Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1922-10-13


Dim though the voice was. there
was considerable emphasis in the tone
Hudson seemed quite sure OF this
point, whether or not he knew any
thing concerning the dark gates lie
was about TO enter He wouldn't have
spoken greatly different if he had
been sitting in perfect health before
his own camp fire and the shadow was
now already SO deep his eyes could
scarcely penetrate it.
NO" Bruce answered. Dave Tur-
ner is up tree. He didn't even walt
to shoot"
"Of course he wouldn't Hudson
spoke with assurance. The words
dimmed at the end, and he half-closed
his eyes as If he were too sleepy to
stay awake longer. Then Bruce saw
q strange thing. He saw, unmistak-
able as the sun in the sky, the signs
OF a curious struggle in the mans
face.
The trapper-a moment before sink
ing into the calm of death-was fight
luS QCoBCl dlCif 1OA Lew hAOAChlo VI
respite. There could be no other ex-
PLANTATION. And he won 1t at last
an lnterlude OF half dozen breaths.
"Who are your" he whispered.
Bruce bowed his head until his ear
was close to the lips. Bruce Folger."
he answered,-for the first time in his
knowledge speaking his full name.
"Son OF Matthew Folger who lived at
Trails End long ago"
The man still struggled IT knew
it," he said. 81 saw Tin your face
see-everything now. Llsten-can you
hear me?'
"Yes"
81 just did wrong-there's a
hundred dollars in my pocket that
just got for doing it. 1 made a prom
ise-to lie to you. Take the money
1t ought to be yours, anyway-and
hers; and use 1t toward fighting the
wrong. 1t will go little way"
yes" Bruce looked him full in the
eyes. mo matter about the money.
What did you promise Turner?"
THAT I'd lie to you. Grip my arms
with your hands-till it hurts. I've
only got one breath more. Your ia
Their held those lands only in trust-the
Turner's deed is forged. And the
secret agreement that l Witnessed is
hidden"
The breath seemed to go out of the
man. Bruce shook him by the Shout
ders. Dave. still in the tree, strained
to hear the rest. "Yes-where?
Its den-just-out-" The
words were no longer audible TO Dave.
and what followed Bruce also strained
TO hear in vain. The lips ceased NOV
ing The shadow grew in the eyes,
and the lids fiickered down over them
A traveller had gone.
Bruce got up. strange, cold light
in his eyes. He glanced up. Dave
Turner was climbing slowly down the
tree. Bruce made six strides and
seized his rife.
The effect on Dave was ludicr0us.
He chung fast TO the tree limbs, as il
he thought a bullet-like a grizzly's
not reach him there.
Bruce laid the gun behind him, then
stood waiting with his own weapon
resting in his arms.
Come down, Dave he commanded.
The bear is gone
Dave crept down the trunk and
halted at its base. He studied the
..TI f.,o hafara hin, NOT fr-v
nothing" he advised hoarsely.
why not?' Bruce asked. do you
think I'm afraid of cowardY The
man started at the words; his head
Dobbed backward as II Bruce had
struck him beneath the jaw with his
Est.
People don't call the Turner's cow
ards and walk off with It," the man
old him.
'On, the lowest coward :" Bruce |
aid between set teeth. THE yellow
ST. mongrel coward. Your own con- |
you had 10 drop your |
run and run up a tree. You might |
AVE stopped the bears charge"
Dawes face twisted in a scowi. |
You're brave enough now. Wait to /
ee what happens later Give me my |
,un. I'm going 10 60"
You can 20. but you don't get your
,un. I'll I'LL you full of lead II you
ny 10 touch it,
Dave looked up with some care. He
fanted 10 know for certain II this
meant what he said The
lHn was blind I'm some things. his
ision was twisted and dark. but he
lsde no mistake about the took On
he cold. SET face before him. Bruce's
niger WAS curied about the trigger.
nd Il looked 10 Dave a. II il itched
D eNeri further pressure.
Il don't see why spare you. any
'ay Bruce Went On. His tone was
alrreDroachful God knows badpi
Dghi remembering who and what
Ou are n you'd only give nae enc
iils biz u proy0eaiion-'
Dave ssw lurid lighls growing 10
ie mans eyes sni al ~ once con
uslOs came no him. ne geflded be- %