The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-06-14
PART TWO
The Wolf Man

AS a wolf might plan hunt in the
forest. Ben planned his war against
Nelson and his subordinates. IEs
knew perfectly that he must not at
tempt open warfare.
It was not his aim TO give his foes
the least chance to fight back.
The best way Of all. Of course, was
to strike indirectly at them. perhaps
through some one they loved. Soon,
perhaps, he would see the way.
And when Beatrice was asleep. Neil
son stole down the moonHt moose trail
and Joined his men.
I've brought news" he said
What's your news?" Rays voice
harshened, possessing d certain quail
ity of grim leyity. I guess old Hi
rams brother hasn't come to life
again, has hep"
That's what 1 came to see you
about tonight" Nelson paused. for
the sake Of suspense. Beatrice came
up tonight, as agreed, and she had a
prospectUr with her-and he knew
old Hirams brother"
He doesn't seem to be a close friend
of this old man; he just seems to
have met up with him 1t the river.
and the old man steered him up here.
He asked nae where the old mans
claim was and said he wanted to
20 over and see him. He was taking
Hiram's wolf and his gun up 70 him.
I told him I hadn't heard Of the
claim that it must be farther inside,
and I think 7 put it over. There
one thing we can do-and that
quick"
And what's that?"
start Chan off tomorrow to the
office in BradleybUrg and record this
claim in our names. We We waited
too long already
Ray. you're talking like 4 man
now" Nelson agreed. You and
stay here and work away. innocent
as can be. on the claim. Chan, put
that bottle away and get to bed.
Take the trail down first thing to-
morrow. Then we can laugh at all
the 'prospectors that want to come"
Soon after the break of dawn Ben
put his pick and shovel on his Shout
der and leisurely walked up the creek
past Rays cabin.
The vivid morning light only re-
vealed the crime in more dreadful de-
tail
Slowly. laboriously, with little. out
ward sign of the emotion that rent his
heart. ne dug a shallow grave.
He threw the last clod and stood
looking down at the upturned earth
Sleep good, old Ez,' he murmured
IN simple mass for the dead. III
do what you said
Ben worked his way down through
the thickets toward Jeffrey Nelson s
cabin. The river flowed quietly here
a still stretch that afforded safe
boating.
He suddenly drew up short at the
sight of a light, staunch canoe on the
open water. It was a curious fact
that he noticed the craft itself before
ever he glanced at its occupant. He
realized that this boat afforded him
means of traversing this great water.
body, certainly should be a factor in
the forthcoming conflict. The boat had
evidently been the property of Hiram
Melville
Then he noticed, with a strang. in
explcabIe leap of his heart, that its
lone occupant was Beatrice Nelson.
His eye kindled at the recognition,
and the beginnings of a smile flashed
to his lips. But at once remembrance
came to him, crushing his JOY as the
heel brushes a tender flower. The girl
was Of the enemy camp, the daughter
of the leader of the triumvirate of
nurderers. While she herself could
have had no part in the crime, per
haps she already had guilty knowledge
of it. and at least she was of her
fathers hated blood.
~ must simulate frienShip. He