The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-04-08
MAGAZINE

still wonder in his eyes.
dam me, Geraldine he growled, II
can't believe my eyes,"
Geraldine smiled again.
"Oh, it's me, all right he nodded. "You
got me dead to rights, Pete. What do you
think the boys will do with me?''
"And you're the Ghost?' sighed Silver
Pete, pushing back his hat as though to
give his thoughts freer play. He had met
many man of grim repute along the Dor
found in the Ghost.
"Whatll they do with you?" he repeated.
al dunno. You amt plugged nobody, Ger
aldine. reckon they'll ship you south and
let the sheriff handle you. Git away from
that gum
For Geraldine had stepped back with ap-
parent unconcern until he stood within
yard of his revolver. He obeyed the or
ders with mistaken good humor, but it
seemed to Silver Pete that yellow light
bleamed for an instant in the eyes of the
Ghost. 1t was probably only reflection
from the light of the big torch that burned
in a corner of the cave.
"Gun?" grinned Geraldine. "Say Pete,
do you think I'd try and gun-play while you
have the drop on me?"
He laughed.
Nope" he went on. "If you was one of
those tin-horn gunner from the town over
yonder, I'd lay you 10 to l could drill you
and make a getaway, but you amt one of
them, Pete, and seeing it's you, amt 60
ing to try no funny stuff. l don't banker
after no early grave, Pete!'
THIS tribute set placid glow of satisfac-
ton in Pete's eyes.
"Take it. from ME, Geraldine" he said,
"you're wise. But there amt no need for
you to get scared of me SO long as you play
the game square and don't try no fancy
moves. Now show me where you got the
loot slowed and show it quick. If you
DON'T"
The threat was unfinished, for Geraldine
nodded.
"Sure I'll show it to you, Pete" he said
FL know when got hand that's worth play
ing, and amt guy to bet n measly pair
Of treys against full house. Take a slant
over there behind the rocks and you'll find
It ALL
He indicated pile of stones Of all nzes
which lay heaped in a corner. Pete backed
toward it with his eye still upon the Ghost.
A few kicks scattered the rocks and exposed
several small bags. When he stirred these
with his foot their weight was eloquent, and
the gun fighters smile broadened.
"Thinf of them n-horne," he said, that
offered all your pickins to the men that got
you dead or alive, Geraldine"
The Chose sighed.
Easy pickings,' he agreed. mo more
strong arm work for you, Petew
The jaw of Silver Pete set sternly again.
LEAD your boss over here" he said, and
help me stow this stuff in the saddle bags.
And if you make move to get the hoss
between me and you"
The Ghost grinned in assent, saddled his
mount, and led him to Pete. Then in obedi-
ence to orders he unbuckled the slicker
strapped behind the saddle and converted
it into strong bag which easily held the
bags of loot. 1t made small but ponderous
burden and he groaned with the effort as
he heaved it up behind the saddle and Sc
cured it. Pete took the bride and gestured
1T the Ghost with the revolver.
mot git your hand up over your head
agin, Geraldine" he said, land 60 out down
the tunnel about three PAGES ahead of me-"
Better let me take the TORCH" sug-
gested the Ghost, It'll show US the way"
Pete grunted assent and Geraldine, on
his way toward the torch, stopped at the
boulder to finish off his coffee. He turned
to Pete with the cup poised at his lips.
Say, Pete" he said genially, anything
wrong with cup of coffee and siice Ct
bacon before we start back?"
"Rv God Ceraldine" prinned the gun
fighter, you're a cool bird, but your game