The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1935-02-01
CHAPTER XIV
Pete took out his remaining Gig
erets and fumbled for q match.

8TeC8 ana 1um0le0 Tor . MATCH
"Cigaret2" be asked.
The kid shook his head.
Got q match?" Pete asked.
The kid put his left hand into the
side pocket Of the gray cost and
tossed Pete Z handsome silver Gig.
aret lighter. Pete lit the cigaret,
then casually took out his soiled
handkerchief and touched the fame
to it. From the corner Of his eye
he could see the lid watching him
curiously. There was still no ex-
preston on the boys face, but his
big liquid eyes had widened.
Pete dropped the handkerchief
onto the cheap cotton rug beside the
bed and between the kid and him
self. The flame spread to the rug,
but Pete lay back casually and
puffed at his cigaret - q. having
suddenly lost his mind, the situa-
ton satisfied him perfectly.
The boy looked ut Pete for the
first time with . real expression on
his face-one Of fear and amaze
ment. This was something out Of
his line; that was clear.
The flames rose and caught the
overhanging sheets Of Pete's bed,
but still Pete lay back, . bland
smile on his face, as If sun-bathing
on the pleasant sands Of Daytona
Beach.
Suddenly the boy snarled and
rose, began stamping ct the rug
with . small narrow foot. This
brought him nearer to Pete than he
ever had been before. And, putting
all his faith, all his hope in one kick,
Pete caught the kid in the face with
his heavily shod foot. He was up
and upon him instantly, the two Of
them in the burning rug. One punch
dazed the boy, another put him out.
Pete pulled him of the rug, threw
the rug onto the bed, still burning,
and began to act swiftly, making his
plans as he worked. He peeled of
the boys coat and trousers, put
them on, jammed the kids hat onto
the back Of his head and put the
two guns in his hip pockets. The
clothes were much too small but he
wasn't going to let that matter.
Pete tiptoed forward, to the door,
found It unlocked, and opening It
cautiously, dragged the boy through
and dumped him in the hall. Then,
. better plan came to him. He lifted
the kid and stole along, using him as
. shield in case someone started
shooting. He took one Of the kids
guns in his own right hand, cooked
it for quick action, kept it ready.
He met no one. Evidently he was
in . fiat, not badly furnished except
for the cubbyhole IN which he had
been q prisoner. He listened care
fully but heard nothing. Dropping
the kid on divan he began walking
around looking for whatsver might
Suddenly footsteps came 70 him
from the hall outside. He ran to
the divan, dumped the boy behind
It where he wouldn't be seen and
got behind it himself. A lock clicked,
. door opened and . dark, heavy
lidded young man In . snow-gray
hat, snow-gray spats and brilliant
blue suit, came IN jingling . key
ring IN his hand. He walked to .
door, put the key in, turned It,
opened the door, and started inside.
well, howzit today, hd?" he
said, q he closed the door.
Instinct tensed al Pete's mus
eles. He stole forward, 10 that door
and listened, just in time to catch
the words, HMr. Harrow" And the
voice was Rays.
Pete raised the eun, threw open
the door and stepped IN.
"Put your hands up!" he snapped
ct the man.
The man stared at him fncredu-
lousy, but slowly began 70 raise his
hands. Kay, IN . bedraggled eve
ming dress, stared With equal in
RIGHTEOUSNESS Ct Pete, then began
to smile with utmost relief.
"Petel"
Kay-rsach under his coat and
ret his gun. Then slap him . little
and rec If there's another"
Kay did % she was told and
found only the one revolver n .
shoulder holster.
e on his middle"
Pete stepped back and looked out
into the fat No one was there but
the kid and b was still uncon-
scious.
Taking the mans key-sine, Pete
hurried % the kitchen and tried
several keys to the backdoor, finally
getting one 70 IT H opened the