South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-12-19
THE SKY LINE
OF SPRUCE
BBGIN HERE TO-DAY
BY EDISON MARSHALL

BEGIN HERE TODAY
BEN DARBY. a prisoner. Is parolsd
% an old friend OF the Darby
family because % Is proven BY a
noted aTenist that Ben is a vio-
TIM OF ann ecta. The Old friend,
BRA MELVILLE. takes Ben on a
Journey 70 the Yuga River 20 To-
cate on a rich claim left by Ezra's
dying brother,
HIRAM MELVILLE. IN Seattle
lives jeffrey Nelson, leader OF
Ray Brent and
CHAN HFDILNWAY, notorious
crooks. Trey plan 70 steal the
claim left by Melville and locate
there before his brother can ar
rive. Brent IS Ga love with Nell
sons beautiful daughter,
BEATRICE. who repuises him.
When Ezra and Ben arrive az the
north woods. the latters memory
suddenly returns. on the road 70
Snowy Gulch where they were 10
procure supplies and call for
EENRIS. pet Of this deceased IL
ram. Ben and Ezra meet from
ttsrsman. While Ben "a other
wise engaged Ezra learns from
the traveller that Nelson and his
gang have started toward HI
rams claim Eot wanting 20 en-
danger Be1's lie, Ezra suggests
that Darby 20 alone 70 Snowy
Gulch. leaving Ezra TO travel to-
ward their destination At Snowy
Gulch Ben finds Ferris 20 be a
wolf that has Just broken loose
and stands ready 20 destroy a
beautiful girl.
co on WITH THE STORY
The fangs were barred. cleaning IN
foam, the hair stood erect on the
powerful shoulders; and instantly
Ben recognl zed It's breed. IL was a
magnificent specimen OF that huge,
Eaunt runner OF the forests. the
Northern wolf.
He knew this breed-this savage.
blood mad. fierce-eyed creature that
turned, snariing. at his approach.
Ferris was only a fellow wilderness
creature. a pack brother OF the dark
forests. and he had no further cause
for fear.
'Fenris!" ne ordered sharply.
come here!" His voice was COM
handing and clear above the ami
mails snarls.
There followed a curious long in
slant Of utter silence and infinite
suspense.
Down. Fenris." Ben said again.
Down"
Then slowly steadily. Ben moved
toward him. Watching unbelieving,
Morris saw the fierce eyes begin to
lose their fire. The st!ff hair on the
shoulders fell Into place, tense
muscle relaxed.
Ben stood beside him now. his
hand reaching. Down. down." he
cautioned quietly. Suddenly the
wolf crouched, covering, at his feet.
Ben Strengthened TO find himsef
under a wondering scrutiny by both
Morris and the girl. Good Lord.
DarS5yl" tho former exclaimed. How
did you do it"
Suddenly Ben reached and took
the VOLTS head between his hand.
Slowly he lifted the savage face tin
their eyes met. The wolf growled,
then. whimrering, tried 20 avert It's
gaze. Then rough tongue Tapped
at the mans hand.
And now, for the first time. Ben
found himself regarding Beatrice.
lie could scarcely take his eyes
from her face. He knew perfectly
that he was staring rudely, but he
was without the power 10 turn his
eyes Her dark eyes fell uder his
gaze.
There's nothing I can say-to
thank you" the girl was murmur-
Ing, II never saw anything like It.:
it was just as II the wolf under
stood every word you said"
odd Hiram had him pretty well
trained. I suspect" The mans eyes
fell 20 the shaggy form at his feet.
I'm glad I happened along, Miss"
Beatrice Nelson. I live here
Nelsonl His mind seemed 20 leap
and catch at the name. Just that
day ne had heard 10 from the lips OF
the nlBr-hont And this was the
house next door where dwelt his fell
low traveller for the morrow.
Then it, your farher-or brother
who's going 20 the Iuga-"
NO" the girl answered doubt
fully My father - already there
I'm here alone"
Then the gay eyes lighted and n
smile broke about Ben's l.ps Few
times IN his life had he smiled in
quite this vivid way.
Then it's you" he eNuIted. "who
IS go.nE TO be my fellow traveller to-
morrow"
CHAPTER VI
Hitting the Long Trail
Ben found rather "a he had ex-