The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1937-04-29

| TO all enemies"
1t was some time, however, before
SAVOY could break away. Even aft
er he left, the ex-foreman loitered
at the bar, pouring his grievance in
to the ears of Harry Boland, the
low-voiced, mischief making saloon
keeper. Hes got my girl, complain
ed McCrossen doggedly. "You know
that, Harry"
Boland, leaning over the bar, lis
tened sympathetically and nodded.
tits pretty hard, Harry" Nc
Crossen rambled on, Ito stand all
I've stood from that man-you know
that. Little Gunlock Jane-that's
what I called her first day she rode
up to the ranch-that girl is the
trimmest little hussy that ever cross
ed a horses back in the Gunlock
Hills-you know that, Harry"
Everybody knows that" Boland
nodded.
What would you do, Harry" de-
manded McCrossen, eff you was
treated that way"
well, you can't do nothin' now
while Denison's in the hospital, can
you? Wait till he gets out. Then tell
him what you think of him."
The following day it was known
up and down River street that Nc
Crossen was spelling for a fight.
McAlpin took alarm at the rumors
that spread so rapidly. He ambled
up the street to lay the reports be-
fore Carpy. 'McAlpin,'' said the
doctor, don't worry. There can't be
any fight as long as one mans laid
up in the hospital. Pm going to keep
him there till McCrossen cools off. "
'FWhy, for that boy to face Nc
Crossen, half blind like he is now
it'd be plain murder" McAlpin
burst out Indignantly. "Bill Denison
ought to be kept under cover for six
months, Doc, till he can see
straight"
Carpy refused to get excited.
Seer" he echoed scornfully. 'Mc-
Alpin, that boy could see right now
to thread a needle in the dark. He
doesn't know that. You keep your
mouth shut, understand"
AS the doctor spoke, Jake SPOTS
stuck his head in at the office door.
Hello, Dock" he called out without
any preliminary greeting. II got a
message for you from Sister An
gela."
SISTER Angela!" exclaimed Carpy
in surprise. ''When did you see Sis
| ter angela?"
"'Bout five minutes ago-been up
to the hospital Shawn man, Bill
Denison's gone"
Carpy jumped to his feet. what
d'you mean, Jake?"
"Just what I say, That's English,
amt it? Bill Denison's gone"
where's he gone?
''How the hell should l know?' de-
inanded the irascible barber.
What"
Spots waved his hand. That's ali
1 know, and I've got to get back to
the shop"
McAlpin sat with ears cooked, but
had no time to speak. Run for your
life, McAlpin, and hitch up for me"
exclaimed Carpy. "Pll follow you
right down."
The liveryman drove DR.. Carpy
up to the hospital. Sister Angela in
the office met the doctor. whats
this I hear, Sister," asked Carpy.
''Where's Denison?"
Hes gone He was in his room
and ate his supper at five o'clock.
When the nurse went into his room
again, the bed was empty His
clothes are gone from the closet.
We've looked everywhere. What can
we do?"
Carpy's vexed face reflected his
uneasiness. There's nothing you can
do, Sister. Well hear from him be-
fore we want to, I'm afraid" He
turned from the counter and whirl-
ed around again to it. SISTER" he
asked suddenly, "was there any
body here to see him this after
noon?"
Nobody but an Indian"
did you get his name?"
cit was John Frying Pan"
Carpy grunted. Thanks, Sister"
he said and hurried out.
''Where now, Doc?" asked Meal
pin as Carpy, silent and perplexed,
got into the buggy beside him.
"Back to the office, McAlpin. The
birds flown. Hell's loose, in spite of
my fine schemes"
''Did you get any explanation"
PLENTY rejoined Carpy grimly.
"Plenty!"
(TO Be COntinued)
Last BRYAN Steps