Adventure Magazine Cover, June 20, 1925 — page 120: what you’re looking at

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

, WHEN next he opened his eyes eae it was dark outside and Leaper SBP » was kindling a fire. As the flames = SZ flared Ellis gazed about the low room and for a moment believed the meeting with Waggle was a dream. Leaper heard him move and swiftly turned his huge head, and informed: “Waggle’s gone. Turned him out. He’s too peppery. TUll have coffee ready soon and the beans warmed up. Go back to sleep if you want to. It’s two hours to sunrise.”’ _ “T feel mighty lame and sore but not sleepy,” said Ellis, crawling from the blankets and sitting on a stool. ‘“‘Wish I could buy a horse, a cheap one. Got one you'd sell?” The sunken eyes flickered with little white lights. “T haven’t any hoss.” Ellis was disappointed. “T can foot it, I suppose. No supposing about it. I must foot it.” “I haven’t a hoss,” Leaper repeated, “but I’ve got a mule. Onery critter, but so much stock’s being stolen by white thieves and Injuns I don’t dast keep any- thing on four legs except the mule.” “Tf he can carry me to Denver by the way of the Salt Works and Fair Play Ill give you fifty for him. That would leave me something for grub in Denver until I can get work.” Leaper’s wild laughter would have alarmed Ellis if not for the accompanying assurance: “You'll need all your money and I’ll need the mule. But [’ll lend you the mule as far as the Salt Works. Leave him there for me to call for. You'll be rested by that time and can foot it the rest of the way or catch a ride down to Denver. Wagons going down pretty thick. So Waggle thinks you killed Skillings, eh?” “Tt don’t know what he thinks. He’s a scoundrel. I never harmed Skillings. I was asleep in Nate Goss’ cabin when it hap- pened. An Indian hunter woke me up and told me I must run for it. He took me away. I’ve been sorry ever since I went with him. Goss said it was the worst thing T could have done.” “T ain’t staying awake nights loving Bill Waggle or his brother,” said Leaper. “As for Skillings, his cashing in ain’t no loss. I’d only think better of you if I knew you did for him.” Adventure “T had no more to do with his death than you did,” insisted Ellis. ‘Was you yarning when you said Goss run Dodge out of camp?” curiously asked Leaper. | “If Dodge hadn’t been wearing a stove cover over his heart he’d died in his tracks.” Leaper offered to make no more conversa- tion. He busied himself with the break- fast, and by the time the coffee and beans were ready the rocky gulch outside began to reveal itself. Ellis talked as they ate but the warder of Warder’s Hill did not appear to hear him. When they finished the meal the tops of the gulch walls were touched by the first sunlight. Ellis reminded his silent host that he was anxious to be going. Without a word Leaper opened the door and led the way to a natural corral formed by arecess in the rocks. In this was the mule The fallen trunk of a pine blocked the open- ing. Pulling the tree aside Leaper entered and from a niche in the rocks pulled out the wreck of a saddle and fastened it to the scrawny animal. Then he turned and motioned for Ellis to join him and mount. Ellis entered the enclosure and remarked: “You're too kind, Mr. Leaper. At least let me pay for the grub and the use of the mule. And you’ve forgotten the bridle.” “This critter’s trained,” hoarsely mut- tered Leaper. ‘You'll drive him without a bridle.” “T don’t understand. How?” exclaimed Ellis. Leaper darted forward a huge hand and clutched Ellis by the throat and held a re- volver at his head and roared: “You young dog! Pay? You're mighty high! You’re not the first fool to pay toll to the warder of Warder’s Hill. hands up!” Stupefied, Ellis obeyed. Leaper released his hold on the throat and rapidly searched him. He found no weapons, but when he fished out the money he went into an ec- stasy of savage mirth. is ! What a joke on Bill Waggle!”’ he Put your yelled. He deftly yanked Ellis’ hands behind him and made them fast. Then he lifted his victim into the saddle and passed a rope from ankle to ankle under the mule so he could not fall, nor roll off. “What are you going to do with me?” whispered Ellis. “Nothing!” cried Leaper. “I’m lending COMIGDIOOKSEEO