The Pulaskian., 1921-04-14

not been searched over; 1t could not have been, for the fire still smoldered. l but the moment the Indians were able to overhaul the wreck they would discover that their victims had. in some way, escaped. There would be no charred bones. no singed flesh, to tell of dead bodies consumed in the flames they would not even find Nacklin's remains. And Laud was no l fool. The truth, in some form, would come to him at once; he would know they had got safely away; nor would he ever stop until he again found them. And he would suspect her; perhaps had seen her face when she fired that fatal shot. Her only chance lay now, before this revealment came.
 She was cool, resOurceful; had shrewdy thought out every step. If she was still unsuspected, no one would stop her. She had always been free to leave the valley. Often she l had taken early rides, and none of the ordinary guards would consider her going forth as at all strange Of I strange fugitives-Indians hiding from 1 the soldiers suspicious of every white face. These might cause trouble, but she must take that chance. There was but one way to save Macklin's life the doctor at Gerlasche. Shelby had told her so, and nothing else remained fixed in her mind. Mother of God, she would save him.
 There were three horses in the little stable shack back of the cabin. She crept cautiously up through the fog, unable to see in the gloom, but To- eating the animals by touch. One was still moist from riding, Laud's pony, no doubt. The next was her own, having scarcely stamina for such trip, but the third was the bay Juan had always been so proud of. She led the animal out, saddled and bridIed him in the darkness. and then, mounting i'll the gray dawn. with a l prayer in her heart for help and guidance she rode slowly out into the tral \ fire burned in front of the little house beside the falls, a mere flicker of half-burned logs, with two men lowering over It. One of them started up, at sound of the horses hoofs and gripped a rife He was white, Tapping hat brim shadow ing his face; the other, an Indian, wrapped in a blanket merely lifted his head, and stared moodily. Her heart gave sharp bound, but she reined up carelessly, as the fellow stepped into the trail. He peered curiously into her face.
 "H-l. young woman, you're out d-d early, ain't you? Whats up?'
 There was nothing vicious in his greeting and her heart quit its pound ing.
 "I'm after doctor, Sam" she said swiftly. believing boldness the best card to play. My brother has been shot"
 Sure, I heard that, only they told me he was dead he ain't, hey? Had rumpus with Injun Joe, didn't he?"
 ..Yes; I just heard about it. He must have the doctor right away
 "Where the h--l you aim to find one?"
 lover at GerIasche. There is an army surgeon there"
 Sure. but Pm bettin the cuss won't come. less he brings the whole army Tong with him. He'd have ter mosey in we're blindfold If he did.'
 "Just the same hee'll come. if l find heem," she said grimly, flor I'll bring heem, dead or alive. Who's out there on the trailY
 "'Red Haines, an Stumpy, long with a couple of Sioux. The boys are bit jumpy just now with all them soiers scoutin' the Bad Lands. Maybe | they'll try ter stop yer. but yer tell lem said it was all right. Say, what was goin on last night-shootin, ter seat h-l up the canyon, an there was quite fire, too?"
 aRow over the girl Macklin brought in." she explained calmly, "an' the old cabin got burned"
 "Some more O Injun Joes cussed- ness, I reckon?"
 Yes he was in it; well, Adios Sam"
 She rode forward. never even ven- turing to glance back. Thus far ey- erything had gone easier than she could have hoped There were no or ders out against her. and these night guards were not even aware of what had taken place. She guided her horse under the veil of falling water. and up the steep bank beyond, out into the valley of the Cottonwood. There was little danger of meeting anyone now, she needed to avoid, and once beyond those watchers at the head of the trail, the way would be open. She came upon these just De- low the crest, grouped for shelter 1 under the ledge of an outcropplng rock. Haines had been drinking and was in good humor. listening 10 her