The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-10-17
CHAPTER W,
A Break for Freedom.

CHAPTER ". l A Break for Freedom. | Calder stood in the doorway of the room, gazing at CeceHa tntent1y. "Why-why have you come back ?' she faltered. Because I couldn't keep away | Calder said reckless1y. Cecelfa drew in a quick breath. "Didn't you meet any one?'' she asked.
 ftNo one" he replied briefly.
 ''Then where did you come from ?'' Calder hesitated. From back on the trail' he returned somewhat stiff1y
 "Haveyou been hiding?' Hiding? Why should I be hfdin 2 ?'' Henderson and my brother have just ridden away toward your ranch, ,'' Cecelia explained faintly "They rooe on to overtake a-Dosse of men on horseback. The men are after you'' ''I m not guilty of anything ''Why do they hate you so?" Cecelia asked in a broken whisper
 Calder stared down into her up- lifted face.
 'I must go back to my ranch" he said tersely.
 Back there! But they've gone there for you! Go som mewhere till this r1trouble is settled. know that what ever the trouble is. it's not your fault I believe in you. I should believe in you If the whole world spoKe against you -''
 A flood of light swept across John Ca1der's face; then he dropped his head morosely.
 FWatt till you've heard all con- corning me- he said hoarsely. "I came here to tell you all, the misera- b1e secret that stands between us. But, my God, I can't"
 He pushed Cecelia aside and turned to the door.
 I'm going back" he said bruskly
 Cecelia caught him by the arm.
 'tNo!" she entreated- NO! They'll hang you!''
 Calder stopped snort. Was it as bad as all that?'' he asked
 ''Worse! They accused you of stealing horses!''
 '"rhe old story" he muttered Well, I'm going back, just the same''
 He swung about with renewed de- termination. but brought up suddenly before an obstacle. The haf-breed had entered, and stood between Calder and the outer
 Calder observed him with a start of surprise. He turned to CeceIfa. What is he doing here?" he asked grimly.
 "He is sell1a. the cook" Cecelia re- piled.
 SelI1a stood in su1len silence.
 John Calder's brows settled in a straight, black line.
 There was a muff1ed footstep by the kitchen door. Calder laughed. "Go. selka; call n i17B hn S7T, ,J hand off the handle of that knife |. D'you think I'm afraid of a poor half breed like you?''
 Calder stepped back into the liv- ing room.
 He was standing in the full light from the big lamp when another f1g- ure bounced into the room. It was Lariat Jim.
 Guess yer caught" he said Come on"
 What for?"
 We ben traein' hosses t thet we're corral of yourn. Now. I up an loses thet five year-o1d bay'r mine. We traces her your way. Tn boys is sitting her now. I doubles on my tracks. an with this were heIf-breed's help, runs you t earth. An I savvys it's shore up t you t make explana- shuns. TrundIe along'
 Ca1der's gray eyes flashed. His face hardened in resistance as he marched down the hall under the muzzle of Lariat Jina's Winchester He stopped out into the darkness.
 f'The posse is coming back" he oo- served
 Cecelia shfvered at the words. After a moment forms of men on horse l back gathered before the veranda rail.
 John Calder stood inmovabIy and | watched their approach Henderson sprang up the steps Thank fortune he wasn't there.' he murmured to Cecilia Then his eyes fell on Calder Tn the name of com l mon sense, what are you doing here CaIder?" Calder's attention was concentrated upon the group by the rail. He list ened to the brief colloquy which en- sued. Before things go any further" Calder interrupted. ''I've got a word to say" Fire ahead." Jim conceded. This is the damnest piece of bur- lesque I ever saw." he declared. s'I l was born and brought up in this country. I've led a rough life. l don't expect such rot as this. And I'm not going to stand for it.'' He vaulted lightly over the veranda rail to the back of his waiting horse. Before the posse could give an as tontshed gasp he was disappearing Tn the darkness. Two or three shots followed after him. Lariat Jim, with