The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-01-03
Ii FORBIDDEN VALLEY
20 b. uJ;lGa,x BynoM l'louss4

presently. Through eyes narroweQ
to Sits he saw Sonya's faint moon
shadow fall across his feet. She
stood there few seconds. looking
at him: then. to make doubly sure.
she bent down, so near that he shut
his eyes to keep her from seeing
that he was awake. He had the
strength Of will to sit motionless,
feigning that he was oblivious Of
Aer when every nerve in him was
trembling at her nearness.
She Strengthened up ct last and
went back down the landwash.
When she was gone Curt took OF
his jacket and moccasins. laid his
rifle, automatic and flash on top Of
them and crept to the waters edge.
Taking care to make no moon rip.
pies for the sharp eyes Of LeNoir to
catch, he struck out for the other
island, and landed at its upper tip.
As he turned to look back, q long
mottle left the opposite shore and
came dancing across the ffty.yard
channel. It merged with the shad-
ows Of the willows and was swal.
lowed up.
In kind Of daze. as though he
were an actor in some ugly dream.
Curt worked his way down through
the shoulder-high brush. When he
heard cautious voices ahead ho
dropped to hands and knees and
crept on, foot by foot, till he came
up behind . thick clump within
twelve feet Of Sonya and LeNoir and
could hear their words distinctly.
Il have never heard Of this man
you speak about" LeNoir was Or.
guing. There is no such man In
these mountains. For the fifth time,
non!"
Sonya stamped her small foot i'm.
patiently. For the tenth time. o1tl"
She dropped her imperious tones.
became persuasive. coaxing. II un-
derstand how carefully you must
guard the secret Of his hiding place
from all strangers. Will you not be.
lieve that he and l are fellow.coun-
trymen and intimate friends? Has
he not mentioned me a dozen times
to you"
He has not mentioned you once"
LeNoir came back too quickly.
Sonya caught him up. "You have
made the admission Of knowing
him! Now perhaps we can talk!"
THE detective in Curt admired the
! deft way she had led LeNoir into
her trap. It was clear that Karakhan
did not know she was coming to him.
It meant that Karakhan lad not
sent for her at all That there was
something here which Paul hadn't
found out.
LeNoir growled at being trapped
into admitting that he knew Kara.
khan.
"what Is 1t you want?" he Do
manded.
For you to take him this letter.
Only that When he reads my note
no will give you more money for
bringing It than for all the HELM that
you've been to him since last fall.s
At the mention Of money LeNoir
pricked up his ears. But still he
hung back warily.
what more do you want Of me?"
Nothing more. You see, l am not
asking you where he is. or endanger.
Ing his security in any way. He will
relieve you Of all responsibilities.
Take your directions from him. He
win send you back here, undoubt.
eddy. to get me-"
LeNoir jumped as the situation
dawned on him. rs It that you are
going to Join him there?"
"You are not entirely without nm.
derstanding." Sonya answered.
yes. ] am Joining him there-and
remaining"
| Behind the screen Of willows
Curt rose on his elbow, and q CRY
choked IN his throat. and remain.
ing"-those two shameless words al
hers stabbed him like . knife. She
was Joining Karakhan in his wilder,
ness refuge!
TN be waiting for your return =
sonya continued. to LeNoir. Each
night when the red star sets ri III.
ten tor your signal. Now. one other
thing. These Indians are plannine
to attack my party. You have hmm
ence with them. You must keen chem
from doing that. Ralph il my friend,
MN Ralston and his partner have
been good to me. too. I'd be sorry 4
they met any HARM
Il nave little influence" the breed
evaded. But perhaps can do soma
thing
} sYou must" she insisted. .An1
now I'll 50 back to camp. Those twe
yondsr may discover am zone.
q LeNoir detained her. .Will yor
: say nothing" he stammered, "aboui
bat Russian Lake, when 1 cam.
lover to the island? You win SAY nnth
Ing to M'sieu KaraRhan abont In,
Z little indiscretion?"
Nothing 1t I'll" said sonyG
f0oSyFsone. 1881. wtslsom =. xo.osr,.
H.. aa @s.s1ss e Curt eea1a sspeb