Red Lodge daily news combined with Carbon County news., 1932-07-20
Chapter 81
a MYSTERIOUS LETTER

THE hidden machine-gun became
The ground in front Of the house
seemed magically cleared of run
ming men.
The plane dived at the tree be-
hind which the second machine-gur
had been mounted.
Ashwood rose. slipped his hot
automatic into his shoulder holster
and stretched g~lancfng about the
room. Then the hard lines reap
peared in his face as he glanced to-
ward the far end of the room.
Emory, getting to his feet, saw Al
fred, the faithful little steward, ly-
ing m~otionless.
Ashwood limped across the room
looked down into the ~lifeless face
for a long moment and turned away.
Let's pass out a round of grogi
Ashie," suggested Emory. II think
we've earned it."
Stevens pushed his well scraped
plate aside with a sigh of complete
-contentment.
He grinned comfortably at Nancy
who looked adorable in her bor-
rowed cooks costume.
Then he wandered TO the door OF
the wrecked living room and sur
veyed the scene of desolation. In
the reaction from the battle, 1t had
been Easy to forget the splintered
walls.
'Glad l wasn't here last night, /"
he observed judiciously. See you
sThere." declared Jerry thought
fully, goes a real man."
Hes HAD more fun the past few
days. stated Ashwood, smiling,
''than he's had in ten years
aaIf x.nttfl axaucA me - said Emory.
rising, I'm going to find a desk and
.Tn ease out and see if the boys
have cleaned up properly" decided
the cripple. Wan to come along,
you two?' He looked at Mallory
and Martin so meaningly that they
started, guilty, from their chairs
Then, suddenly, Mallory returned.
Here he said to Nancy, give
these to the minister. Don't let
Look at these" she murmured
and passed them to Jerry.
They were two checks for $1,000
each, drawn simply to the order of
was signed by Mallory, the other by
"The fight last night seems to
have restored Mallory to something
like normal observed Jerry. III
it has done as much for Hamilton,
we'll have a lot to be thankful for"
The minister has finally agreed,
up in his right mind. nobody is to
tell him about Williams and the
guard. Their deaths will be ex-
planned as part of the general fight
last night"
Jerry fell silent. his thoughts
wandering. In another few hours
they would be on their way back to
civilization. In another week., per-
haps, this glorious girl would be
back on Broadway, charming the
hearts of audiences.
And now, young man, vol are go
ing to help me with the dishes" she
informed him, her eyes sparkling at
his moody countenance.
Jerry carried a pile of dishes into
the kitchen.
How dare you put them into the
going to talk me some time to
train you, but I'll do it, yeti"
He grasped her roughly by both
shoulders.
What did you mean by that?" he
demanded.
You men are so awkward" she
parted, not meeting his eyes.
Now you listen" said Jerry.
isn't this whole business hard
enough for me without your joking
about it? You know | love you, so
why try to plague me with 1t? You
know that ! worship you, your mar
vellous eyes, your saucy little nose,
your kissable lips and-my Cod
you laugh at mel !
A soft, slender hand crept up to
his mouth and pressed hard against
it with surprising strength.
Jerry, you're so dumbi'
He sputtered and shook his head,