The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1932-08-19
William Macleod Raine
(WNU Service)
Copyright by William Macleod Raine

Tlue one on edcn size OF MIN.
To this Phil assenfed. The three
rode up TO the pass and Tapscotf
waved his bandanna as a signal to the
McCanns. There was an answering
handkerchief, and presently Peter Nc
Cam and his son Lyn came out of
The brush 10 meet them.
meet Miss Julia. Pete-Mr. Mccain,
Miss Julia. Her brother, Mr.. Phil
Stark-Lyn McCann"
Thus Tapscott. as self-elected master
of ceremonies. by way of breaking the
ice of cold silence.
None of those named acknowledged
the introduction in words or by an in
clination of the head. They looked at
each other with chill and bitter hatred.
But. as the elder Mccain looked at
Julia, there came change in his face.
Beneath the shaggy brows she caught
glimpse for an instant of his soul.
II was there. during the beat of
pulse. and was gone. look that had
amazingly softened the grim coun-
tenance. Later she was to puzzle over
ii and wonder al it.
'Well?' demanded Peter harshly.
doc Sanders is lookin' after the
boy" Tapscott said.
"How is Wils?"
Pretty bad Doc says. Shot through
the lung and in the side"
Not a muscle of the old cattleman's
face twitched "Can he be moved?"
boy. Pete"
It'll 90 to him-right now"
Instantly Phil bristled. He would
show Mccain whether he could ride
roughshod in this high-handed way 10
his end. III have something TO say
about that. You'll go unarmed if
you 60"
There was moment of significant
silence while the eyes of the old and
the young man clashed.
Let's get this right" Mccain said.
If | go. do | go as a prisoner? Or
am free TO leave when | want to-"
Pills boyish voice lifted to a high
note that was almost wall. INV
fathers lying dead down there. killed
by the son you're going to see Some
day We'll wipe yOre whole id outfit
off the map. But not today. If you
go in now you can walk out when
you've mind to-"
"How do we know you'll play fair?
How do we know some of yOre killers
won't shoot Dad?" Lyn asked.
"You don't" There was flare of
insolence in young Stark's scornful
eyes. Were not askin' him to come.
It's his own say-so. If he's scared
why he can stay away"
For the first time Julia spoke, eyes
flashing. lips remulous. "We're not
murderers. like you"
Now folks" interposed Tapscott
hurriedly. This is mighty bad bust
ness all round. One things sure We
can't make it any better by that kind of
talk. I'm dawggoned sorry myself.
Miss Julia. but I'll bet my boots they
amt the way you think they are
know Wills Mccain. You don't. That's
the difference. Now.I reckon we got
this all fixed up. You ride along with
these young people, Pete. an we'll
stick around till we hear from you.
So-long."
They rode down from the pass in
silence, the hearts of all three bitter
with anger. But as they came into the
valley the Starks fell back till Mccain
was almost abreast of them. They
drew their ponies close to his. so that
it would be difficult for anybody to
take a shot at him without danger
of hitting one of them.
Peter understood the maneuver and
smiled sardonically. There was some
thing amusing in this solicitude to pro-
tect him. In day or two this boy
and his allies would be laying plans
to shoot him at sight.
In close formation they moved to the
porch and dismOunted. Together they
went into the house.
Julia led the way to the room where
Wilson Mccain lay. After stepping
aside to let his father enter she left
at once without a word. Mexican
woman was taking care of the sick
man uhuCi luoll uCllOuS DOCIOT
Sanders
Mccain moved forward and looked
down at the restless figure on the bed.
The young mans face was flushed.
He was In high fever and the glazed
eyes showed no recognition of his
father.
is le-so awful bad, Doc?" Peter
asked, when he was sure of his voice.
Mighty sick, McCann." the doctor
answered gently. IF he wasn't an
Arizona product, tough as cactus rind
and clean-blooded as young antelope,
I'd say he hadn't chance in the world.
But he's liable to fool me yet"
Don't you let him die. Doc" the
father begged.
Not if can help it. If he lives you
can thank Miss Julia. She looked
after him fine till got here"
Mccain made no comment on that.
you'll stay right here with himP
"Till morning anyhow. Wen see
how he is then"
How about sending for a doctor
from Los Angeles or Ell Paso? It's not
that don't trust you, but If he'd have
a better chance, why"
"All right. Wire for Doctor Elder
from Ell Paso. He's a first-rate man"
Peter turned to the nurse and asked
her in Spanish TO bring Miss Stark.
Julia came. She stood in the door
way, straight as an arrow. Her dark
eyes flashed defiantly into the light