Adventure, November 1915 — page 89: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

The Strength of Small “Get into your things!” he commanded. “T’ll give you just one minute—and if you aren’t ready then, I’ll shoot. There isn’t a jury in the world wouldn’t acquit me. Pearson, you and Holland go over by the fire and sit down. Read a book or some- thing!” “‘See here, old man—” Pearson began. That ‘‘old man” was a mistake. “As I say!’ cried Small, and swung the revolver upon him. “You'll be sorry for this foolishness, let me tell you that!” “No talk just now! Ah——” The revolver spoke; a flash of flame shot through the room; a puff of smoke went ceilingward. Pierre had tried a rush, and the bullet had sped by his head to bury itself in the wall behind. “T mean business!” said Small. ‘You'll get it in the breast the next time,. Pierre. Into your things!”’ Pierre crossed the room and picked up his coat. Sylvester Small backed to the door and stood against it, watching the men in front of him. “You're going to guide me to the Ran- cour cabin, Pierre,” he said. ‘‘You’re going to walk in front of me all the way, and if you leave the trail, or don’t make good time, you’re going to be shot. Pearson, you'll remain here with Holland. When Miss Rancour awakes, give her one of those powders I left on the table. Hurry, Pierre! We'll see if a man can be left alone to die like a dog when there is help five miles away!’ Sylvester Small had them cowed. They had seen him shoot, and they didn’t like the flash that was in his eyes now, nor the ring in his voice. Pearson and Holland, sitting before the fire, watched him in won- der. Pierre struggled into his coat and wrapped a muffler about his head. Then he walked toward the door. “No tricks, remember,’ Small warned. ‘Holland, come over here and close the door as we go out.” ‘ Pierre threw it open. A gust of sleet struck Small in the face. This time he did not flinch at the storm. The door was slammed shut behind them. By the tiny bit of light that came through the snow- encrusted window, Small could see Pierre draw the muffler closer around his face. “Straight ahead to the Rancour cabin, and no tricks,” said Small. “I’m right 87 behind you, remember, ready to shoot!” Pierre cursed by way of answer. Then he started off through the darkness, Sylvester Small half a dozen feet behind him, unable to see him well, but guiding himself by the sound of the other’s boots breaking through the crusted snow. IV PIERRE was no coward, but his slow wit did not allow him to com- prehend the change in Sylvester Small, and he decided to take no chances by disobeying the man behind who held a re- volver and knew how to use it. So the guide led the way faithfully across the clearing and to the trail that ran through the forest. It was so dark he could see no more than two feet before him, and the blizzard was driving the fine sleet into his face, but he knew every inch of the trail and had no trouble keeping to it. Small, his eyes closed tightly at times, trying hard not to let the wind ‘“‘catch his breath,” stumbled along behind, reaching out now and then to touch the man before him, guiding himself half by instinct. They reached the shore of the lake and walked out upon the thick ice, across which the snow swirled before the wind. It was colder here than in the woods, but walking was better and faster time ‘could be made; and so Pierre decided on it. Now that he was on the trail his pride in his ability to guide came to him, and he led the way carefully. After the first two miles, Small walked in a sort of stupor, making his way onward mechanically. His hands were numb—he began to doubt whether he’d be able to shoot if Pierre turned upon him. His face felt frozen despite the thick muffler. His back ached and his legs. teeth tightly and staggered on, not trying to speak, shielding himself from the bliz- zard behind the guide’s giant form. ““Walk—fas’—!”” Pierre warned repeat- edly. They turned to the land to cut across a tiny promontory, but soon were out on the lake again. Pierre took Small by the arm now, and urged him onward. They struck a smooth piece of ice, where little snow had drifted, and ran, bending forward against the strength of the wind.. Small’s head began to pain, and he found (EO) VOOKS ANIC But he set his (F@