The Red Cloud chief. [volume] (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923, 1921-01-20
CHAPTER viii-Continued,

chciuy roue AWAY Sliently between
the two. conscious that this brief con.
versatIon had I'm NO way improved his
position. To be sure he had escaped
an immediate meeting with Hanley,
but the fact that the latter had entire
~ failed to mention his probable ar.
rival must have left an unpleasant
suspicion In Laud's mind. The fellow
said nothing, however, and apparent.
ly took no precautions but Shelby
was nevertheless fully aware that the
other watched him cautiously, and
would be quick to detect the slightest
movement. They rode at a walk
through a darkness so profound that
he could not be sure they were even
Following trail. The sound of
boisterOus voices rang out occasion.
ally, but they bore Off steadily toward
the left away from the noise, and ne
noticed the Mexican had grasped the
bride Of the buckskin. and was firm.
ly guiding the animal.
"H--l!" said Lnud suddenly, II
forgot all about the Kid. Wanter see
him. Churchill?"
"NOt specially ternight," Shelby ad-
mltted hastily. "mornin' will be soon
enough"
"All right, then; faint much far
ther, enyhow. There's the high rock,
Juan; the llght'll show round the
next turn"
1t did. shining out like a star, and
thnv drova I'M In ~ 10. -, al,
an odd-shaped, rambling affair. built
close In against wall Of rock. The
door opened In response to the sound
of the horses hoofs, and young
woman appeared In the entrance. peer
ing forth.
"Thnt> you. Juan7' she asked In
Spanish.
"S'; there are three of us, Panchn,"
replied the Mexican. "and we would
cat quickly. Is the senior here2"
"NCt since noon, Juan. He said
little when he rode away, yet there
has that occurred I would talk with
sou about"
"'Tls well, little one-after we eat
there will be time"
Laud swung heavily down from his
horse, holding up his rein to Juan,
VINO remained In the saddle. He
movcG like one whose limbs were stiff
fereI ay being long in one position.
"lloly SmokeI can hardly walk"
he muttered. II will go along with
you 20 the corral to teach my legs how
to behave. And rs for you. Church
Ill.," his voice deepening on the word,
go on into the cabin. and wait there
TIL wc come"
| There was nothing for Shelby to do
but obeJ. Suspicion caused him to
feel thrill Of apprehension from In
dian Joe's curt manner. yet there was
nothing IN the words to resent, and
his only chance OF safety lay In an
outward appearance Of satisfaction.
The gill drew aside. and he stepped
forward into TIE room. An instant
she fingered, as he glanced hastily
about at the plainly furnished inter-
Tor. then closed the door, and began
busy'ng herself In arranging the ia
BILE. Saa was young, not over six
teen, he Judged. with dark hair and
eyes. dc,idedly pretty, and with a
quick movement. like the flight Of q
bird. Twice she passed him on her
Journeys to the fire place, without even
rlspcinx In his direction; then sudden
" thoir eyes met. and she laughed out
right.
lyon vera dull. Americana. moi
zee Q man like you before" she de
elared positively. "You not care tall
with mer'
"Sure do" and he Strengthened up
RI thought maybe you couldn't talk m!
language"
.'Oh, that eet; You not speak Span
lsh. scn0rf"
swell, hardly. kin make opt In
way what anybody says. hut when
comes to talking the lingo. I'm Q Di
rusty"
swhers you learnr