The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1922-12-19

and call Tor
FENR1s. pet Of the deceased
Hiram Ben and Ezra meet o
frontiersman. While Ben is
otherwise engaged Ezra learns
from the traveller that Nelson
and his gang have started to-
ward Hiram's claim. Ezra sug-
gests that Darby go alone to
Snowy Gllch leaving Ezra to
travel toward their destination.
At Snowy Gulch Ben finds Fer
ris 10 be a wolf that has Just
broken loose and stands ready
TO destroy a beautiful girl.
co ON WITH THE STORY
Thesfangs were barred, cleaning
In foam, the hair stood erect on
the powerful shoulders; and in.
stantly Ben recognized Its breed.
Il was a magnificent specimen Of
that huge, gaunt runner Of the
forests, the Northern wolf.
He knew this breed-thls saw
age, blood mad, flerce-eyed crea-
ture that turned. snarling, at his
approach. Ferris was only q fell
low wilderness creature, a pack
brother Of the dark forest, and he
had no further cause for fear.
sFenris!" he ordered sharply.
GONE here" His voice was COM
manding and clear above the ami
mails snarls.
There followed a curious, long
instant Of utter silence and inf!-
mite supense.
Downls
Then slowly, steadily, Ben mov-
edStoward him. Watching unbeliev.
ng Morris saw the fierce eyes
begin to lose their fire. The stiff
hair on the shoulders fell into
place; tense muscles relaxed.
Ben stood beside him now, his
hand reaching. Down, down." h9
cautioned quietly. Suddenly the
wolf crouched, covering, at his
feet.
Bensstraightened to find himself
nnder a wondering scrutiny br
both Morris and the girl. Good
Lore, fDarby!" the former exclaicl.
Sd How dl dyou do it"
Suddenly Ben reached and took
The VOLTS head between his bands.
Slowly he lifted the savage face till
their eyes met. The wolf growled,
then, swhimpering, tried to avert its
gaze. Then a rough tongue Tapped
at the man hand.
And now, for the first time, Ben
found himself regarding Beatrice.
He could scarcely take his eyes
from her face. He knew perfectly
that he was staring rudely, but he
was without the power to turn his
eyes Her dark eyes fell under his
gaze.
fsThere's nothing I can say-to
thank you" the girl was murmur'
ing II never saw anything like it;
n was Just as II the wolf under
stood every word you said"
sold Hiram had him pretty we'll
trained i suspect. The man't eyes
fell 10 the Shaggy form at his feet.
I'm glad happened along, Miss
Beatrice Nelson. ! live here"
NaiIsoni His mind seemed to
leap and catch at the name. Just
that day he had heard 1t from the
lips Of the merchant. And this was
the house next door where dwelt
Ills fellow traveller for tho morrow.
sThen It's your father = Or
brother-who's going to the Yuga
no. the girl answered doubt.
fully. Ny father is already there
I'm here alone"
Then the gray eyes lighted and a
smile broke about Ben's lips. Few
times in his life had he smiled in
quite a vivid way.
'sThen IT'S you," he exulted, "who
IS going to be my fellow traveller
CHAPTER vi.
Hitting the long Trail.
Ben found, rather as he had ex.
pe6ted, that the girl was not at all
embarrassed by, the knowledge that
they.were to haye.a lonely all,day
ride together.
Ths frontier had taught her to
Judge men.
AS daylight broke they started
out down the Swallowed street Of
the little town.
s;The last we'll see Of civilization
for Q long. long time" the girl re-
minded him.
The man thrilled deeply. "AnA
I'm glad OF t." he answered.
Nothing ahead but the long trail!"
At the very headquarters Of Poor
Mans Greek, where the stream had
dwindled 70 q silver thread between
NOISY banks, Beatrice and Ben
made their noon camp.
But It was not to be that. this
Journey should hold only delight
Tor Ben. "A halt.mile down the rIv.
e. he suddenly made a most mo.
nientons and disturbing discovery.
Hae had atnnnad hfR hnrEa IN ~.