The Bossier banner., 1921-01-20
CHAPTER XII.
A Coed Samaritan.

Fendrick had guessed the exact
truth. After leaving him Kate had rid
den forward to the canon and entered
It. She did not mean to go much
farther, but she took her time. More
than once she slipped from under
fold Of her waist letter and re-read
sentences Of Il. Whenever she did this
her eyes smiled. For It was q love let
ter from Curly, the first she had ever
had. It 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 It there unnoticed.
Family there came to her q wind
swept sound. She pulled up and wait
ed. but no repetition Of 1t reached her
ears. But before her pony had moved
q dozen steps she stopped him again.
This time she was almost sure OF Z far
cry. and after It the bark Of q re-
v0lver.
With the touch Of rein she guided
her horse toward the sound. It might
mean nothing. On the other hand It
might be call for help. Her shout
brought an answer which guided her
to the edge Of, q prospect hole. In the
darkness she made out an indistinct
figure.
'sWater," husky voice demanded.
She got her canteen from the saddle
and dropped It to him. The man glued
his lips 20 the mouth as II he could
never get enough.
For Gods sake get me out OF here"
he pleaded piteously.
How long have you been there?'
1.-TWO days. l 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 a-known you'd hurt me il
you moved SO fast" he complained,
nursing his wounded face In such a
way as to hide it.
fully" the girl answered, stepping for
ward.
His hand shot forward and caught
her wrist. Her startled eyes flashed
to his face. The man was the convict
Blackwell.
.Got anything to eat with you. I'm
starving" he snapped.
Yes. shot some quail. Let go my
hand"
He laughed evilly, without mirth.
"DOn't try any of your sassy ways on
me. I'm wolf on the howl"
She fought and twisted till she was
worn out in her efforts to free herself.
Painting, she faced him.
LET me 60, tell you.''
For answer his open hand struck her
mouth. Not till you learn your boss.
Before I'm through with you a squaw
won't be half so tame as you"
He dragged her to the horse, took
from Its case the rife that hung by
the saddle and flung her from him
roughly. Then he pulled himself to
the saddle
March ahead Of me-" he ordered.
As soon as they had reached the bed
OF the canon he called q halt and babe
her light fire and cook him the quail
She gathered ironwood and catclaw
while he watched her vigilantly. To-
gether 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
vet ready to do murder, for fear Of
punishment That was q possibility to
be considered only Il he should Be