The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1935-01-18
CHAPTER XIII-Continued

-l9-
Soon they were on the way, Helen
comfortably settled In the back Of the
twO-seated wagon and Jim riding be-
side Tasker In front.
A rancher, at whose place Tasker
stopped, invited them to pass the night
at his house, and next morning take
the road from there to Grand juno
ton, which could be reached In long
days drive. Jim accepted both invita-
tion and advice. In the morning Tas-
ker bade them good-by and God-speed.
THANK you, Mr.. Tasker," replied
Helen. 81 shall remember your kind
ness. And I'd like to buy back the
two horses Jim traded you"
'''rll fetch them, If you'll tell me
where" replied the rancher.
"Star ranch, north of Grand juno
ton" ..- .. -. -... ... .......- ...-
1--WE heard of tibet. Wal, you may
expect me some day, though I had
taken a likin' to your bay hoss."
Jim drove off In the clear cold air
Of a mountain autumn morning be-
lore the sun had come up.
"Helen, you shouldn't have asked
him to fetch the horses" said Jim re-
provingly. Hell find out I lied"
Lied! What about?" --.
II told Tasker you were my wife"
ooh, that!"" laughed Helen, and
turned away a scarlet face. "It can be
explained easily-if necessary. .
Look! This glorious country! &.
No, don't ever want to leave It."
Somehow Jim got through that long
ride of suspense, fear and thrills, and
when they reached Grand Junction
just after dark 1t was none too soon
for him. Fortunately he got Helen
into the little inn before she was rec
ognized, and then returned to put the
tired horses In the care of a stable
boy. Jim did not risk entering store
or saloon. Hays had had secret friends
there. Yet Jim was keen to hear the
gossip about Star ranch. He was late
for supper, having taken time to shave
and change his shirt.
To his surprise he found Helen radi-
ant.
"What do you think Bernie has
done?"
"Bernie!" CALCULATED Jim.
"Yes. My brother. This good woman
told me. p. . Jim, you are the richer
by ten thousand dollars"
''Richer? Me ~
Indeed. Bernie offered ten thou
do11orc for rou cofa
you know / wouldn't take a dol
lar!" flashed Jim.
well! What do you want, Jim?"
she inquired, with woman's sweet
tantalizing mystery. However, never
mind that now. Listen. Bernie hired
all the riders available to hunt for
me. Also he found where Hays sold
our cattle, and he forced the buyers
to sell back every head, at the price
they paid. He threatened to take the
case to Salt Lake City"
THAT'S sure good news. 1t might
have tendency to end rustling, at
least in wholesale punches. Did you
hear how badly your brother was
hurt?" s---l s- s. r., t4-grl5
"She did not mention that. Any
way it couldn't have been much, for
Bernie has been here. =. Aren't you
going to eat any supper? Oh, shall
not sleep much tonight. >. And what
shall 1 tell Bernie?"
The query was arresting to Jim and
he FASTENED to direct her mind into
other channels, trying to make her feel
concerned that they had still fifty
miles to cover. a.. ~
Every moment of that ride next day
was joy and pang. 1t seemed as
short as the preceding one had been
long. Helen was gay, sad, thoughtful,
and talkative by turns, but she did not
infringe on the one subject that cruel
fed Jim.
1t CHANGED that as they surmounted
the pass that led down into Star ranch
valley the sun was setting out of a
glorious cloud pageant over Wild
Horse Mesa and the canyon brakes of
the Dirty Devil. Jim judged of its
beauty and profundity by the sudden
silence 1t enjoined upon his compan-
ion. She never spoke another word
until Jim halted the team in front Of
the ranch house porch. Homer" she
whispered as IL she had never ex-
pected to see 1T again. SIS
At Jim's halloa Herrick came out
on the porch. "By Jove-here you
arei" was his greeting, as cool and
Unconditional as il they were returning
from a days visit to the village.
Eyes, Bernie, here I am-thanks to
my escort" replied Helen.
Jim helped her out, while some cow
boys came running.
''I'll take the team down." Jim said,
hurriedly. . ~ s rs
"You come In, "Sreturned Herrick. as
he grippedl Jim's hand and gave him
a searching glance, He kissed Helen
and led her in. with his arm around
her. Jim purposely fingered at the
task OF collecting Helen's worn and
muddy luggage. and carried It In.
Brother and sister stood with arms
locked, and their gaze was hard to
meet. g Gnt2Tta1ue ycI7ltl ~
"Jim, you win have supper with us"
she said, "I'l leave you and Bernie.
-. Oh. what win tub and change
feel like pr oU E-
She gathered up her things and ran
out of the living room.
'sHelen hadn't time to tell me much,
Herrick said. "Hays kidnapped her for
ransom. Took her to a hellhole down
In the brakes Robbers Roost. she
called it. Held her there captive. They
fought among themselYes-gamblin