Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-05-24
INsTALLNIENT XVII.

~ men, except Latlmer, up through
a the west outlet, from which
u they climbed to the highest
point in the vicinity. Every
point OF the green hole was in plain
sight. Every approach to it, even that
down the dark gully, lay exposed.
Brad Lincoln said sarcastically, so
you been savin' this roost for your
Then Jim put in his quiet opinion.
"a band of men could hang out here
for 20 years-unless they fought among
themselves"
Hal" Slocum let out a single sharp
they left Jim on the bluff to keep
the first watch.
Jim had Miss Herrick's word as to
the amount taken from her. 1t was a
certainty that Hays had also robbed her
brother. But he had not reported the
truth as to amount; and this was an
other singular proof Of the disintegra-
ton Of the chiefs character.
In all likelihood Sparrowhawk was
aware Of this omission on the chiefs
part. Probably he had been bribed to
keep his mouth shut. Whatever there
was to learn Jim meant to learn.
While his Thoughts ran in this fashion,
skipping from one aspect to another
Jims keen manipulation of the field
glass followed suit. And after each sur
vey he would shift the glass back to
the oval bowl, where the robbers were
at work.
Some were carrying water, brush
stones, while others were digging post
holes Hays began to lay a square fire.
place of fiat stones. The stone, sand
water were fetched to him, but he did
the building himself. An hour or so
after the start the square CRATE APP
peared to be completed, and the Chin
ney was going UP. Four cottonwoods
formed the four corner posts OF the
shack. Poles of the same wood were
laid across for beams. Probably Hays
would construct a roof Of brush and
give it pitch enough so that 1t would
shed water.
Three times Hays left of work to
walk across the green to the tent where
Miss Herrick kept herself. No doubt
the robber called to her. The third
time he peeped in.
But Hays did not attempt to enter
the tent. Then Hays retraced his steps
back to the job.
Long after MONDAY, and when Jim
had spent at least six hours on watch,
jeff Bridges detached himself from his
comrades and laboriously made his way
I'D the long slope to the bluff, upon
which Jim was stationed.
Jim relinquished the glass and his
seat to Bridges. He made his way
leisurely down of the smooth red
lodges to the slope, ana eventually to
the valley floor. Jim Grew his gun,
and selecting a favorable shot he put
he repeated the performance. With the
rabbits dangling, one from each hand,
he turned into the oval. amused to find
not a single man in sight. They had
heard his shots and had taken TO cover
AS he approached, one by one they
reappeared.
HUH You scared u.s. declared
Hays, forcibly
young rabbit for supper won't go
bad" rejoined Jim.
"They shore won't" agreed Smoky.
'Lemme see, Jim" He took the rab-
bits and examined them. Look ahyar,
Brad. He shot the eye out Of beth OF
them"
burned II he didn't" said Brad, en-
Enthusiastically. How fer away, Jim?'
u. didn't step it of. Reckon one was
about 20 PAGES and the other farther"
returned Jim, stretching the truth
little. He knew such men, how their
morbid minds centered about certain
things.
Hank, fer Gawd's sake don't let's
give Jim Wall chanel to shoot at us!"
CALCULATED Smoky, with o loud laugh.
we don't want Jim shootin' at us
any more'n he wants US shootin' at
him.
Jim, take a snack Of grub, an then
come to work with u.s." said Hays.
While they were at it Smoky suggest
ed they erect a sun and rain shelter
for the prisoner. Hays consented with
a bad grace. So before dark they built
one for Miss Herrick that would add
materially to her comfort.
Reckon this cottonwood grove Is her
private grounds. fellers," added Smoky.
'It amt no fault Of our'n If this CURL
Is hyar. But since she is, we'll see she
gets treated like lady"
That was strong speech, yet passed
over by Hays.
A tiny stream ran out from under
the trees. Jim banked 1t up with
clean red rocks, forming fine little
pool of clear cold water. Smoky, deity
fashioned rude armchair, which, when
covered with saddle blankets, made an
acceptable chair. Hays, not to be
wholly outdone. cut and carried a great
armload OF ferns.
Come out, miss" he called into the
tent.
Helen emerged, her eyes suspiciously
red, but that did not mar the flash of
them.
Hays, am I to gather from this
kindly service that my stay here will
be indeflnite?" she queried.
wal, 1t looks like tibet"
'You can send Jim Wall and another
Of your men back to Star Ranch. I'll
write letter to my brother to pay and
ask no questions or make no moves"
Shore, reckon Jim would CO. It's
easy to see tibet. But none of my regu-
lar men would risk it," returned Hays.
There's a better way, Hank" spoke
up Smoky. Send Jim an me back