Evening star., 1925-07-08

out a six-shooter and had fired at
Ruth before the revenue man. quick
as he was, could seize her wrist. He
dropped the gun into his pocket and
stood holding one of Gertrude's arms
while Mrs. Topping, sobbing hysteri'
cally, clung 10 the other.
Jim ran TO Ruth. Where did she
get you? Take your hand away,
Ruth
She lifted her hand from her elbow
and red stain spread slowly over the
gray sleeve OF her flannel blouse.
II didn't think she hated me that
much" said Ruth.
IN show you more in minute"
Gertrude twisted against her captors.
You'll think wolverine"
Keep her quiet, Carter" ordered
Jim. Ruth, you'll have to let me cut
away that sleeve for you"
AS he spoke he opened his knife and
slit the flannel deity. exposing the
rounded biceps TO the shoulder. The
bullet had plowed through the flesh
of the upper arm.
The day had been 100 heavy even
for Ruth's great strength. and she
tainted quietly as she sat, her Madon-
ma face against Jims belt. He looked
down al her for long moment with
out stirring, and a tenderness she
never before had drawn from him
shone in his gray eyes. Then he
slipped his hand under her right
looked al the group beside the table.
1T looks to me- he said. as If the
| trail forked right here"
viii she keep her word?" ex-
claimed the revenue man.
| Jim looked down at the brown head
under his breast. You can trust a
! Quaker" he said quietly.
You dirty coward half whispered
Gertrude.
I Jim's eyes flashed. You little fool!
! I'm quitting for her.
Gertrude tried again to twist away
! from the OBTAINING hands. oh. it's
that. is it? And I'm TO be left to cover
( the trail. I'll ruin you for this, Jim
| Acton"
( Slowly Ruth raised her head and
slowly got 10 her feet. She was dead dly
! pale, her eyes blue FIRE, her bare arm
blood smeared, hanging Imply at her
| side. She crossed the room with de
! liberation that was appalling and
paused in front Of Gertrude. who
backed away. Ruth followed her until
Gertrude was pressed against the log
wall. her brown gaze fixed in fear on
those flaming blue eyes.
When Ruth finally spake 1t was with
passion that startled her hearers
This was no Quaker voice or words.
DO you suppose I've done thi:
| lightly? I'm party to a crime, I've
cut off my conscience. I've taken q
lifelong burden on my soul. Do you
think I'll let you destroy the bra nc
I I've snatched from the burning OF this
sacrifice? You are going TO keep 81
/ lence-and begin TO live decently-hert
in this valley. where can watch you
as long as we both live Do you un
derstand me?"
She took another step toward Ger
trude, who shrieked in terror. "Ge
away from me. YOU hend. Yes, Yes
III do as you say.
Mrs. Topping suddenly caught hr,
Al the sight Of her daughters fear
| IN get you run out of this valley"
she shouted.
NO, you won't, old top Jim sud
denly crossed the room. Come, Ruth
TN take you up TO your cabin"
Ruth neither heard nor saw him
Gentleness turned TO wrath is q yer,
consuming agony. She bent her tai
head toward Gertrude. who cried
Take her away! She's gone loco
She's fiendt'
Jim took Ruths right hand. Come
girl, you're going home. Your woFl
here is done
Ruth glanced at him. Does sh,
| understand. this woman? Does sht
| realize that I could tear her limb from
| linb-that I'd like to?'
Yes. Yes. ] tell you she's hend,'
Gertrude began to slide downward
10 the floor.
Ruth" urged jim. YOU must hell
me to get away from this place.
Ruth stared AZ him. I'm angry.
she insisted. "Ali the anger of all tn,
| Quakers is in me. This woman mus
! leave you alone"'
Gertrude was sobbing now. God
I'm only too anxious 10 leave hin
alone, Get her out of here
Ruth" Jim tried again. "Aren'
you going to let me take care OF you?'
Ruth swayed slightly, looking dowI
at her fingers held in his warm clasp