The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1920-04-23

} primed, the few IO0phOleS between the
logs opened, and a pail of water placed
within easy reach. This was all that
could be done.
Kennedy made use of the fellow, or
Kirby obeyed the commands without
an answering protest. To all appear
ances he was as eager as we in the
preparations for defense. But he could
not command him; to even address the
fellow would have been torture, for
even then l was without faith with
out confidence. The very sneaking,
cowardly way in which he acted did
not appeal to me as natural l could
not deny his story-those approaching
Indians alone were proof that he fed
from a real danger; and yet-and yet,
| to my mind he could not represent
anything but treachery. / possessed
but one desire-to kick. the cringing
cur.
stood at a loophole watching the
approaching savages. They had halted
just below the big tree, and four or
five half hidden by the huge trunk,
were in consultation, well beyond rifle
shot. Assured by their attitude that
the attack would not be made immedi-
ately, l ventured to turn my face
slightly, and take final survey of the
room behind Tim had stationed him
self at the other side of the door, his
eyes glued to narrow opening, both
hands crr.ira on ic EIaica
the colored girl, the one dry-eyed and
alert, the other prone on the floor cry
ing, We're where | had told them to
go, into the darkest corner. The boy
| did not see, nor even remember, but
Kirby stood on the bench, which en-
abled him to peer out through the
loop-hole in the window shutter. What
| noticed, however, was, that instead
of keeping watch without, his eyes
were furtiyely wandering about the
room, and, when they suddenly en-
countered mine, were as instantly
averted.
Where was it you met those In
dams, Kirby?" 1 questioned sternly.
down the valley
Last night?"
This morning; they surprised us ir
camp"
"In camp! there were others with
you, then. Who were they? the party
you had trailing us?"
Eyes," decidedly sullen tone creep
ing into his voice. "Five of them; one
was a Winnebago."
"And Rale was along, I presume
What became of the Others?'
He shook his head, but with no show
Of feeling.
THAT'S more than / know. Things
were hot enough for me without both.
ering about the rest. never saw any
Of them again, except Rale. He was
killed in the fight. Abort an hour
after that l shot the buck who was
guarding me, and got away on his
lorse.'
"What Indians were they?"
''Sacs mostly; some Foxes, and may. I
De a Winnebago or two"
"Was Black Hawk with them?"
81 don't know-I never saw Black
Hawk"
l felt firmly convinced that he was
lying, and yet there was
lothing in his story which might moi
'e true. No doubt it was prejudice q
PERSONAL hatred, and distrust which led
ne to come to this conclusion. Well
rue or not, / meant to see that he
ought now.
"All right, but 1 advise you to keer
our eyes outside" 1 said sternly.
Don't be staring about the cabin any
lore" Il
ST was looking for something to k
at" Y
rs that so? Well, you better stand T
for awhile without eating. What Is c
!, Eloise?" Y
"Please let me hand him some food?' u
! hesitated, conscious that | disliked v
ven the thought of her serving the .
elbow in any way, yet unable to resist =
ne eager plea in her eyes.
VERY well, if you wish to; only :
eep down out of range; those Indians =
lay try for the loopholes 1t is more :. -
ian you deserve, Kirby" :
He made no response, and / watched :.
i'm closely as he endeavored to eat -
hat she proffered him, and felt con- -
nced that it was hard work. The !,
ian had lied about being hungry; he :"
as not in need of food and my deep ~
,oted suspicion of him only famed )
p anew.
A hand gripped at my sleeve timidly. !,
I'd turned quickly to encounter the !.
res of Asa Hall. Never did l read
lch depth of fear in the expression
any FACET was the wild, unreason-
e terror of an animal
what is it, my boy?' =.
Its him, seh," he whispered, his
IS trembling so | could scarce catch =.
e words. "Thet Teller thar. He's -,
IS the one saw las night with Black
awk.' -
Are you sureY r.
Yes, sch; L know him. saw him ~.
ain as | do now" ~.
l do not know why, but every bit of M,
idence against the man came in p,
antly thronging back to my mind nm
e chance remark of Throckmorton on -.