Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1937-10-01

Hammond swiftly crossed the low
land toward Loon Creek. The work.
ers along the stream passed in blur.
Far ahead, he sighted two men, walk
ing along the opposite bank. Ham,
mond began to run. Then, disregard
ing the rough bridge ahead, he plung-
ed into the stream. Waist deep, he
swirled through it and clambered out
the other side. Then, dripping, he
rushed forward.
Lew Slade turned his weak face at
the sound of his approach. Then sud-
denly featured, he begged:
"Let me alone-let me alone!"
Hammond had growled, his big arms
had outstretched; now he was on the
man, bending him in his grasp.
"Give me that money!" he command
ed.
"Look herew Kenning exclaimed, as
he turned back. whats all this
about?"
Hammond gave no heed.
"Hear mel" he shouted at Lew
Slade. "Give me that money!"
you're all wrong. I haven't got
any money!" The weak-featured Slade
had caught the distended wrists of the
miner and was hanging to them de-
liberately. Hammond bulged his
heavy shoulders; Slade rose in his
grasp, legs dangling queerly like those
of dummy.
"Shall I choke it out of you'll" he
asked. Quickly he threw the man
from him, then rushed him for new
grip his muscular fingers widespread.
Slade struck out at him, wildly; Ham,
mond gave no evidence that he felt
the blows. Now his hands, distorted,
with muscle, ploughed deep into
SHADES throat.
"Look out, Jack!" Kenning shouted.
you'll kill hirn!"
"What of it," growled the pros
pector. Then to Slade, "Give me that
money!" Lew Slade writhed helpless
ly, gasping.. "You know what I
mean; that money you stole from
Jeanne Towers" Lew Slade hesitated
only a second longer. Then he raised
his weak hands and pointed to his
throat. Slowly, Hammond relaxed his
grip. The man staggered about, with
sagging knees. "Well, get it! Don't
stand there stalling. Get out that
money"
Slade, still Keeling, paved for his
pockets. Currency, the nuggets, the
phial of golddust; slowly he passed
them over into the waiting hands of
Jack Hammond. The prospector turn
ed to Bruce Kenning.
whats this rat to you?"
"Why-nothing. We were just talk
ing about job"
"Be sure it's never anything more
than that" Black with rage he turn
ed to the gasping Slade. "Now you
get over there on the Alaskan side.
And stay there. Do you understand"
Slowly the man began to move
away, in the direction of the uncom-
pleted buildings of Around the World
Annie's dance hall. A half hour later,
his clothing still soggy from the cross
ing of the creek, he walked slowly
down toward Kay's cabin. Something
of calmness had come now, calmness
and amazement. For the first time
in his life, he had wanted to kill a
man. He did not know why. All he
could realize was that blind, murder
Gus rage had held him, until at last
Jeanne Towers money was safe in
his hands and he was hurrying back
to her cabin with it.
Around the World Annie strobe
what passed as the streets of Sap
phire Lake upon an important mission.
Summer had come now, with its hot
days, and almost incessant light; An
ME was dressed for it. Jimmy Moon
had brought her quite a wardrobe on
his last trip and Annie was display
ing a sample. A long period of ex-