The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1935-05-10
we're talking and Mac went crazy

self into the river that night, Ell? So
you admit he still lives, do your"
admit nothing =. nothing. =.
He's murderer, tell you. And
l wasn't here He's a murderer, l
tell you. And l wasn't here :.
wasn't here. :"
And back to the northward three
people came through the darkening
forest on Elliott's trail, bending low
against the mounting storm. Two men
were ahead, beating down a track for
the girl who followed, pleading with
them now and again for more speed.
Ben needed time, now; he spoke:
"Ive proposition, Brandon. How'd
you like to trade? How'd you like to
have Stuart's letter for, say, the use
of my hands and feet for a minute?"
Brandon come slowly close and
leaned over him.
"Mean that? Where is itT'-
craftily.
my affair."" Even then, he could
feel the bill-fold in his breeches pocket
where old Don's letter reposed. what
d. you say?"
Brandon's fingers plucked at his
lips.
'It's no good! It's lie, but even if
it weren't, it'd be no good In court"
Then, sharply: "But what about Nc
Manus? Where's he? Where's he COM
ing from? Yes, McManusi We might
deal" - cautiously-"about McManus,
Elliott If you'd stop McManus 1
might l might
"For the letter. And for word of
McManus, l might, Elliott. l might
trade your liberty for"
He checked himself with a grunt as
if realizing that he had by his own
words placed himself completely in
Elliott's hands.
''But what assurance" Ben began.
ITO HI with you and your ques-
tions" Brandon snarled, straighten-
ing. ITO HI with you, Elliott! I'm
not afraid of lies and McManus was so
drunk he never knew what happened
They'll find your bones," he growled
between teeth which remained clamped
to still their rattling. They'll find :.
after while your rotten bones."
From beneath the sink he dragged
an oil can and sloshed it's contents
along the walls, across the floor, over
Ben's body until Elliott lay in a pool
of intlammable liquid.
"You crossed mel" Brandon cried,
digging into pocket.
tits over now, you fool! It's the
trail Faxson took for you! Cross Nick
Brandon? HI :"
He took one step to a pile of oil
drenched debris against the oil-soaked
wall. He bent forward to apply his
torch and stopped, as if frozen, hand
extended.
A shout outside; body crashed
against the door. 1t burst open and
Tim LETTERS plunged into the room. Be
hind him came Martin and as Dawn
slid down the steep drift to the entry
the burning curl of finder dropped 10
the floor and Brandon whirled.
"Get him, Tim!" cried Ben. snail
him! Don't give him a chance"
With a muffled shout Martin and
LETTERS flung themselves on Brandon as
he charged for the doorway. He
screamed. He fought frantically, but
quickly they bore him down.
"Take tnat!" Tins voice beloved.
and thatl ND that!" The sound of
knuckles on flesh came with the words.
Curses, inarticulate shouts, and
then Dawn's frantic voice:
"Ben, where are you?"
The struggling ceased suddenly, with
long, gagging sound from Brandon.
Tim rose, looked around the room
and moved to where Elliotts prone fig,
ure showed indistinctly in the gloom.
"Trussed up, Tim. Cut me loose.
Hurry! This is going to be a
great partyi"
A knife blade clicked open; the oil
soaked ropes parted. Ben lurched to
his feet.
Dawn, running into the kitchen of
the camp she knew so well. came back
with a lamp. its reservoir half filed.
The wick was lighted and the shadows
of the room retreated.
1--WE seen the note" LETTERS muttered.
"Dawn there. d come out. We sus-
pected you were In trouble and"
"Never mind about me, now" Ben
broke in.
But you're all that matters!" Dawn
said. ben. 1t was my note that
decoyed you. 1t was an old one, writ
ten to him. He'd saved it."
Elliott smiled and covered her hands
with his.
"Never mind anything that has to do
with me. I'm only an accident in this.
It's going to be wonderful day, dear
Dawn. This part is tough for you
but :" He gave his head an en-
phatic twist, smiled at her in assur-
ance, then. putting her gently aside,
stepped close to Martin.
"Let him up. now. Here.
Into this chair. Brandon" They lifted
him. for the mar, seemed Incapable of
movement himself. "Sir still now.
We're simply going to get a few little
matters straight for these people,"
He cf0od ha0lr q noaa ond r4thhod