Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1926-02-18
CHAPTER x


he and David were to sleep was dark
but he entered to find David. aides
by the light OF two candles, busy with
their bags
whats the troubl5T' Steele asked
noticing the blankets with which Da
vid had masked the windows. 'sYou
don't think he'd dare fire in on your
Maybe and the 0Jlbway pointed
to the contents OF a large water
PROCEED bag on the floor AT his feet
"Dey have come to see eef you are
wat you say"
They've been through our Indian
stufr2"
Yes, dey look at desc bag and not
pack dem good.
A low knock checked the conversa-
ton. David reached for candle.
Nor said Steele. "stand by with
that !" pointing to Davld's rifle, then
opened the door.
II was Rose Lafiamme.
Dlsapproval was stamped on Da-
vid's face as he slowly shook his
head.
Monsieur Steele, wish to talk
with you In private" she hesitated.
with nod Of her head toward the
Qjibway.
David. wait outside a minute"
said Steele concealing from the girl
lowered eyelid.
Carrying his rifle, David reluctant
ly LETT the room.
''You needn't worry, Laflamme's
asleep" she began. then approaching
Steele, placed her hands on his shout
ders as she begged: -Wlll You get
me out Of here, now-tonightYs
The girls knowledge might be OF
vital Importance TO the future Of Wall
ing River-of the woman there he
loved, and the American did not hest
tate to dlssemble
But, Rose, l haven't bacon and
-four. You'd starve II we left tonight,
unless we struck game. You don't
want to live on fish,"
II can leeve on anything with you.
you beeg Americani" she said "On.N
lee get me away-away from that
thief. once loved heen-but now,
/ hate. hate hate !"
Steele temporized: "But why can't
you walt until tomorrow night7 Wen
have flour then"
.Im afraid. He cursed me tonight
for telling you something. Oh. you
don't know that mantle cleverness
OF heem7 He knows thees won't last
two, three years, thees hell herel"
"Of course he wants TO get rid Of |
the post down rlyer?" Steele ventured.
ooh. st. Onge is done for-and he'll
get the girl" she muttered.
.But what was that Indian Pierre
doing at Walling Riverr he abruptly
"Pierre3" She turned on Steele in
surprise. you saw Pierre7 He was
told to keep under cover"
Yes. he was spreading wild tales
about the Windlgo. Lahamme sent
him to do thatT'
Her large eyes lighted in amuse-
nent "Oh. yes. OF coursei but what
he went down river after was
Quick the candles There's some
me comIngl" The face Of the girl
vent gray with fear. Mon Dleul II
rs Lahammel"
Steele pinched out the candles and
he chung to him helplessly, her body
rembllng against his. as they listened.
There was a sound OF a scufiie out
ide, the fall Of body, the dull Inn
act Of blows Pushing aside the
frightened girl. Steele seized his rife,
nd opened the door.
II got heemlr came the low voice
I David from the tlackness. Han
le dat rawhide.
The man who had approached the |
abin had walked into the strongest
air Of arms In the Nepigon country,
nd lay helpless on the ground, choked (
nd beaten into insensibility. Return )
lg with the thongs, Steele peered at I
le face OF David's victim.
"Lafamme7" a
"Yes We feex heem and startT =
-ged tbs Indian, nercely. =
CTo BE coNTINUED.l