The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1925-11-02
MONDAY: NOVEMBER 2, 1925
Published BY Arrangement With puss
Lloyd Productions Inc.
CHAPTER VII. (continued)

CHAPTER VII. (continued)
Two days and nights enabled thu
Countess Courteau to strip the
Northern Hotel, to assemble the
movable appurtenances thereto, and
to pack them into boxes, bales, and
bundles, none of which weighed
more than one hundred pounds
This lapse of time likewise enabled
the Indians whom Pierce had hired
to finish their contracts and return
to the coast. In spite of the appal.
ling amount of freight, Pierce be.
lieved he had enough men to move
1t in two trips, and when the hour
came to start the Countess compli.
mented him upon his thorough prep.
arations. AS swiftly as might be he
formed his packers in line, weighed
their burdens, and sent them on
their journey. These preparations
occasioned much confusion and a
considerable crowd assembled.
Among the onlookers was a bright
eyed, weakened little man who at
tached himself to the chief and en-
gagged him in conversation.
When the last burden-bearer had
departed the Countess directed
Lucky Broad and Kid Bridges to
stay in the hotel and stand guard
over the remainder of the goods.
Take six-hour Shifts" she told
them. "I'll hold you responsible for
what's here"
Its as safe as wheat" Broad as
sured her.
I'll camp at the Scales with the
stuff that has gone forward, and
Pierce will bring the Indians back." "
"Dyou think you can ride herd
on it," Bridges inquired. Il under
stand there's a lawless element at
large"
The Countess smiled. I'm sort
OF lawlcss element myself when
start" she said. Her eyes twinklcd
as she measured Mr.. Bridges burly
proportions. you're going to miss
your alfalfa bed before l get you to
linderman."
The Kid nodded seriously. II
know" said he. Serves me right
for quittin' profession for trade,
but l got to look over this Dawson
place. They say it's soft pickin
Lucky is taking his stock in trade
along, all three of 'em, so maybe
we'll tear off a penny or two on the
way"
Pierce's pack consisted of tent
for the Countess, some bedding, and
food; with this on his back he and
his employer set out to ovcrtakc
their train. This they accomplished
a short distance below the first
crossing of the river. Already the
white packers, of whom there were
perhaps a score, had drawn to-
gether; the Indians were following
them in a long file. Having seen
his companion safely across the
stream, Pierce asked her, somewhat
A""5t.ftai;iiy:
do you think Broad and his part
ner are altogether trustworthy"
Nobody is that" she told him.
But they're at least intelligent. In
this kind of a country l prefer an
intelligent crook to an honest fool.
Most people are honest or dishonest
when and as they think it is to their
advantage to be so. Those men
want to get to Dawson, and they
know the Police would never let
them across the Line. I'm their
only chance. They'll stand assay"
1t was mid-forenoon when the
Countess halted Pierce, who was a
short distance ahead of her, saying:
"Waitl Didn't you hear somebody
calling us?"
They listened. They were about
to move onward when there came a
faint halo, and far down the trail
behind them they saw figure ap-
preaching. After a moment of
scrutiny Pierce declared:
"Why, it's Broadw
"Whewr' he painted. Thought
I'd never run you down. Well, set
yourselves"
whats wrongY' demanded the
woman.
Plenty. You've been double
crossed, whip-sawed. Your noble
red men have quit you; they
dumped your stuff at the river and
made deal at double rates to move
Sam Kirby's freight. They're back
in Dyea now, the whole works"
The Countess Courteau exploded
with a mans oath. Her face was
purple; her eyes were blazing.
Danny Royal, Kirby's man, done
it. Sans gone on to Linderman to
build a boat. I saw Danny curled
up on the chiefs ear while you were
loading. fter you'd gone him and
the old pirate followed. Me n
Bridges never thought anything
about it until by and by back came
the whole party, empty. Danny
trooped 'em down to the beach and
begun packin' 'em. I know him, so
! asked him what the devil. Hands
Off says he. Sam Kirby's got a
rush order in ahead of yours, and
these refreshments is going through
by express. I've raised your ante.
Money no object, understand? I'll
boost the price again if l have to, |
and keep on boosting it: Then he
warned me not to start anything or
he'd tack two letters onto the front ]
of my name. He'd do it, too. II
took it ON the run, and here am"
Sam Kirby. eh?" The Countess.
flaming rage had given place to a
cool, calculating anger.
Pierce protested violently. I'll
hired those Indians: We agreed on