The Daily Alaska empire., 1932-03-07
Chapter 42 Rock Uses Strategy

Rock Uses Strategy
 "Thiry. if ycu believe I could be- tray you or them-shootl" he re- piled, swiftly.
 s.You will not tell?' she flashed. Never. You sure got me wrong. She gave vent to shuddering sound. The gun fell from her hands. She swayed. He could see her eyes were tight shut Then she sank forward. her face on his knees, and, clinging to him, she broke into low s5ns. every one of which was like klife-thrust to Rock.
 He let her have it out and stroked her hair and her tight fists, one of which clenclled his scarf. the other his coat sleeve. She did not re- cover soon, though presently the sobs gave way to soft weeping Then he held her closer, scarcely seeing her or the black pine streaked gloom or the stretching flares of yellow light along the ho- rizon. He was seeing something btacker than the night, more sin ,lster than the shadows. As a last resource. to save her and her fla finer. he could kill Ash Preston. That would kill Thiry's love, but protect her name and insure |. chance for her future happiness. But for Ash, this blundering, theiy- il1g work could be halted in time to prevent discovery. The range was lsnient Preston already saw the error of his ways. He could be anlenable to any plan. Ash was the stumbling block.
 At this brooding juncture ot Rocks meditations he became aware that Thiry was stirring. She rose from her knees.
 eCan you forgive me2" she wf1ls- psped
 Thiry. you talk nonsense some times
 But I might have shot you"
 'ssure I though you were goin' to-
 IT was cut of my head. I should have known you would never be- tray us. My wits were gone Everything went but 8 hot terrible fury. Oh, Trueman, am Pres ton"
 swell, I reckon don't want you anybody else"
 eCan anything be done to save us9p she queried. appealingly "It must be done, Thiry. Sure don't know what. We've got time I'll find some way
 "Oh. Trueman. you are my on hope. To think I've tried to driv' you awayi . That I nearly sfo youl How little I know my self. But I do know this--if yo1 stop this selling of stolen beef-i you prevent it before they're ar rested-In-I'll love you with al nay heart and soul.y
 Darling, will do it somehow, promised Rock.
 s sIll go now" she said, rising ant swaying unsteadily.
 I'm glad now you came to Sun set Pass" she whispered. "Bu you've added to my fears. Its nov you. too, who might fall under tn Preston shadow
 tBe brave, Thiry. Don't give uI Never lose faith in me. Good night" he concluded, ane 4lcoging her hand, he kissed 1t an fled silently into the darkness.
 Furty-eigllt hours later Roc rode into Wagontongue.
 Gage Preston had been more tha glad to give him leave of absenc sensing no doubt in Rock some thing not inirnical to his precariot fortunes. In note to T'hiry, | explained the reason for his goinl .irnportuning her to wait patient and to not be a victim to imagine .evils-tllat somehow he would fin a solution.
 When Rock dropped in to ss Winter it was not with any defir ise purpose but that night he an his old friend locked themselv' .in room in the hotel. There we range channels open to Winter which Rock had no access. IT Preston situation was graver-7a' tual accusations had been made, seemed. But by whom was Il manifest.
 4Sol, oldtimer, I'm in deep si' Rock at the conclusion of Winter confidence, and he opened his palr expressiyely. ''Thiry loves me"
 '.Do you know anythin' tn makes Preston's guilt shore2n
 ~yes, but I promised Thiry n to tell Rock answered.
 But you can go to Preston tell him you know. Scare him sense"
 sSol, Gage Preston can't calll soul his own, reckon Ash led h into this and now has got him br fa7oed Nothing on earth or heaven can stop Ash Preston" sNothin?' echoed Winter. the incredulity of the West ra in his sarcasm.
 aNothin' but lead"
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