The Argosy, January 1906 — page 98: what you’re looking at

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

280 strument in the young man’s taking off, but he would not have the heart to play with circumstantial evidence in that manner, at such a time.” ““T guess youre right, Orah, but that only deepens the mystery instead of helping to clear it.” The city marshal and McKibben re- turned to the jail at that moment. “Burnham has been held for the murder, Jim,” said McKibben; “ so that lets you out. You are free to leave here whenever you wish.” “* Have you found out anything about Roy, Mac?” Dexter inquired. “Nothing. Legal machinery will be put in operation at once, and it will be only a question of time until he is found. Old Kal will offer a big reward, and that will stimulate the search.” = Give the boy half a chance,” said Dexter, “and he will come back of his own atcord and save you the trouble of bringing him.” McKibben smiled his incredulity, and Jim took Orah’s arm and they left the jail. “Our work is before us, Jim,” said Orah when they had reached the street. “We must prove Roy’s innocence.’ < Pil wire Omaha and get a detec- tive,’ answered Dexter. = No,” said the girl, “let us do it our- selves. It will be a labor of love, and we cannot help but succeed.” “T thought before that you were a girl in ten thousand,” said Jim, “ but now He stopped short and re- garded her with frank admiration. “ And now?” she asked, with a vivid blush. ““ Now,” he continued, “ I think you’re one girl in ten million. You fill me with confidence and courage. We'll tackle this work together, Orah, and we'll win out, too. Come, we must lose no time in getting back to Siwash City.” CHAPTER X. FACING THE FACTS. DEXTER arranged to have his horse sent back to Siwash City and he and Orah returned by train. As fellow-trav- elers they had the judge, McKibben, and the coroner and his jury. THE ARGOSY. Had Dexter encountered the judge previous to meeting Orah, there would have been hard words and a further breach in their friendship. The cattleman was confident that the judge, more than any one else, was to be eredited with the verdict returned by the coroner’s jury. Since talking with Orah, Dexter’s views in the matter of the judge’s culpability had undergone a change. Givins offered his puffy hand and seated himself at Dexter’s side. Orah occupied the seat in front and McKib- ben the one behind. “You would have immolated yourself on the altar of friendship, Jim, and for a person who is most unworthy of the sacrifice,’ remarked the judge _ sono- rously, harping away-on the same old string. “I am happy to think that I was able to assist in frustrating the at- tempt.” Dexter gave the judge a look that commanded silence, but a movement of Orah’s head indicated that she had caught the words. “Tf you can’t be quiet about Roy on my account,” whispered Dexter angrily, “then consider the feelings of the young lady in front.” “Who is she?” returned the judge, sotto voce. “The future Mrs. Dexter. The judge stared at Orah and shook his head sadly. McKibben leaned across the back of the seat and began talking over Dexter’s shoulder. “While you were a prisoner, Jim,” said he, “money couldn’t have hired me to take chances in removing you to Siwash City. That’s why the coroner’s jury had to go to Lamark.” “T’m not a prisoner now, Mac,” an- swered Dexter, “and that makes all the difference in the world.” “ T’ll lay something handsome it won’t make much difference with Kalispel.” “So will I,” concurred the judge. “The verdict of the jury has been wired ahead,” went on McKibben, “ and the whole of Siwash knows just where the Honorable Jim stands, but the ver- dict isn’t going to make any great change in the opinions of the Kalispel contin- gent.” Burnham,” said com chook (E(0) m