The Lamar register., 1922-08-09
CHAPTER VI
An Unexpected Development.

An Unexpected Development.
For weeks thereafter he was only
family conscious Of his surroundings
at intervals. once, reused by some
Injection, he was aware OF making a
brief deposition for use at the coro-
ner's inquest, and once Molly's face
appeared, wet with tears, out of the
shadows. and her lips touched him.
But he was desperately Ill, and II was
February before the crisis was past,
and he awakened. intensely weak, but
conscious, to realize that he was in
Rltty's house. and that Kitty had
been nursing him.
Feebly he whispered his gratitude,
and asked forgiveness because he had
not been able to keep his promise to
look after Joe.
You did all that could be done,
Will" she answered. "It was wonder
fully plucky. your bringing him to
Molly's house as you did. No one
could have done more"
He asked for Molly and learned that
he had been brought TO the house.
Kitty promised TO show Wilton Molly's
letters when he got better.
Then you know we are engagedf"
asked Wilton.
Kitty smiled little. 81 couldn't
help knowing that" she answered.
I'm glad for Molly's sake"
Wilton's mind had been all be-
wilderment as he racked his brains
for a clue to Joe's death Had he been
sure 1t was murder. he could have
gone yrimly TO work ON the solution.
But there was always the doubt. the
paralyzing doubt. that II had been an
accident, and that one Of the half.
breeds had fired the shot.
Yet BOwyer must have known Of
IL; Bowyer had sent the impustors 10
arrest him: he became more and more
convinced that Bowyer had learned
Of Joe's death that afternoon al the
portage. and had devised the arrest
90 keep him from the meeting.
Among WiltOn's callers was old Jim
Belts, to whom he extended his con
idence in u large measure
"Bowyer's guilty as HI" he de
elared. 'Phayre mightn't have known
| guess he didn't. But Bowyer knew.
when he had Phayre bring that mo
tion forward, that Joe wouldn't re-.
turn. Put that thought ia your pipe
and smoke it, boyl -
Jim" said Wilton. I'm giving up
my life to the Missatlbi because IL
was Joes work. And Tm going to
hound down his murderer. il it was
murder"
Aye, boy, and 20 cool about it,"
counseled Belts. 1T was crafty work,
but it'l come out Don't doubt it,
And you'll md them two snakes.
Bowyer and Phayre. under the brush
wood. And maybe CLARK, too" he
added
II was the middle Of February be
fore Wilton WIS allowed to leave the
house. Nearly two months had been
lost, and during that time Bowyer and
Phayre, whatever their plans might
be. had had a good leeway 10 develop
them.
kitty" said Wilton. you know
everything Is In your hands now. You
control the line. And l know that
you'll stand by the line to the last
because 1t was Joe's big dream"
"Wlll. you can count Oh me to the
end" said Kitty solemnly. ave been
thinking great deal about Big Mus
keg, and l feel my own responsibility
want to see the work. VIII. want
to know that you are succeeding. And
I'm going there to live"
Wilton was astounded. Live at
Big Muskeg?" he cried
Until the work is finished. Don't
refuse me. WIN - She clasped her
hands together in her childish plead
Ing way that Joe had always found
Irresistible. Joe would have let me.
l wont hamper you, Will" she begged.
Kitty, you're a trump" cried VIII
ton. But you can't go there To live.
The loneliness would be awful. And