The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1938-05-12
CHAPTER VIII.

Ruth spent some anxious, restless
hours. She found herself on the
front porch a dozen times. her gaze
sweeping down the road to look for
the returning posse.
With Nelly's help she laid in a
supply of cooked food for the re-
turning warriors. Whether success.
full or the reverse. they would Ger.
tainly be hungry.
After all. it was Nelly who first
saw the approaching rider.
Someone coming this way" she
called to her mistress.
Swiftly Ruth went to the door. A
horse was cantering heavily up the
road The distance was too far for
Identification Of either man or beast,
out there was something unusual
about the gait of the animal. I'm.
less very tired it ought not to make
such heavy going. Presently she
made a discovery. A second rider
sat behind the first.
A pulse began to beat in Ruth's
throat. Something was wrong. Per-
maps the man in the rear was
wounded and they were sending him
home. She ran down the steps and
hurried toward those approaching
the house.
They we're close upon her before
she realized they were not from her
fathers party. She stopped. abrupt
ly, looking at them %intently. The
man in front she did not know. The
other swung to the ground and came
toward her. A cold wind swept
through her. There was evil in the
jeering cruel eyes.
Mice to meet up with you again.
Missy" he said.
who are you?" she asked. dread
in her heart.
But she knew who he was. She
had seer him at Tail Holt just be.
fore and after her father had been
wounded. His name was Morgan
Norris. and he was the man jeff
Gray suspected of firing the shot.
From the talk of her brothers she
knew he was one Of the most dan
gerous of the outlaw group.
Never mind the name. Just call
me one of yore admirers. First off.
we want horses. While Kansas is
catching and saddling III help you
get some food together. We're in
some hurry. and we'll take it with
u.s."
whats happened?" the girl
asked. her eyes on the bloodstained
handkerchief tied agound his left
arm below the elbow.
Norris ripped out a violent OBJ
scene oath. Keep yore trap shut.
girl, and do like l say" he ordered.
you've been hurt - wounded"
she cried. There has been trou-
ble."
Her eyes were big with fear. The
color had died out of her face. She
was not thinking of him but Of those
with whom he had fought. They too
might be wounded-or worse.
"Ambushed by yore rotten kim"
he snarled. Shot down when we
weren't lookin' for it, when we
didn't have a chance"
Ruth looked into his bleak eyes.
the focal points Of a cruel, savage
face, and knew what it was to be
afraid. She turned and walked to
the house, the man beside her. He
caught hold of her arm just above
the elbow. his fingers tightening
with all the pressure they could ex
ert.
Let me alone" Ruth told him.
take your hand off me-"
Its my say-so." he retorted.
with an evil laugh. What orders
are given will come from me. sweet
heart"
With an effort she wrenched her.
self free. There was a band Of fire
down her arm where his strong fin
gers had bit into the flesh.
NO." she challenged, head up
and eyes undaunted. "You daren't
harm me. If you did you'd be
trapped and wiped out like a wolf"
Would I? Well see about that"
he purred softly.
He was playing with a dangerous
thought, one that had just come into
his mind. Could he use her. IS a
protection and as a means Of re-
venge? If he took her with him
would he increase or decrease the
peril of the situation in which he
stood? He was not sure whether he
had been recognized; If so. he might
have to get out Of this part Of the
country. Mexicans from across the
border. engaged in illicit traffic.
were at no premium in Arizona.
hut I.ea Chisu,iclc could use the kill.