Polk County news. [volume] (Benton, Tenn.) 191?-1983, 1921-02-10

a courage that moved her husband
strongly, inasmuch as he felt he was
nearing the end of his strength and
realized what the strain must be on
her.
The events of the next hour re-
manned in Shelby's mind more like
some terrible dream than a remem-
brance. He was conscious of being
excessively worn, hungry, tired. His
mind did not function, yet he chung
doggedly to his task, with teeth
clinched, and every muscle aching
from the effort. Macklin moaned once
or twice, but without regaining con-
sciousuess, and twice Shelby felt COM
PEELED to lay the wounded man on the
ground, while he regained sufficient
strength to proceed. Once they en-
deavored to shift the burden, Olga in
sisting on helping him to bear the
man. But this proved impracticable,
and again Shelby shOuIdered the body
and staggered blindly up stream.
The sky was gray. a heavy mist
shroudng 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 Ireathlessly into the shadow of
the bushes, dragging the unconscious
Mackln 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 IF 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.
"Sone soft, amt !, little girl?'' he
mutter4d but gee That was pull,
and | vas about all in. Where's Pan
char
"Ba& there, where she can look
out. Is it much farther?"
ITO the cave, you mean? Yes, it is
a hard climb yet, but we will have it
easier. I'll be all right presently;
wen hut some stakes, and make a
1itter1
II Nf't know what is the matter
with he apologized, ashamed of
his vFciness, hungry, and over
strand guess. Maybe l ought to
have II " fellow there"
.sStenlapss Us sSp, erate DO that
IA Yes, I know; but she'd
be a Prkp sight better off with the
Bud She will not believe that. She
thinks 1t is all her fault, and-and
she isl 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 it. We sure don't
owe him anything"
81 am not so certain of that" she
said softly. Il wonder when l would
have known my husband, but for him?
I doubt If you half believe all / con-
fessed to you now"
81 can scarcely realize it 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
piercing black eyes.
"Sepr, is it true that you love her
your wife?
"True; of course, Pancha. I told
YOU so even before told her"
"An' she love your"
81 am Senior Shelby's wife, Pan
Cha" spoke up Olga quickly, a flash
burning red on her cheeks. Il have
no other ambition"
But the money! You rich, he say
that, Senior Macklin. You not even
care for thatW
"Not very much-no. l know moth
ing about it, and am perfectly con-
tent If 1t never comes. You must
know what l mean-you have loved"
"Yes, sonora; / have loved, and
would still love; money is nothing.
Senor."
Eyes, Pancha."
81 think as 1 lie here what 1t was
best to do. They stir down there.
cannot see yet for the fog, but l hear
sounds. Pretty soon they will know,
perhaps. They hunt the burned cabin
an find no bone, no flesh. What will
they do?'
'Laud will suspect the truth"
"'Tis So perhaps; yet ! believe we
left no trail, senior. 1t was all rock
an water; even the Sioux cannot fol-
low that. You know the way now"
ITO the cave-yes."
'It Is safe. But If the senior lives he
must have doctor. You tell me that,
and there is but one way; must
ride"
Shelby Strengthened up, instantly
grasping her purpose.
"You mean you will leave us here
to go on alone"
Eyes, senior; eet is best. They viii
not stop me; they will not know. IN
less / meet Senior Laud there Is no
danger; perhaps even he will not sus-