Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1921-01-06
CHAPTER VIII-continued.

Shelby rode away silently between
the two, conscious that this brief con-
versation had in no way improved his
position. To be sure he had escaped
an immediate meeting with Hanley,
but the fact that the latter had entire
iy failed to mention his probable ar
rival must have left an unpleasant
suspicion in Laud's mind. The fellow
said nothing, however, and apparent
~ 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 he
uoticed the Mexican had grasped the
bride of the buckskin, and was firm
iy guiding the animal
"H-l!' said Laud suddenly, II
forgot all about the Kid. Wanter see
aim, Churchill?"
'Not specially ternight," Shelby adj
United hastily, "mornin' will be soon
enough
"All right, them faint much far
Their, enyhow. There's the high rock,
Juan; the light'll show round the
oeXt turn"
It did, shining out like a star, and
they drove up in front of log shack,
an odd-shaped, rambling affair, built
close in against a wall of rock. The
door opened in response to the sound
of the horses hoofs, and a young
woman appeared in the entrance peer
ing forth.
"That you, Juan?" she asked in
Spanish.
ISL; there are three of US, Pancha,'
replied the Mexican, "and we would
eat quickly. Is the senior here"
"Not since noon, Juan. He said
little when he rode away, yet there
has that occurred 1 would talk with
you about"
"'Tis well, little one-after we eat
there will be time"
Laud swung heavily down from his
horse, holding up his rein to Juan,
who remained In the saddle. He
moved like one whose limbs were stiff
fened by being long in one position.
"Holy Smoke! can hardly walk"
he muttered. II will go along with
you to the corral to teach my legs how
to behave. And as for you, Church
ILL.," his voice deepening on the word,
ego on into the cabin, and wait there
till we come"
There was nothing for Shelby to do
but obey. 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 girl drew aside, and he stepped
forward into the room. An instant
she fingered, as he glanced hastily
about at the plainly furnished inter-
Tor. then closed the door, and began
busyng herself in arranging the ia
BILE. She was young, not over SIX
teen, he judged, with dark hair and
eyes, decidedly pretty, and with
quick movement, like the flight of
bird. Twice she passed him on her
Journeys to the fire place without even
CHANGING in his direction; then sudden
" their eyes met, and she laughed out
right.
"You vera dull, Americana. l not
500 n man like you before" she de-
clored positively. "You not care talk
with me?'
"sure / do" and he Strengthened up,
mI thought maybe you couldn't talk my
language"
ish, senorf"
"wel hardly. l kin make out in
nav what anybody says, but when It
oa,nes TO talking the lingo, I'm bit
rusty"