Part 18 (1/2)
”I've jumped those claims myself”
”YOU jued ”
”It's a lie!” cried Runnion, at which Burrell whirled on hi for this, Runnion--ever since you came back Now--”
”I mean you haven't had time,” the other temporized, hurriedly
”Oh, that sounds better! If you don't believe me take a look for yourself; you'll find my notice just beneath Miss Gale's” Then to ”No Creek” Lee he continued, ”Kindly record them for me so there will be no question of priority”
”I'll be daerent recorder ”You're worse'n these crooks That ground belongs to Necia Gale”
Up to this ti not a shadow of chagrin, for he was a good loser; but now he spoke at large
”Anybody who thinks the American army is asleep is crazy” Then to Burrell, ”You certainly are a nice young man to double-cross your friends like that”
”You're no friend of mine,” Meade retorted
”I? What do you mean?”
”I double-crossed you, Stark, nobody else”
The Kentuckian glared at him with a look like that which Runnion had seen in his face on that first day at the trading-post The thought of these five iddiness to rise up in hi to whirl and dance
”There's no use s are your tools, and you tried to steal that ground because it's sure to be rich”
Stark exclaiave hih, because THAT is h to take you back a prisoner” Then turning to Lee, he said: ”Don't make me force you to record my locations I staked those claihteen”
Poleon Doret called to Runnion: ”M'sieu, you 'oin' be you”
TheNecia clapped her hands gleefully
Seeing that the gas under control quickly, and shrugged his shoulders as he turned away
”You're in the wrong, Lieutenant,” he reot the laith you” Then to Runnion and the others he said, ”Well, I'm ready to hit the trail”
When they had shouldered their packs and disappeared down the valley, Gale held out his hand to the soldier ”Young man, I reckon you and I will be friends”
”Thank you,” said Burrell, taking the offer of friendshi+p which he kneas genuine at last
”I'ht!”
Poleon had been watching Stark's party disappear, but now he turned and addressed the young soldier