Argosy All-Story Weekly, January 21, 1922 — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

144 while I was in Mooseyard—and for my leaving Mooseyard when I did.” “And for your involving Flora—pardon me—your wife in the consequences of your actions?”’ A cold flash of anger gleamed in Victor’s~ eyes and the smile left his lips. He rose to his feet and his next words were spoken in a hard voice that was unfamiliar to Fraser Farley. ‘“‘'The best,” he said. ‘“ But that is no concern of yours, captain. You are here officially. Do you refuse or accept the terms of my offer of surrender?” Captain Fraser Farley flushed red to the edge of his fur cap, and he bowed his head in acquiescence. “‘T can only accept,” he said. His thoughts were bitter, and at the time the fact that his failure in official duty was being transformed into a success that would bring him praise gave him little com- fort. A week of inaction under these con- ditions appeared intolerable to him. Victor released his hands and feet and told him briefly of the capture of the deputy sheriff from Mooseyard and the constable, and of their agreement to his demand for time. The incident filled Fraser Farley’s mind with fresh wonder at the success which seemed ever to attend the footsteps of the dominant man who had been his friend and his rival, and who would now be his prisoner. Even this last réle seemed to be attended with no aspect of failure for Kent. | When the three representatives of the law were united Victor returned the rifles and revolvers of which he had deprived them and completed this stage of his sur- render by handing over to Captain Farley his own rifles and revolver. He felt great affection for these weapons, and his mind retained vivid pictures of the occasions on which they had served him well since that long-awaited dawn on the junction trail weeks before. Flora retained the auto- matic pistol that was her personal property. Farley realized that he was now in com- mand of the party, which consisted of two subordinates, a prisoner, and the prisoner’s wife. He issued the necessary orders for the guarding of the prisoner, who was to ARGOSY-ALLSTORY WEEKLY. be under open arrest until the commence- ment of the return trip to Mooseyard, and for the preparation of the midday meal. Barker was detailed for the first guard duty. Before an hour had passed their number - was increased by the arrival of Constable Morrison. He hailed them from the edge of the clearing, where he had been standing for some minutes watching the interesting events which he did not understand. He was very puzzled, and even Captain Far- ley’s concise explanation of affairs did not seem to clear his mind of bewilderment. He did not question his superior officer, however. He was despatched immediately to the place where he had left the team, and returned quickly, with the dogs follow- ing at his heels. When he had eaten his dinner the captain set him to work with an ax among the tall trees beyond the clearing. Victor felt no depression of spirits, though much still hung in the balance to be lost or gained at the whim of chance, and for a while he could take no active part in the game. The watch kept upon him was strict, and he knew that at any sign of a suspicious movement on his part the watchers would use their firearms, but his captivity was not irksome. He was allowed to converse with Flora, and for the present Farley avoided him, for which he was grateful. He had a deep store of patience on which to draw, and he knew that his plans were well arranged and well timed. He could guess the fears and uncertainties that must be raging tumultuous warfare in the mind of the girl, who was still near him, as she had been through all his dangers, and again he was lost in silent admiration of the Strength of her “spirit and her love. She had not questioned him save with her eyes, and he wished beyond all else for the mo- ment that he might tell her everything— lay bare his secret motives and his hopes. ‘““T have had to alter my schemes, dear.” He spoke in a low tone that could not reach the ears of the guards. “ But the game is still in my hands—our hands. I have been playing for time, and I think that the fort- night which Farley has promised me will be more than sufficient for my needs. Flora, I swear before God that it is a torture to COMmiclboo SS C©