The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1921-01-28

nearing the end of his strength and
realized what the strain must be on
her
The events of the next hour re-
mained IN Sfflhy's mind more IKE
some terrible dream than refnelD-
brance. He was conscious of being
excessively worn, hungry, tired his
mind did not function. yet he chung
doggedly to his task. with teeth
cllnched. and every muscle aching
from the effort. Macklin nloaned once
or twice, but without regalning con-
seriousness. and twice Shelby felt com
PEELED to lay the wounded man on the
ground. while he regained sufficient
strength to proceed. Once they en-
deayored 10 shift the burden, Olga In.
slsting on helping him to bear the
man. But this proved impracticable,
and again Shelby shouldered the body
and staggered blindly up stream.
The sky was gray, heavy mist
shrouding the valley below, when they
finally attained the opening into the
trail sought. Nothing could be seen Of
their enemies, and, convinced that, as
yet. there was no pursuit, the three
crept breathlessly inta the shadow Of
the bushes, dragging the unconscious
Macklin with them. For some min
utes Shelby lay motionless, struggling
for breath, feeling that all strength
had deserted him. He scarcely real
lied that Olga had lifted his head
into her lap, and was wiping the
| beads of perspiration from his face.
| AT last, however, his eyes opened, and
he saw her bending over him. The
mans lips broke into an effort to
| smile.
Some soft, amt /, little girl?" he
| muttered, "but gee! That was a pull,
and ! was about all in. Where's Pan
| char"
Back there, where she can look
| out. Is 1t much farther"
ITO the cave, you mean? Yes, it is
hard climb yet, but we will have it
easier. I'll be all right presently !;
We'll cut some stakes, and make a
/ litter,
/ Il don't know what is the matter
with me-" he apologized, ashamed of
his weakness, hungry, and over
strained, guess. Maybe / ought to
have left the fellow there"
"Oh, no, Tom! We couldn't do that.
The poor thing Is nearly crazed."
"Pancha? Yes, know; but she'd
be a heap sight better off with the
guy dead"
But she will not believe that. She
thinks it is all her fault. and-and
She Is such wild, passionate little
thing. would do anything to save
him for her."
"There is about one chance in a
/ thousand. Still he's just about ornary
enough to make 1t. We sure don't
owe him anything"
Il am not so certain of that" she
said softly. II wonder when would
have known my husband, but for him 7
/ doubt if you half believe all con-
| fessed to you now"
81 can scarcely realize 1t Is true, but
| belief is not absent"
The motionless girl at the end of
| the rock suddenly turned her head
and glanced back at them with her
4 piercing black eyes.
'Sennr, is it true that you love her
your wife?"
"True; of course, Paneha. / told
you so even before told her."
! can she love you?"
~ am Senior Shelby's wife, Pan
4 cha" spoke up Olga quickly, flash
4 burning red on her cheeks. ~ have
no other ambition"
But the money! You rich, he say
| that, Senior Macklin. You not ever
care for that?"
Not very much--no. know moth
Ing about it, and am perfectly con
tent IL ii never comes. You mus
know what ! mean--you hare Sove!s
"Yes, sonora; l have loved. ami
would still love; money is nothing
I Senior"
/ Yes, Pancha."
II think as lie here what II Wa
\ hest to do. They stir down there.
cannot see yet for the fog, but hea
sounds Pretty soon they will know
perhaps. They hunt the burned cabi
an find no hone, no flesh. What vii
they do?r
"I.aud will suspect the truth"
TITS 50, perhaps; yet believe W
left no trail, senior. It was all roc
nm water; even the Sioux cannot FOL
low Tint. You know the way now?"
ITO the caye-yes"
III Is safe But If the senior lives h
must have doctor. You tell ME tina
and there IS but one way; mu.
ride.
shelby Strengthened up, Instant
grasDing her purpose.
you mean you will Ieaye ma bey
10 20 on aionef"
Yes, senior; Get Is best. They Wi
not stop me they will moi knoy n,