The Filer record. (Filer, Idaho) 1919-1930, 1923-08-02
CHAPTER v


In her fingers. moved silently back into
the darkest corner Of the room. and
crouched there listening. II those men
entered that door she meant 10 shoot,
and shoot TO kill. This one deadly
purpose was all 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 hesi-
tated 10 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 situa-
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.
Meagers 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 10 claim her.
Well, let him come; she would con-
tinue TO walt. and he should have his
welcome. His wifel She might be /
his widow before dawn.
She did not move for a long, long
time; did not take her eyes from the /
closed door. or release her grip on 4
the revolver. She felt cold. tlrelsss.
actuated only by n relentless hatred /
She wished he would come so that II
might be over with. But nothing hap
pened, and. little by little. her mood
The strain began TO tell,
began to break down her resolution.
eft her doubtful and afraid She ven
iured 10 open the door slight crack
and peep cautiously out into the hall:
I was deserted. not even a guard had
been stationed there. bur the door at
he farther end. leading into the liv-
ne room. had been left open. and she
,ould hear the men In there making
merry. II was n babel Of voices nj
irst: then someone began 70 sing
'ihald song in English. and NJ the first
inc she drew back. shutting out the
hateful sound with a feeling Of su-
rene disgust.
Trembling from head 10 foot. she
rOssed TO the window and looked out
nto the cool mists Of the night No
yard had been posted here either.
she had been left perfectly
rec 70 go or come as she pleased. yet
he fully understood how limited that
recdom was. She might fee from
be house. hu, that was oil: the Dor
ers OF The ranch were stu her prison :
.alis. the efficient Guard those sand ]
eserfs stretching In every direction.
-ackless snd impossible on foot. vast. :
'aferlees leagues. where she would Z
erish miserably. A light sfiIl burned J
the bunkhousc but the building G
.emed deserted Once two men a
assed down the hin. leaning heavily Z
BON each other. staggering and sing i
e. disappearing finally through the q
zen door. She was sfill staring nffer 4
lem. when = sound from behind sud h
sniy caused her % face about. A Q
milling hand was Hftfng the iron o
fch; the door WIS being pressed Il
,en with an effort ~ silence. No "
1nIess. breafhiess with apprehension. h
Q riri wnfehed the entering beam n,
nj broaden until Rob Meaeer stood Il
rayinz IN THE doorway. ciufchinr ~ b.
. knot % steady himself IL 6if n
= see her If first. his hio11shot eyes q