Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1925-07-11
They Had Been
Buddies
BY HERBERT l.. McNARY


rider debouched upon a clearing, and
as suddenly the horse came to an alb
rupt halt.
With scarcely perceptible motion
the khaki-clad riders steel-gray eyes
were fastened on the small cabin in
the clearing. Then horse and rider
moved off as silently as they had come,
and soon the rider returned alone.
/ He approached the cabin from the
rear. Cautiously he peered in the
window, and he became aware Of the
slight movement In the corner bunk.
Then he heard muffled groan fol-
lowed by lncoherent mutterlng. The
man In the bunk turned. rolling off a
blanket and exposing dirty. blood
matted and crudely bandaged leg,
while from fever-fushed face burnt
the staring eyes Of raving man. On
the flannel shirt Of the man in the
bunk cleaned a nickeled badge. The
other bent low and read: internal
Revenue" He smiled.
The newcomer first removed a heavy
fOrty-four from the belt of the inter-
nal revenue officer and placed 1t in his
own belt. He took the last cigarette
from a package and lit it. Now he
broke the officers revolver and put
the cartridges into the cigarette pack
age, and crossing to the cupboard hid
the package behind some tins.
Get that Silver Fox" he heard.
I'll get him. The lone
rum runner, is he? Won't this
war ever end? I'm sick Of the
trenches. Get those Germans.
Get that Silver Fox"
"Guess you haven't eaten for some
time" grumbled the cook as he pre-
pared to feed his patient, "but II you
was In the trenches like you say, then
you know what 1t means to be hungry.
SO do I. Some Of them places you
named seen myself, buddy"
"Who are you?" asked the revenue
man.
Call me George" replied that one
laconically.
"My names Floyd-Tom Floyd"
$50 you told me-"
"When?'
"In your raving."
ooh! I wonder where I am?"
"Choteau county. Montana. You
were chasing the Silver Fox-you told
me that ALSO"
II must have told you lot. One Of
the rum gang got me in the leg. Won
der how long ago thaA was"
"Musta been week. I found you
raving and poisoned, but pulled you
through"
"Then owe you my life," declared
the officer quietly.
"Don't mention 1t. Most Of the time
you was raving about places In France
I was there. too. That's where my
hair turned gray. I was with the
Third"
mine was the First"
$50 you told Newell, there's few
things want to do. Take 1t easy and
I'll be back in time to get supper"
When the buddy with the premature
ly grayed hair returned late that at
ternoon 1t was to find the revenue
man summing himself outside the cabin.
" guess can be leaving soon,"
said the officer with smile.
"Don't hurry. there's plenty Of
food"
Thanks; but I have to track the
Silver Fox"
The other removed his hat and
rubbed his hand refectively over his
gray hair. II guess he's hard to To-
cate from what hear"
$50 I understanding the way, you
didn't find a revolver did your"
Eyes, thought you might hurt your
self In your rawlings so took 1t away.
Here 1t is."
"Guess I had better get a pail Of
water" said he who called himself
George.
While he was away the revenue off,
Ger re-entered the cabin and crossed
to the cupboard. From this he re-
moved the package that contained the
cartridges. When he placed the pack
age back again it was empty.
After supper the two sat outside
watching the sun sink behind the tall
trees.
"What do you think of my chances
Of getting the Silver FoxY asked the
officer, breaking long silence.
"You have to see him first"
II have seen him." was the quiet re-
jolnder.
The gray-eyed man never moved.
He finished his cigarette and then
rose leisurely.
"Over in those woods Is my horse.
had intended to leave in the morning !;
but guess I'll go now"
"Why the hurry?"
you're right, I'm the Silver Fox.
Maybe you'd want to give me start
because Of the favor I did you in pull
ing you through because you was a
buddy-well, don't let your conscience
bother you because you can't help
yourself"
II have my revolver" answered the
officer. "You gave 1t back to me-"
II know, but l took the pills out.
Maybe If you look hard enough you'll