Evening star., 1933-11-12
By FireIi8ht
Quick thinking
and a smart dog
outwit q killer
By WILLIAM A. UCKER

BY WILLIAM A. UCkER
- URKE speared a strip of bacon out of
4 the frying pan, waved it on the fork
- to cool it and then called to the dog
as he tossed it. The dog caught it in
his mouth.
Now say thanks" said Burke.
The deg fattened out and bowed his head on
his paws. For moment his body was stiff
and rigid "All right, Fellow" said Burke. He
reached for the water bucket.
The clumping of a horses feet in the soft
sand sounded behind him. He stayed his ges-l
ture and turned. A horseman was riding down
from the shoulder of the hill The hill threw
its shadow over him. Burke stood up and
waited The horse quickened his pace Burke
heard the creak of saddle leather.
New saddle" he said to himself.
The rider halted few yards from Burke.
His face was indistinct. He threw a hand
toward the frying bacon and coffee pot. That
smells good he said.
Light and have Some," answered Burke.
It'll be dark SOON"
'Iu do that" answered the other Then
as if by afterthought he added. Thanks"
DURKE watched him unsaddle. The horse
- BOXED fairly fresh He couldn't place the
man. The latter slipped the bit from his
horses mouth and then looked inquiringy at
Burke.
Turn him loose" Burke said "He won't GO
far. If he does Fellow will fetch him in the
morning."
Fellow" echoed the other
The dog. explained Burke.
Funny name for a dog" said the man.
Hes company" answered Burke
The man struck his horse the flank. It
moved away, cropping at the scanty grass. It's
rider took off his hat and wiped his forehead
with his sleeve. For the first time Burke
him clearly. He didn't like his looks. Long
jaw, with a thin, twisted mouth and the eyes
were too small and close. Still
My names Burke" he said
rs it?" answered the other. He didn't offer
to shake hands. Mines Barlow. How far Is
it to Dragoon?"
About 30 miles" said Burke. The smell of
burning bacon was strong. Ready to eat?"
he asked, moving the pan
Sure" said Barlow. He took the tin plate
with knife and fork that Burke dug out of the
dufle box Burke served the simple food. For
a while the two ate in silence. Now and then
Burke tossed scrap to the dog.
Once Fellow growled. Quiet" said Burke.
He was thinking. thinking hard. Once
glanced at Barlow only to turn his eyes away
when they met the glance fixed on him.
II must be, he decided. He shivered slightly
"Cod?" asked Barlow.
"A little" said Burke. He moved closer to
the fire The mountain darkness was closing
Barlow tossed his plate to the ground. Burke
rose and began to gather the few dishes. "Aw
let em rest WHILE" said Barlow. They'll
keep Must be pretty lonely here isn't it?"
kind Of" answered Burke.
"Prospecting?" asked Barlow.
Burke considered before he answered. The
truth, he decided, would be the best,
NO" he said GAS matter of fact I'm Just
sort of camping out. used to be the stage
vaudeville. Got touch of t.. b. and the
doctors thought a few months in the open
would do good didn't have the money for
a regular place So" He left the, sentence
uncompleted
Il see,' said Barlow. Then 'eyvhere do Won
get your grub2''
Dragon" said Burke. Z go in every week
or so"
'-How?" asked Barlow.
Burke. HE takes me in in his wagon"
Been in lately?"
Burke tilted the nearly empty coffee pot
without answering. He handed the tin cup
to Barlow. More coffee?" he said. "And I
think there's some more milk in the can"
Barlow took the cup. Been in lately?" he re-
peated
Burke knew now. He was certain. His
hand shook little as he placed the coffee pot
down. His throat felt tight
mo, haven't" he said
For a moment Barlow was silent. Then he
touched the milk lightly. THAT milk's
fresh" he said.
Burke didn't answer.
Milk doesn't keep fresh around this coun-
try for long without any ice," said Barlow.
That's why was wondering how long it had
been since you We n Dragon. From that
milk being fresh ut I'd say it was yes
terday. Or maybe \. But you say no.
Funny, isn't it. And = n was wonderin'"
About the milk?" asked Burke He had to
say something, he decided
"No. it wasn't the milk" answered Barlow