Browning chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1941-1953, 1946-07-26

! leaped forward and, throwing his
powerful arms around him, dragged
him back. Caught by an iron grip
above each elbow, Jordan released
Jane and tried to turn on his as
sailant. There was a moment Of
wild conflict; the two men struggled,
twisted and went down together.
Sherwin had no time to draw
weapon and he meant that Jordan
should not have a better chance.
wrestling and painting they rolled
over, slipping down the bank toward
the creek, while Jane tried to help
Sherwin, and cried for help.
Sherwin twisted and strained at
the other man, when they came to
cleft In the bank, fell through it
violently and struck water, Jordan
uppermost. The force of the con-
tact, the sudden rush of water over
his head, loosened Sherwin's grip,
and his antagonist drew a knife and
struck once, furiously. The blade
drove into the other mans arm, and
there was a moment more Of fierce
conflict, the water growing red; then
Jordan broke loose and swan
ashore. He had crossed the creek.
Sherwin still heard James cries and,
wounded in the arm, he struck out
for the shore and, reaching it,
climbed to the top of the bank dir
zlly. He saw that the girl was there
alone and, faint from loss of blood,
sank to his knees beside her.
"Oh, you're hurt, you're bleed
mgr Jane was down beside him,
trying, with shaking hands, to find
the wound and stanch it.
Sherwin, looking up into her face,
read something there that went to
his head.
"1ts only a scratch" he whis-
pered hoarsely. Thank God I was
near enough to helpl"
But you're bleeding, he's shot you
In the arml" She was trying to bind
1t with her handkerchief. "And it
was for mech, I thought he'd kill
you'll"
Sherwin laid his hand over hers.
Would you care?" he asked, and
his voice shook.
The girl lifted brave eyes to his,
the color ran up to her dusky hair,
but her look answered his.
Janet" he cried, "Janel"
She did not speak. but her clear
eyes misted. In the madness of that
moment he cast his last resolution
to the wind.
Il love you'll" he said softly. mo
matter what comes no matter
what is said of mel love you'll"
The girl looked back at him with
her sweet gravity. II don't even
know your real name!" she said
gently.
| He groaned. 1t all came back to
him and turned the world black.
Pm mad" he said bitterly. you'll
hate me soon for this!"
"Johnl"
He turned and saw her white face
lifted, her blue eyes steady and
brave.
"Ten me the TRUTH" she said,
tell NELL believe you'll"
He covered his own eyes with his
shaking hands. Then he drew a long
breath. He would tell her, he'd tell
her ALL
There came suddenly a shout and
the sound of men rushing toward
them.
cts Jim." Jane said, land old
Mac-looking for me-"
Sherwin realized all 1t meant He
had made love to the girl-she had
not definitely repulsed him, her eyes
had spoken much, and he was-l
The hot blood ran out Of his face,
his look was haggard. He stood still,
trying to hide the blood on his
sleeve. 1t made no difference now
nothing mattered, whether he lived
or died. Then he heard her telling
them what had happened and how
brave he wasl
Jim caught at his unwounded arm
and wrung his hand.
ITO the rescue againl You seem
to have taken out contract for pull
ing this family out of scrapes, old
chap, and" Jim choked a little,
looking at his sister-"I don't know
how to thank you'll"
Unfortunately, always seem to
let that rogue slip through my fin
gers!" Sherwin said. He knew that
Jim must wonder how he got there.
but Jane broke in with her cry about
his arm.
Jim, he's been shot-stabbed I
mean. You must see to his arm; I
couldn't stop the blood"
"Of course well see to it, Sisl
Which way did Jordan run. Haz-
lett?"
Into the BRUSH" he pointed; "he
got me In the arm first and" he
stopped, clapping his hand over the
wound which stung painfully now.
"Oh, you must get that arm fixed
up!" Jane said to her brother.
where's the sheriff? He's needed
herei"
Sherwin gave her a quick look,
something grim in his smile, but
Jim answered readily.
"I'd started Hazlett for the sheriff
by the way, where's your horse?"
he asked suddenly.
"Over there" old Mac pointed