The Concordia sentinel. (Vidalia, Concordia Parish, La.) 1882-current, 1921-04-30
The Lady Sheriff
and the Bandit
By r. RAY BAKER.
(9 by Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate)

| against it. The man started at the
noise and turned half around in his
chair, which was close to a fireplace
in which log blazed.
She leveled a revolver at the man.
She was painting, probably from eX-
element, but managed to observe IN
fairly businesslike tones:
You're my prisoner. Don't dare
move"
There was no levity in her de-
meanOr.
You're under arrest-fOr holding
up the First National bank"
The man laughed. Not only did
his even, white teeth laugh, but so did
his gray eyes.
"By gingo! The lady sheriff.
And he laughed again. But the de-
termined look in the black Orbs that
sighted down the barrel of the re-
.vOlver caused his cOuntenance to I'M
dergO a grave change.
Her riding suit was covered with
loose Sow, and tiny icicles hung from
the brim of her broad hat and from
her black tresses.
you're my prisoner" she repeated,
''and I'll lave to deliver you to JUS
tice-evea though you are Jim Wheel
err" For the first time her voice fal-
tered, but the arm that leveled the
weapon did not.
I'm glad 1 found you out, Jim.
Really, never should have suspected
you were such desperate character.
No wonder you were displeased when
l was elected; no wonder you scOffed
at a wOman-especially one of my
youth, you said-holding such a posi-
ton In this wild country! You in
| tended, when we were married, to lead
q lawless life, and expected me to be
your accomplice, no doubt. I'm glad
1 found you out before it was too
late"
There was a peculiar look in the
mans eyes that might have meant al
most anything. 1t was a rather whim-
steal expression, although other emo
tons were expressed.
But, Jessie" he protested, and
!
Don't dare get up" she fiared.
"Tn shoot-even if it is you, JIM"
81 was just going to offer on the
chair" he drawled. you're covered
with snow and you must be tired; for
you've tramped far, no doubt"
Thanks, I'll stand" she returned,
changing the gun from her right to
her left hand, because the former was
tired. ITS true, Jim, I'm cold and
tired; for 1 followed your footprints
through that heavy snow, and 1 had
to travel fast so the fresh snow
wouldn't obliterate them before l
reached the end of the trail"
He remained half seated and half
standing, resting a knee on the chair.
"Come on, sit down." he insisted.
"rm under arrest, you say. Very
well, I'll be gOod-but sit down."
She permitted him to walk across
the room, while she, still covering him,
Unanswered so she could take the
place he, had vacated.
"Move over in front of me-" she d.
rected and he obeyed. She relaxed
somewhat in order to enjoy the
warmth, but still kept an eye on him.
"Jim," she said suddenly, "why did
you do it? Did you need the money,
or did you Intentionally put me in this
dilemma? Jim, you ought to realize
l didn't mean it when l said every
thing was over between us. But /
really was angry because you objected
to my running for this Office, and
when, just as 1 was feeling elated
1t was no job for a lady, flared up
} and told you to leave me and never
come back. But of course, really
didn't mean It."
"YOu told me to do something
worth while, to show that man was
claimed woman was inferior, although
did nothing Of the sort"
"And so you went and held up a
bank" she said, scornfully. THAT
, was your idea Of something worth
, while. Jim, really 1 cared for you
but of course now"
"Of course, now" he repeated, and
turned his eyes full upon her.
| you're my prisoner" she remind.
. ed, her jaw hardening. 81 must for.
get what you once meant to me. I'm
sheriff Of Amazon county, and I've
sworn to uphold the law. BY catch
ing the bank bandit right at the start
: of my term I'll prove my fitness for
, the position. Further than that, I'll
} prove woman's right to take her place
on the same plane with man."
, Without replying he reached into
| pocket and brought oHt sack OF
tobacco from which he filed pipe.
, 'Object if 1 smoker" he inquired
! pausing before scratching a match or
, the wall.
Certainly not" she said. "SmOke