Browning chief. [volume] (Browning, Mont.) 1941-1953, 1946-08-23

Jim thought OF the rustlers.
"Where's Mac?" He shot tho
question at Jose, who had come In
from the stables with a message.
"Gone down to tn corrals, Meester
Keller"
Ibid you see Miss Jane GOT"
Isl, senor."
"You saddled for her, I suppose.
Hadn't you sense enough to tell Macf
Jordan's somewhere aboutl"
"Meester Stenhar' 60 after her."
] Jim stared. That Stenhart was
able to ride at all surprised him,
but It was a relief to have him with
Jane. Lately, Jim had felt that the
girl was playing fast and loose with
his friend. She would never marry
Max, he thought. But this news was
reassuring; If Jane-a daredevil rid
er-would slow her pace to suit a
his company. Jim walked out on
the bridge; they might be coming
home by now. The sunshine was
wonderful, it dazzled him for a mo-
ment; then he saw Stenhart coming
across the bridge, urging his horse.
He was alone! Jim went half way
down the slope to meet him.
Hello, Max" he shouted anx-
iously, where's Jane?"
Stenhart made no reply, he swung
himself down from the saddle, look
ing haggard.
| Come into the house," he said
thickly; "too many men about out
herel"
Jim whitened; he had a strange
foreboding. Without a word he
turned with Stenhart toward the
house, and once he had to steady the
man on his feet, he was so exhaust
ed. They entered the dim old hall
and Stenhart flung himself into a
chair, gasping. Jim stood in front
Of him with set face.
| For Gods sake, speak out Maxi"
he exclaimed. whats up7 Where's
my sister,"
Stenhart, getting his breath, an
swered with cold fury.
"She's up the mountainside with
Sherwin."
| Jim drew a hard breath. He was
furious, but he controlled himself,
sat down on the edge Of his desk and
looked attentively at Stenhart. 1t
occurred to him that the man might
be in "a fever from undue exertion
and not responsible.
will you kindly explain your
self" he said gravely; you're
speaking Of my sister,"
I'm telling you nothing but the
TRUTH" Stenhart replied stubbornly.
"She and had quarrel this morn
ing. She left me to 60 out on horse
back. l followed-I had it in mind
to overtake her, to try to make it
up-you understand" he stopped,
biting his lips, and Jim made an
impatient gesture of assent.
| go on!" he exclaimed.
Stenhart did not look at him. He
stared at the bright rectangle of the
open door and his fingers drummed
on the arms of his chair.
"She was long way ahead, rid
ing fast. followed; she didn't know
it. Presently she turned into a
mountain trail and dismounted; I
could see her through the trees. I
got down off my horse and followed;
I thought to overtake her on foot
more easily. The trail is difficult. It
ascends sharply; found it hard
climbing and she got far ahead,
Half way up I heard voices and
stood still wasn't an Intentional
eavesdropper." He drew a hard
breath. II saw them-Sherwin had
met her!"
Jim stiffened. "You mean that
my sister, going out alone, as she
often does. CHANGED to meet this
this convict?"
Stenhart lifted a gray face; there
was no doubt now of the misery in
his eyes. "She loves him, Jim!"
Jim struck his open hand on the
desk. That's an intolerable thing
for even an old friend to say, Maxi"
Max met his eyes steadily. cts
the truth, Jim!" And then he add
ed chokingly: II know!"
The sheer passion of that cry, its
defeat, its bitterness, carried con-
viction. For an instant Jim, usu-
ally so even tempered, stared at
him; then he swore softly and seized
the telephone-receiver.
Stenhart snatched at his arm.
"What are you going to do?"
Jim shook him off. Get the sher-
if after him; I know about where
Cutler is-HeIol Yes?" he began
to talk into the receiver.
Stenhart, who felt really ill, turned
and poured a glass of water. He
had drained it when Jim finished
telephoning.
"Cutler left Manning's two hours
ago, headed this way; he'll be here
soon. MAX, what are you going
to do?"
Stenhart was at the door; Jim saw
that he walked stiff1y.
| "Come back!" he exclaimed,
you're ill.,"
| But Stenhart was climbing into
the saddle again; as he mounted he