The Pulaskian., 1921-03-10

Shelby, crushing back the dread he felt, tried to part them, but the stiff fened limbs would not yield. One was white man, the other an Indian, the latter shot through the chest, the for mer apparently choked to death, the rigid red fingers of his antagonist still ciutchfng his throat. Beyond on the floor lay revolver and a knife.
 Shelby stared at the gruesome scene, unable to remove his gaze Tn the dim light the features of the two men were almost unreeognizable. What had caused this tragedy? this fierce death grapple? He could only con- lecture from what little he knew of the circumstances. Beyond doubt one of these antagonists would be the guard whom Macklin had left to watch over his captive while he de- parted. But the other2 Some one who sought entrance probably; some one endeavoring to reach the woman, either inspired by good or evil intent. let which was the guard? which the inyader1 Those who had accompanied the Kid at the ranch were all Indians, and it was therefore most likely that a savage had been left to watch over the girl. Then it was the white man who thus sought 10 reach her. For what purpose9
 Shelby bent down and peered in- Qutringly into the agonized face of the dead white man. The features were discoiored. distorted from the agony In which he had died. the lips drawn back, disclosing a grinning row Of teeth. The face scarcely appeared human, and yet was vaguely familiar. He had seen 1t once before, revealed in the glare of a match, and the recol- lection came back haunting him-the fellow was Slagin, Hanley's partner. Then he had come there for no good l Had come there in the night like a sinking cur. knowing of Macklin's ab- sence, to carry out some foul object of his own.
 The ranehman drew in long breath, and stood up. The silence and gloom oppressed him, as his eyes once more swept about the dismal-apart- ment. It was surely fit abode for murder, hut the sight of those two dead bodies interlocked on the floor was more than he could bear. Obey Ing the first impulse he dragged them, still gripping each other. across the floor, and thrust them under the bench, A{n 0fY haY 6n fnId o% o %af tered blanket.
 But what Of her-Olga? Surely no one could have been here since these two men fought? Otherwise their bodies would have been found, and cared for. It must be that Macklin had not yet returned, and that Hanley knew nothing of Slagin's desperate venture. Then the girl must still be confined in the house. helpless to es- cape and guarded by these dead men. The thought sent the blood surging into Shelby's throat, and his eager eyes sought the only door opening through the side wall. It was tightly closed and secured by a strong bar of wood. He picked up the revolver from tic flcor, and went swiftly for ward, prepared to face whatever might be revealed beyond. Tie bar fitted snugly, yet hs forced it free of the clasps, and pushed the door open with his knee. watchfully peering into the darkness behind. He saw nothing, no f1utter of movement, no evidence that the place was occupied. In spite Of daylight without, the room, with It's Shuttered windows, remained black. His heart almost ceased to beat, yet he advanced into the room, fiinging the door wide open behind him. This admitted sufficient light to enable him to dimly make out his surroundings a couch covered with bearskin, rudely made chair. bucket of water In one corner. and faintly revealed figure against the further wall.
 "Olgal l" he exclaimed, "Olgai"
 She moved, leaning forward eagerly.
 "Who are you? Who calls me|
 Tt is you, then?" he sprang forward. "Don't be afraid; am Shelby"
 "SheIby-youl Tom Shelbyl o God this is not dream2"
 "No, nol I am just as real as you are. See; touch me. You thought was dead?"
 Her hands were in his own; her eyes, still incredulous. searching his face in the dim light.
 "Dead-yesl They told me so; an Indian said he had crushed in your skull. He boasted of it; and when asked that Macklin, he only laughed, when he said 1t was so."
 Laughed, how?"
 Her eyes fell.
 "He-he didn't seem to think it could make much difference to me; that I would care"
 "But do you know who he is3 Did he tell you? Did the fellow explain his purpose in this outrage?"
 aT do not know. he had no time, no