Evening journal., 1922-10-24

Z "GNrlSll4 Nuen 90 lltJ oAA-fSs
"a week ago. sard's place Is in
the hands Of the police. I couldn't
stop them. They've got his safe and
all his papers City, State, and Fed
eral officers are looking for him.
The Constabulary rode into Ghost
Lake yesterday. Now. don't you
think you'd ibetter lead me to
/ Sard?"
"Christii" exclaimed Salzar. "Sard
he is a mile ahead with the others.
Damnl Damni Me, how SHOULD
7 know what Is 10 be done?' Ne. 1
have my orders from Quintana.
What 1 do, Ell? Christi! What to do?
What you say ! should do. en-
Abraihs?"
A new fear had succeeded the old
one-that was evldent-and Salzar
came forward into the light of his
own fixed torch--a weH-knit figure
in SLOUGH hat. gray shirt. and gray
breeohes. and wearing a red ban
danna over the lower part OF his
face He carried a heavy rife.
Smith said slowly: IF Quintana
Is marching on Clinch's he's march
ing into trapl" Salzar blanched
above his bandanna.
1.-THE state Troopers are there"
said Smith. They'll get him sure
Christi" faitered salzar, then
they are gobble-Quintana, Sard,
everybody SIT"
He glared at Smith. started TO
move. came back and took his torch,
made violent gesture with it which
drenched the woods with goblin
light.
You stop-a QuintaDa, maybe
You tell-a heem he Is the blgg-a
fooll You tell-a heem Nick Salzar is
no damn fool No! Adios. my frien
Abrams. beat it. save my
slSinl"
"salzarl" Smith called sharply.
The man halted and looked
around.
Come backi"
salzar hesitated turned finally.
siouched toward him.
Smith laid aside his pack and rifle,
and, as salzar came up, he quietly
took his weapon from him and laid
1t beside his own.
"What-a da matt? ?" demanded |
salzar, astonished. why you taxa
my gun?"
Smith measured him. They were
well matched.
"set your torch in that CROTCH" he
said.
salzar, puzzled and impatient, de-
manded to know why. Smith took
both torches. set them opposite each
other and drew salzar into the white
glare.
Now" he said. you dirty des-
perado, am going to try to kill you
c.ean. Look out for yourselfl"
For a second Salzar stood rooted
in blank astonishment.
I'm one of Clinch's men," said
Smith, but ] can't stick a knife in
your back, at thatl Now, take care
of yourself il you can"
His voice died in his throat: SAL
Ear was on him. clawlng. biting.
kicking, striving to strangle him. to
wrestle him of his feet Smith
reeled. staggering under the sheer
rush of the man, almost blinded by
blows. clutched, bewildered in SAL
zar's panther grip.
Il keel you! / keel youl Damn!
Damn!" painted lSalzar. in convulsive
fury as Smith freed his left arm and
struck him in the face.
Now, on the narrow. wet and slip
perry strip of rock they swayed TO
and fro. murderously interlocked,
their heavy boots splashing, battling
with limb and body.
Twice Salzar forced Smith outward
over the sink, trying to end II, but
could not free himself.
Once, too he managed to get at
hidden knife drag Il out and stab
1t head and throat but smith caught
he fist that welded Il. forced back
he arm, held It while salzar
screamed at him. lunglng at his face
with barred teeth.
Suddenly the end came. Salzar's !
body heaved upward. sprawled for E:
IN instant. In the dazzling glare
lurtled OVER Smiths head and fell
nto the sink with a crashing splash.
Frantically he thrashed there.
ipattering and floundering in dark
less. He made no outcry. Probably
he had landed head first
In a moment only vague heaving
'ame from the unseen ooze.
Smith. exhausted, drenched with
Iweat, leaned agaist a tamarack.
ickened.
After all sound had ceased he
traightened up with an effort.
PRESENTLY he bent and recovered Sal
ars red bandanna and his hat.
flied his own rifle and pack and
truggled into the harness. Then.
licking Salzar's rifle overheard. he
nfastened both torches, pocketed
ne, and started on in a food Of
hostly light.
CONTINUED in Our Next Issue.)
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