White Bluffs spokesman. [volume] (White Bluffs, Wash.) 1907-1938, 1932-08-25

too fast-an' don't look back. l might
change my mind"
The Texan moved. He never argued
with a man who had the drop on him
and meant business. 1t was safer to
watch for a chance and plug the fell
low when he was not looking.
Wilson followed at his heels, the gun
unbuttoned. They reached the street
unnoticed, crossed it without observa-
ton, and passed into the gloom Of the
alley beyond.
where you takln' me" Gitner
growled.
ITO Jail"
"What for?"
"Raisin' a riot"
The prisoner made no complaint
about the illegality of this proceeding.
1t was high-handed Of course, but the
man behind gun has the privilege of
being that if ne chooses. There was
no use trying to talk Mccain out of
the advantage he held. Gitner did not
attempt it. His cunning mind concen-
trated on the practical problem of es-
cape.
The chance came as they were pick
ing their way down into the small
gulch. 1t was so dark that Mccain
was following close on the heels of the
other. Gitner stumbled and fell. His
arm swept out, caught the younger
mans legs below the knees, and
dragged them out from under him.
The revolver flew out of Wilson's
hand as he went down. Before he
could stop himself he had rolled down
the steep ground on top Of the Texan.
They went to the bottom Of the in
cline together, now one and now the
other on top.
In the scramble of wildly flying legs
the two men chung fast. But in that
instant, while they were locked in each
others arms, Wilson realized that he
was no match for his opponent at this
kind Of rough work He was lighter
by twenty-five pounds and he was still
weakened from the effect of his recent
wounds. To survive, he knew 1t would
be necessary to break the others bear
like hug. Otherwise his ribs would be
crushed and the breath driven out of
his body.
They landed in the creek bed with
Gitner on top. The Texan laughed in
savage triumph. He had his enemy
at his mercy and knew It, though Will
son was still trying with short arm
joIts to the jaw to break the viselike
grip that enclrcled him.
II gotcha, by Cd" the Texan
grunted.
He shifted his hold. One hand
pinned down the fist beating like pis-
ton rod against his face. The other
found the throat of the PROSTATE man,
the sinewy fingers Tightening until Nc
Cam strangled for breath.
Wilson knew he was lost unless he
could escape from the grasp Of steel
enclrcling his neck. Yet It was by no
set plan that he hit upon way Of
saving himself. In his agony he drew
up his feet and Strengthened them with
swift force. The effect was astonfsIr-
ing Gitner' let out a Shrek of pain
His throat hold loosened momentarfTy.
Again Mccain brought up his heels
and raked them savagely down the
calves Of the other.
litner' tore. himself free, cursfng,
and got to his feet. The mans trouser
legs; were shredded! and his limbs
bleeding. The sharp spurs on Wilson's
boots had ripped through to the flesh
and roweled it mercilessIy. He stood
there, cursing, furious with rage.
Before. he, recovered his reason the
man on. the ground covered him with
his own revolver; drawn from the belt
WILSON, had fastened above his hips.
Reach, for the roof Mccain or
dered.
The Texan glared at him savagely
His huge doubled fists worked spas
medically. He wanted to fling himself
on this young fellow and stamp the
| life out OF him. But under the men
ace of the forty-ffve he dared not at
| tempt 1T.
Mccain still struggled for breath in
q world which swan in bubbles before
| his eyes. But Gftner did not know
| that. The big fists slowly moved ny
over the bullet-shaped Teutonic head
'.If I had a gun"
! The subordinate clause was threa
which needed no conclusion to be I'm
derstood.
I'm still borrowln' 1t. Don't 20,
move"
Slowly Wilson rose. Every mo
ment he was breathing less ragged.
and was seeing more clearly.
IF you're quite sure-you don
want to start something else, Mr.. Git
ner--well be moving on again." h
said with an effort.
They travelled up the sandy wash
climbed from the creek bed, and wer
admitted into the Jail.
"How's everything, Wlls?" the DEF
uty asked.
"Why, fine as silk. Brought you ar
other prisoner, Mike"
"What's he been doin'?'