Evening star., 1940-05-18
CHAPTER XVI.

CHAPTER AAV1.
"Russll be around after awhile,
a blank film veiled Pete Yeager's
expression as he answered Silcott
Whats yore hurry, Red? You had
better wish him a thousand miles
away. He's bad medicine for you
Nearly an hour later Mosely ar.
rived. At once Silcott flung at him
the question that filled his mind
What have you done with Miss
Elliott"
The challenge of this foe whom
he had tortured but had not broken
stirred the angry hatred in Mosely
He covered it with a manner OF
insOlent corn.
Are you interested in Miss Ehot?'
he asked.
Jim had gone too far in anguish
to handy repartee with him. you
damned scoundrel, what have you
done with herr" he said as he
gripped a peg in the wall and
pulled himself unsteadily to his
feet. His burning eyes met those
Of the Hat T man unflinchingly.
IF you have done her any harm
-" he began wildly, and stopped
for want Of words adequate to
cover his meaning.
II thought Jess was her husband
not you," Mosely jeered.
"Cut the talk and get down to
cases." Yeager snapped. Red has
got information for you now, Russ.
Then he had better spill it."
How do I know you will free her
If I do?" Silcott demanded.
Calls Mosely a Liar.
II could give you my word" the
big cattleman said.
mot worth a straw. You're q
liar, and the truth isn't in you"
Moselys face went dark with
rage. You want some more leather
poured on you, I see"
Nothing doing" Yeager cut in
sharply. Hes had plenty"
III handle this" the Hat 7
owner said curtly. Are you ready
to talk, Silcott, or aren't you?
mot till I know Miss Eliot will
be taken safely back to the Win
doms' house"
IF you won't believe Russ, will
you believe me?" Yeager asked.
Are you boss of this outfit
spawned in help" Silcott said con-
temptuously.
I'm enough boss Of it to know
won't hide behind any womans
SKIRT" Yeager retorted. IF it's the
last thing ever do I'll get her
back home safe.''
Jim's eyes seached the mans face
He was satisfied. Pete was a
scoundrel, but he was a hardy one.
If he said he would fight for a
woman, his word could be de-
pended upon. Silcott pointed a
finger at Mosely.
IF that damned villain doesn't
stand in your way. That what you
mean?"
'T1l 60 through hell and high
water to get her back" Yeager
promised.
pete Yeager Galahad," Mosely
said. irony in his bitter laugh.
There's no call to gimme names,
Russ" the fat cowpuncher told
him evenly. ut goes like I've said"
The chill, hard eyes of Mosely
fastened on his victim.
IF you're talking, Silcott, I'll
listen," h0 said.
The two men looked long at each
other. Both knew that if the prisoner
told where the letters were he was
signing his death warrant. Jim
stood with one hand against the
wall to steady himself. He was
beyond fear now for himself
Nothing but a miracle could save
him, and God did not work by
miracles in this lawless land. But
his strength had been greatly
sapped by what he had been
through.
"Ill have to write a note to a
man telling him to deliver the letter
to your messenger" he said.
ITO Stratton?" the Hat T boss
asked harshly.
mo. The understanding is that
this man is to give it only to me.
It's a cinch he won't turn it over
to you or to one of your crew."
Maybe I can find a way to handle
that. Get this, Silcott. I'm not
bound by any agreement If I don't
get the letters"
''You can't bully this man into
doing anything he doesn't want to
do," Jim answered. Hell go
through to a finish"
Mentions Lamprey.
II see." Mosely's thin smile had
no mirth in it. you would like to
go on this errand yourself. Is that
it,"
Silcott went on as If hid not
spoken. "He wouldn't give the
package to Yeager-or to Judson.
That's sure. He probably would to
Lamprey. If I wrote letter telling
him to do So."
Mosely's nervous finger nails
drummed on his teeth. lSilcott had
made a valid point. The question
was as to Jess Lamprey. Could he
be trusted? The man in this affair
against his own wishes. He would
throw down his employer If he
dared Rllf he did mt dara Tha