. The man glued
his lips to the mouth Ms II he could
never get enough.
For Gods sake get me out of here"
he pleaded plteously.
How long have you been there
Two days. ] fell In at night whilst
! was cutting across country"
Kate fastened her rope to the horn
Of the saddle. tIghtened the cInch care
fully. and dropped the other end To
him. She swung to the back Of the
horse and braced herself by resting
her full weight on the farther stirrup.
Now" she told him.
The imprisoned man was dragged
over the edge with one cheek scratched
and bleeding.
Might n.known you'd hurt me "
you moved 50 fast" he complained.
nursing his wounded face IN such n
way rs 10 hide IL.
'Tm sorry. did my hest To go care
fully" the girl answered. stepping for
ward.
Ills hand shot forward and caught
her wrist. Her startled eyes flashed
to his face The man wus the convict
blackwell.
Got anything to eat with you I'm
starving" he snapped.
Yes. ! shot some quail Let go my
hand"
lie laughed evllly. without mlrih.
Don't try any OF your sassy ways on
me. I'm o wolf ON the howl"
She fought and twisted til she was
worn out In her efforts to free herself.
Painting. she faced him.
Let me go. ! tell you"
For answer his open hand struck
her mouth. mot till you learn your
boss. Before I'm through with you
s1uaw won't be half so tame as you"
lie dragged her to the horse. took
from its case the rifle that hung by
the snddle. and flung her from him
roughly. Then he pulled himself 10
the saddle.
"March ahead of me-" he ordered
As soon as they had reached the bed
nI fllt fIlibh a Ahih ''f'
her lisht a fire and cook him the quail
She gathered irOnwood and catclaw
while lie watched her vigllantly. To
acfher they roasted the birds by hold
ing them over the fire with sharpened
sticks thrust through the wings. He
devoured them with the voracity Of
wild beast
Hitherto his mind had been busy
with the immediate present, but now
his furtIve shifting gaze rested on her
more thoughtfully. He dared not leave
her in the prospect hole. He was not
yet ready TO do murder. for fear OF
punishment. That was q possibility to
he considered only II lie should be
hard pressed. The only alternative
left him was to take her to the border
as a companion OF his fugitive dou'
blings.
"weTl be going now" he announced.
after he had eaten.
Going where? Don't you see I'll be
drag TO your Take my horse and 60.
You'll get along faster"
DO you think so?"
Eor ~. Nrst ttypa n n es ma "a har that