The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1937-04-22

wrong?" asked Scott.
With his eyes popping from his
head, Quong managed to form a
word: "Bull!" he exclaimed, hoarse
and painting. Bull Pager
''He say Bull Page" explained
Scott. whats a-matter with Bull,
Quong?"
Quong's eyes rolled in terror.
"Gus."
eyes, Gus-what about Gus?"
"He kill him.
"What do you mean? Bull killed
Gus? No."
"Gus kill Bull"
'Well, I'll be damned" exclaimed
Sawdy. 'It looks like a straight
story, boys. That why you run into
town, Quong?"
The China boy nodded.
The trio consulted together. A
team was hitched to a three-seated
democrat wagon, Quong was helped
into it, and with McAlpin driving,
the four set out for the Jail to pick
up Bill Pardaloe. Pardaloe was in
bed. They routed him out and drove
over to the hotel to pick up Doctor
Carpy.
Two hours later the party halted
before the dark, silent ranch house.
In the stall farthest from the door
they found Van Tambels victim. In
credible as the possibility seemed to
Carpy, poor Bull, left alone, had
dragged himself out of the stall and
lay on his back.
Carpy held a lantern over him. His
face and head had been battered
almost beyond recognition.
Hes close to dead, boys" ex-
claimed Carpy, low-voiced, to his
companions. Get him to the kitch-
en-. While I'm working with him,
look for Van Tambel."
They carried Bull to the kitchen
door. Scott entered carefully and,
cropping in the dark, struck match
and lighted the lamp. Bull, breath
ing stertorously, was laid on the
table.
Pardaloe tried the door leading to
the dining room. It was locked. He
raped on it. He raped again loud
ly, but the summons brought no re-
ply.
"Stand to one side, Bob" muir
INJURED Pardaloe. I'm goin' to bust
it."
He threw his shoulder against the
door. AS it crashed open, Pardaloe,
followed by Scott, walked into the
dining room. The door to the living
room stood open. This room, in
spected, revealed no sign of disturb
ance.
Of the two bedroom doors opening
off this room, the door, one leading
to Van TambePs bedroom, was clos
ed. Setting the lamp on the table in
the middle of the room, Pardaloe
knocked on Van Tambels door, and,
getting no reply, tried it. The door
was locked.
Pardaloe called out, eff you're in
there, Gus, unlock your door. I'm
here to talk with you" Pardaloe
awaited in silence a response from
within.
Pardaloe threw himself into the
door, It gave so easily that he STUN
bled across the threshold.
The bedroom was dark. Scott re-
lighted the lamp. Pardaloe held it
above his head and, followed by
Scott, walked into the bedroom.
They saw the huge figure Of a
man lying across the bed. Pardaloe,
passing the lamp to his companion,
put his hand on the mans shoulder,
saw that he was unconscious, and
>eering closer, turned the face to-
ward him. 1t was Van Tambel
Call Carpy, quick, Bob" mutter-
ed Pardaloe. Hes unconscious"
When Carpy stalked into the
room. SAVOY with him, the doctor,
aided by his companion, turned the
body partly over and examined it.
"How is he, Doc?" whispered Par
daloe
Dead"
Already seized by the eXcruciat-
ing pain that cost him his life, Van
Tambel had left his victim and stag
gered in his distress to the house.
''It was a quick call, boys" said
Carpy to those around him.
Transfixed by agony, the cruel
features cold not be softened.
Nothing more to be done here"
said Carpy in the living room. ''Take
Bull over to the clubhouse now and
lay him on his bed"
The clatter of hoofs was heard in
the yard. cts the boys back from
town." said Sawdy, looking through
the window. Carpy turned to Par
daloe. "Go out and tell them what's
happened, and not to touch a thing
until after the coroner comes out"
Doctor Carpy came into breakfast