The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1923-08-29
CHAPTE v
Tho Blow in the Dark.


Deborch, the revolver held tightly
In her fingers, moved silently back into
the darkest corner Of the room. and
crouched there listening. If those men
entered that door she meant to shoot,
and shoot to kill. This one deadly
purpose was ell she was conscious of,
or cared for.
Perhaps in some vague way, Meager
may have realized her desperation. He
knew nothing of her being armed, yet,
even In his drunkenness, had learned
something Of her temper, and hest
tated to face her Immediately. Why
should he run the risk? He already
had attained his principal object; they
were married, and he could wait until
her anger subsidized somewhat before
asserting his legal rights. Meanwhile
the boys were waiting for their drinks,
and he felt more inclined to celebrate
the victory along with them and let
tomorrow take care Of Itself.
Some faint conception Of this sltua-
ton occurred to her, as she crouched
there in the dark watchfully waiting,
yet remained undisturbed. The ten
sion relaxed, and she felt again her
womanly weakness, her questioning
and despair. She laid the revolver be-
side her on the floor and buckled the
belt with Its load Of cartridges about
her waist; then picked the weapon up
once again and rested II on her knee.
She was no longer crazed, but able to
think clearly and decide what to at
tempt next.
Meager's action could mean but one
thing-his utter confidence that she
was already securely in his power.
She could not escape, she would be
waiting there for him when he was
ready to possess her. What difference
did an hour make; she was his wife;
when he was drunk enough, reckless
enough, he would come to claim her.
Well, let him come; she would con-
tinue to wait, and he should have his
welcome. His wife, She might be
his widow before dawn.
She aid not move for long, long
CLOSED door, or release her grip on
the revolver. She felt cold, tireless,
actusted only by relentless hatred
She wished he would come so that 1t
might be over with. But nothing hap
pened, and, little by little, her mood
changed. The strain began to tell,
began to break down her resolution.
left her doubtful and afraid. She ven
tured to open the door slight crack |
and peep cautiously out into the hall; |
1t was deserted, not ey en- guard had |
been stationed there, but the door at |
the farther end, leading into the liv- |
ing room, had been left open, and she |
merry. 1t was a babel Of voices at |
first; then someone began to sing a |
ribald song in English, and at the first |
line she drew back, shutting out the |
hateful sound with a feeling Of su-
preme disgust.
Trembling from head to foot, she
crossed to the window and looked out
into the cool mists of the night. No
guard had been posted here either.
she had been left perfectly
free to go or come as she pleased. yet
she fully understood how limited that
freedom was. She might flee from
the house, but that was all the Dor
ders of the ranch were still her prison
walls, the efficient guard those sand
deserts stretching In every direction.
trackless and impossible on foot, vast,
vaterless leagues, where she would
perish miserably. A light still burned
n the clubhouse, but the building
deserted. Once two men
passed down the hill, leaning heavily
Upon each other, staggering and sing
ng, disappearing finally through the
,pen door. She was still staring after
hem, when sound from behind sud-
ienly caused her to face about. A
umbling hand was lifting the iron
atch; the door was being pressed
,pen with an effort at silence. Mo
ionless. breathless with apprehension,
he girl watched the entering beam OF
light broaden until Bob Meager stood I
Iwaying in the doorway. clutching at
he knob to steady himself. He did (
lot see her at first, his bloodshot eyes
'lindly searching the apartment; then
lie must have perceived her outline
gainst the window. for he lurched for ,
yard, giving vent to an exclamation
4 rellet. {
H so you are here, waiting for
mel Did II I didn't think maybe
ou'd taken chance outside. Too
lame sensible, amt you? l thought
likely you'd come TO your senses If 1
eft you here alone awhile. Going to l
e good to me now. you little cat?
ay what you got to say for your {
ell shyhow?'