The Holbrook news., 1921-07-29
CHAPTER xIv-continued.

shoot"
 "AI right" he grinned cheerfully. "come along then; only you keep down out of the way, and let me do the sniping. Therel now you lost me shot Did you see that buck dodge between those two rocks? Hell try that trick again presently"
 Olga came back, creeping out eau tiously and finding place sllghtiy behind where he lay. She held tO one weapon, laying the other on the rocks, together with belt filled with cartridges.
 Shelby barely swept his eyes toward her. his whole attention concentrated on what was occurring below. Some thing was taking place down there' but exactly what could not immediate ly be determined He had perceived men moving beyond range, dodging along from rock to rock, mere glimpses of dark figures, yet plainly enough Indians. Once he was almost sure ne distinguished a white man, through rift in a gully, but the fieeting view gained was not convincing. Never theless he had no doubt but what there were white men present. The method of attack was too bold, and determined, for savages alone; it was not the Sioux idea of war. Besides the one man who would have a real object in this assault would be Laud. Beyond all question it was he who was behind the effort, urged on by personal hatred, as well as a desire to gain possession of Olga. Shelby wondered what the fellow might know. Could he be aware of the escape of Macklin? and that Pancha had ridden forth in search for help? If he did that might account for his desperate eagerness to overcome what resistance they could offer before she returned. Yet probably not. for if he did know the coward in him would cause him to seek flight before he could be cornered in this place. It was far more likely that he believed himself opposed mere ly by Shelby and the girl, armed with revolve- or two, and having a linn ited supply of ammunition. He saw little peril in the adventure, and fig ured that quick, sharp rush, his war 'fors leaping from covert 10 covert would win an easy victory. He would keep up a steady rifle fire from be- hind the rocks, forcing the defenders to keep under cover, and then sudden ly send charging party to end the affair."
 ssShzfby smiled grimly at the mental picture, never turning his head us he spaNe to the silent girl beside him. 'How,s Macklin?"
 Dead, I think, Tom. He didn't seem to breathe even faintly."
 "The poor devil; it will be mighty hard on Pancha though. You got your gun?"
 'Yes.''
 "All loaded, reckon; if not you better fill it up. There is goin' to be h-l to pay presently. When I say so. you let drive. Keep down out O sight till then, but when you begin to pum7i make her act like a gatling"
 But can't those rifemen see you there?"
 ''Well, it doesn't look much like they can, the way they are pepperin' that rock. Nice little tune the bucks are playin'. That's what makes me think something's up; they aim to keep us down out O sight, so we won't glimpse what's comin'. Faint Indian nature to waste lead that way. Laud's back there somewhere playin' this game. I think got sight of the sneakin cuss a minute ago. but he was out of range"
 You believe they intend to try and get up here?"
 That's my present notion; they don't look for much trouble either It is up to us to give that outfit the surprise of their lives"
 She reached out her hand and found his, as it rested on the belt of cart ridges.
 ''Tom I''
 ''Yes,r he answered without remov- ing his gaze from the trail below.
 Don't worry about me-" she said earnestly. You know what I mean l; don't think about me when they do come. I'll take care of myself, all right"
 He cast a quick glance into her face.
 "Sure, know you will. You are a trump. a good pardner. I thought that for long while. You won't forget what I told you.'
 ''Pll not forget"
 There was a moment of silence and then she spoke again, a. sharp little catch in her voice which she could not restrain.
 From l'
 "Yes."
 TT don't know what is going to happen. Fl am not afraid, but but it seems to me IT would like to have you kiss me once more first you only have once, you know'
 Shelby turned his body about, leav- ing his cooked revolver lying on the stone, and caught both her hands eagerly.
 Lord, Pm glad to hear you say that, little girl" he exclaimed, his eyes agIow. 'I reckon I've been sorter half afraid O you. But I ain't goin' to be any more; you sure mean 1t, don't you?"
 Her eyes looked honestly, earnest ly into his, answering him before