The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1923-11-08


for any t%reachery. If Garrity came
there alone he would take the chance
If not, then he would fight the battle
out there in the tunnel, asking nc
quarter. and giving none. Meager
stopped, his huge bulk almost blot.
ting Out the light.
THAT you, CONF" he asked anx.
iously.
"Who the HI else would IL be?' ex-
claimed an exasperated voice. whats
going on here? Nobody on watch |
didn't want to come poking in, liable to
get shot. Where the devil Is Manuel?'
"Come inside and I'll explain just
drop over that ledge; it's only a foot
or two 10 the floor. You came aloneT'
The fellow did not answer, but no
one followed as he cIambered across
the barrier Of rock. Apparently he
could perceive nothing when once
within. except the dim, shapeless fig
ures awaiting him.
1.-TWO Of you, Ell! On, but It's
dark in here! That you, Manuel"
Manuel Is dead" explained Meager
briefly. Hes been killed"
Dead! Killed." The Judge
pressed his body back against the
rock. what do you mean, Bob2
Then who is this other fellow-San-
cher"
Kelleen took the matter into his
own hands.
I'm the Frisco Kid" he announced
calmly, yet with one hand resting on
his gun. "You know me, and that 1t
Is all right. I'm in on the deal. that's
the only difference"
"Now, see here, Garrity." broke In
Meager gruffly. 1T don't look to me
as II there was anything else we
could do. The Kid got onto this him
under these conditions he ought to
have his share. HI. If he don't, I
reckon We won't any Of us get any.
Besides, there's only the three of us
left--Mannel and Sanchez are both
dead. And say, o you know what
Frisco says he believes this d-n
tunnel is?"
This tunnel? the cave, you mean?"
"Sure: he says it's 'Alvara's Lost
Mine'-and, by Cd! man, IL II is.
then maybe it's worth millions of
coin"
could not discern the expression of
the mans face. but was suspicious
that his hand rested threateningly on
the butt Of q revolver. The fellow
was treacherous, INSCRIPTIONS, miserly
even In crime. capable Of any act to
assure his gain. There was only one
safe way Of dealing with him-the
way of force. the heavy hand. Yet
he would make n more endeavor.
"Well. Judge, "Kelleen said quietly.
"how do you like this plan7"
I'm id II I see why I should d.
vide up with you"
"You are rath>r duh this morning.
Clarity. I haven't much Of a repu-
tation for wasting words, have I? No
doubt you have heard the Frisco Kid
knows how to shoot when needed?
What more explanation do you want?
4 Ai III VIZ MS tVdiy VI VI - a uSHu
one-that's all. Now say which 1t is"
No man could have doubted the
d%eadliness of Kelleen's meaning. Gar
rity knew the border code far too well
to hesitate.
'Of course you're in. IL only
wanted TO understand"
You've got 1t clear enough now.
but Wen play safe. Your friend Mea-
ger here is unarmed. and you, will be
far better off without a gun-throw 1t
over into that orner."
"And leave you free to murder us
both"
"Sure, II l decide it's best. Only I
don't usually do business that way.
You have heard plenty of stories
about me, but no one ever said | shot
a man treacherously. II you two play
square there Is Mt danger but this is
a case Of two pitted against one
either one Of you would cut a throat
for a fve-dollar bill. I'll give you a
minute-throw away that gun"
He stood fronting them both, the
two between him and the stronger
light. His face was emotionless, but
| the voice speaking was crisp and hard.
The two knew him only as a desper-
ado, a border renegade. a man whose
willingness to kill had been proven
| There remained no choice. Clarity.
growing forth an oath, flung his re
volver into the dark corner savagely.
"Frisk him. Bob: I'm taking no
chances this time-a knife, hey F.
Rather an ugly tool, Garrity-do al.
Judges carry them? Yes. throw 1t over
there along with the gun. Are you
sure that is all? Now. Clarity. urn
about is fair play try your hard on
Meager-stripped clean, is he? Better
| feel inside his shirt imagine he Is a
| pri .oner in your court. GoOdl Now.
I reckon, we are In fair shape "a dis
cuss business together. First. gents,
set me say this-i haven't the slight
| est objection In the world to killing
both Of you on general principles. l
know your style, and I'm going To