The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1921-05-05
CHAPTER n--continued.

Dan felt himself straighten and the
color mounted somewhat higher in his
brown cheeks. But he did not try TO
avenge tn. insult-yet. Cranston was
still fifteen feet distant, and that was
too far. A man may swing a rifle
within fifteen feet. The fact that they
! were In no way physical equals did
not even occur to him. When the in
suit is great enough, such considera-
lions cannot possibly matter. Grams
ton was hard as steel, one hundred
and seventy pounds in weight. Dan did
not touch one hundred and fifty, and
q deadly disease had not yet entirely
relinquished its hold upon him.
II do very well, Cranston." Dan an
swered in the same tone. wouldn't
you like another matchf believe
your pipe has gone out"
Very little can be said for the wis
dom of this remark. 1t was simply
human-that age-old creed to answer
blow for blow and insult for insult.
OF curse the inference was obvious
that Dan was accusing him. by innu-
endo, Of his late attempt at arson.
Cranston glanced up quickly. and 1t
might be true that his fingers itched
and tingled about the barrel Of his
rifle. He knew what Dan meant. He
understood perfectly that Dan had
gnese@d his purpose on the mountain
side. And the curl at his lips became
more pronounced.
what a smart little boy" he
scorned. "Going to be a Sherlock
Holmes when ne grows up" Then he
half turned and the light lin his eyes
The mountain men are too intense
TO play at insult very long. Their In
herent savagery to the surface,
and they want the warmth of blood
upon their fingers. His voice became
cultural. Maybe you're a spy?' he
asked. Maybe you're one of those city
rats-to come and watch us. and Their
run and tell the forest service. There's
two things, Failing, that I want you
TO know"
Dan pulled at his pipe, and his eyes
looked curiously bright through the
dim OF smoke. "Im not interested In
gearing them" he said.
1T might pay you" Cranston went
on. Zone Of EN- is that one mans
word Is good as another's In a court
and 1t wouldn't do you any good to
run down and tell tales. A man can
tight his pipe on the mountain side
without the courts being interested.
The second thing is-just hat l { don't
think you'd find it a healthy thing to
To-"
II suppose, then, that Is a threat?"
1T amt just a threat" Cranston
laughed harshly-a single, grim syl-
liable that was the most terrible sound
he had yet uttered. ITS a fact. Just
try II. Falling. Just make one little
step In that direction. You couldn't
hide behind a girls skirts. then. Why,
you city sissy, I'd break you to pieces
In my hands"
Few men can make a threat without
muscular accompaniment. Its very
xtterance releases pent-up emotions.
part OF which a only pour forth In
muscular expression. And anger is a
primitive thing, going down to the
most mysterious depths Of a mans ma
fure. AS Crans.on spoke, his lp curled.
his dark fingers clenched on his thick
palm. and he half leaned forward.
Dan Knocked out his pipe on the
OK. 1t was the only sound In thai
rhole mountain realm; all the lessei'
sounds were stilIed. The two rasn
stood face to face. Dan trafiguil, Grams
ban shaken by passion.
II Give yo0-" said Dan with entire