The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1926-10-22

Judith stirred. an call the others
to help"
Shea laughed unplcasantly. "All
right; But they're out Of earshot
now"
1t was probably true, for Eve and
the others must be far ahead. Ju-
dith pulled herself together. IF
you'll try to rouse him III wait for
you here" she said, more steadily.
Shea chuckled. Thought r,aybe
you'd have to help me get him up
from that tree trunk he's twined
around" But when she made no
move to accompany him into tho
wood he trudged off alone. Judith
ran to the fire, which was winking
out.
The path which Ewes party had
taken was quite black and still.
There was nothing to do but stand
waiting for that ominous black jowl
and vulgar nccktie to emerge from
the trees.
After time shuffling footsteps
among the trees warned of his re-
turn. and she could dimly discern
his figure, with Eric hanging Imply
upon his arm. "Come along" he
said to her and set out on the path
leading away from the cliff. Judith
obeycd silently
They were forced to walk slowly,
for Erie was a dead weight upon
Shea, dragging his feet and takin"
ii step only occasionally. Judith
walked close behind, too nervous to
speak.
At length they came out into the
big pasture that lay next. the Gran
kne la ~
Of dwarfed trees stood out against
the sky, which was now radiant with
moonlight. Shea laid his burden
down and Strengthened his shoulders.
Cod" he exclaimed. Wouldn't
think he was SO heavy"
Judith spoke up anxiously. "Do
you think you can carry him the
rest Of the way?"
Sure thing. But I've got to rest
minute" He sat down beside
Eric's rccumbcnt figure. Look here,
kid, you don't seem to realize how
lucky for you ii was that ! stayed
behind to help you home with him.
Whatd you have donG out there
alone with him snorin' drunk ?"
perhaps he wouldn't have been
drunk il we'd been there alone,s she
said with emphasis.
Shea was unrufflcd by the thrust.
lie only laughed again and said, with
significant infection, perhaps not: I"
Judith shivcred and pulled her
coat close around her. "COld!" asked
Shea. ~ shot Of this will warm
you up" He pulled whisky bottle
out of his pocket. Judith shook her
head.
Cant VIC be starting now?'' she
said. ITS getting very late" Shea
gruntcd and rose to his feet. He
had some trouble in dragging Eric
to a standing position, and Judith
felt obliged to help.
Together they brought the uncon-
! sciOus man to a position in VIII Hh
he could be dragged on toward the
road. They set off across the pas,
turc. skirting the dwarf trees and
should be. At last they could see
the moonlight glimmering on a
stretch of white road beyond fence.
Judith breathed sigh OF relief and
began to walk more rapidly. Hi.
there" called Shea. whats the
hurry? You can't go till ! get there
+! to drive the car, you know" She
i fell back again and walked by his
side. She was helpless to defy him.
! The automobile was battered and
, mud-cncrusted touring car, minus
| curtains and two doors. Shea
proppcd Eric against the running
board and stood putting for breath
! Judith was looking up and down the
road, but no headlights were visible
! Shea observed her gaze and smiled
sardonically in the moonlight.
He began to thrust Eric's feet into
the doorless tonneau. Then he hoist
cd his body upon the back seat and
propped the feet against the back Of
the front seat. When he had &C
complished this, he turned to Judith
She took o step toward the bacl
seat, but he laid his hand on hel
arm. She gave a little cry.
mo room for you back there,
he said calmly. you'll have u
ride with me-"
: Judith did not demur. She crawle,
into the front seat and waited Will
Shea cranked the car. It took sew
and he cursed volubly and none to-
seftly.
| When the motor began to chul
he brushed his hands on his trous
ers and numbered toward the driver
seat. On the running board h
paused moment to- light q cigare,
Its red glow made his purplish fac
: visible again. Judith Shrank back.
The movement seemed TO anGe
> him, for with ! snarling chuckle h
seated himself and grasped th
!: wheel. Judith felt the shock Of tn
starting but it was some seconds b.
fore she realized that the man VA
turning the ear directly about In "A
wide road - head away from toVl