The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-02-11

meaning back OF them far better
than the little fellow.
He jumped TO his feet. wen
go, kid"
CHAPTER XVI
Joyce tainted for the first time
in her life.
When she recovered conscious
ness Doble was splashing water In
her face. She was lying on the
bunk from which she had fed a
few minutes earlier. Tho girl
made q motion to rise and he put 3
heavy hand on her shoulder.
Don't be asfool," he told her
lrrltably: LIANT gonne hurt you
none-if you behave reasonable"
She tried TO slip by him and he
thrust her back.
LET me go!@ she demanded, Eat
nYou'ra not gonna co." he told
her aatly. You'll stay herewith
me. For keeps. Un'erstand?"
Have you gone crazy?" she
asked wildly her heart futtering
like a frightened bird In a cage.
Don't yoh know my father. will
search the whole country for me?"
TOO late. We travel south soon
as It's dark" He leaned forward
and put a. hand on her knee re-
gafdless Of the fact that she shrGtli,
back qutyering from his touch.
Listen, girl. You been a high
stopper. You had the Of man kick
mo outa my job as foreman OF the
ranch. 1 told him an you both I'd
sit even. But ! don't aim to rub II
in. I'm gonna give you a chance
10 be Mrs. Doble. An when YOU
marry me you git man foS aus
band"
"I'll never marry you! Never!
I'd rather be. dead in my gravel"
she broke out passionately.
please yorese'f sweetheart" he
jeered. You'll be kcepin' house
for Dug Doble. I'm not iusIstin,
on wedding bells none. Take 'em
or leave 'em.".
While he lounged sullealy on The
chopping-block, shoulders and
head sunken, a sound brought him
to alert attention. A horso6rn
was galloping down the SLOPE OIL
The other side OF the valley
Doble easel Ills gums to make
SIRE Of them. Irtently he watched
the approaching figure. Hc recog-
nlztd the hc.Tc, Chiqulto, and
then, with an cath, the rider. His
eyes cleaned %nh evil Joy st
last. AT last he and Dave Sanders
would settle accounts. One Of
themN would be corried out Of the
valley feet first.
Sanders leaped to the ground at
the same instant that he pulled
Chiquito up. The horse was be-
tween him and his enemy.
Tho eyes OF the men crossed In
q long, level look.
.., Where's nIs Joyce Crawford"
"That yore business?" Doble
added to his retort the insult rln-
mentlonable.
Elm MAXIM It mine. What have
you done with herr"
A swish of skirts, a soft patter
Of feet, and Joyce was beside her
friend, cllnging to him, weeping In
his arms.
Doble moved round In wide
circumference. When shooting
began he did not want his foe to
have the protection OF the horses
body.
Go back to the house, Joyce"
said Dave evenly. 81 want to talk
to this man alone"
The girl chung the tighter to
him. mo, Dave, no! It's been
........awEul % h
The outlaw drew his long-bar-
relied six-shooter, still circling the
group. He could not fire. without
running a risk Of hitting Joyce.
"Hidin' behind a woman, are
you?" he tainted
At any moment he might FIRE.
Dave caught the wrists OF the girl,
dragged them down from his neck,
and flung her roughly from him to
the ground.
Round the corner Of the house a
man had come. He spoke quick
~ Turn yore gun this way,
Dug"
1t was Shorty. His revolver
flashed at the same instant. Doble
staggered, steadted himself, and
fred.
The forty-fves roared. Yellow
flames and smoke spurted.
Out of the battle Shorty and
Sanders came erect and unlnjured.
Doble was lying on the ground, his
revolver smoking 4 foot or two
from the twitching, outstretched
hand.
The outlaw was dead before