The Argosy, April 1912 — page 110: what you’re looking at

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

96 “Open in the name of the law,’ called the sheriff in stern tones after a thunderous knock. CHAPTER XI. _ THE MYSTERY OF THE MASKED ONE, ALL was silent. No sound gave evidence that the cabin was occupied. . ‘“‘'There’s no one inside,’’ declared Hunt- ly. “Don’t you believe it,” rejoined Border, and once more he repeated his command. “Open, or I’ll break down the door.” And to emphasize his meaning, he knocked loudly with the butt of his revol- ver. The next instant there was the noise of some one moving about, a bolt was with- drawn, and the door opened. At first the aperture was only a crack, so that the occupant of the cabin could inspect those on the outside. Sheriff Border, however, boldly shoved his foot inside. Holding his gun on a level with his eyes, he was prepared for anything which might happen. Huntly, too, was keyed up to a high pitch. He stood close behind the sheriff, with his own revolver ready for instant use. It was a nervous moment, for neither man knew what an examination of the in- terior of the cabin would reveal. Whoever was on the-.other side of the door. tried in vain to close it again. Border applied his broad shoulders, and the next moment the barrier gave way. The two men started back as the Indian squaw stood before them with folded arms. “ Mornin’! ” she said in her low, guttural voice. “Never mind about that,” replied the sheriff. “What want?” demanded the squaw, barring the entrance with her body. “You know what I want—who I want,” answered Border, starting to push his way in. ‘““No go in,” said the squaw. Border seemed to have a second thought. “I am not going to take any chances,” he remarked aside to Huntly. Turning to the woman he said: “All right. But you come outside a moment. I want to ask you something.” The squaw stepped beyond the door, THE ARGOSY. closing it behind her. As soon as she did so, Border seized her arms. “Now, I guess we won’t have any trouble,” he cried. “Lend a hand here, Huntly. We'll fix her so she won’t inter- fere.” ‘No kill,” begged the Indian. “Keep quiet,” cautioned the sheriff, as he gagged and bound her. Together the two men carried her a little distance from the house, and left her there. “I don’t believe there’s anybody else in the cabin,” remarked Huntly. But Border merely looked wise. “You can’t tell a thing about it,” he said. “It’s my opinion that the squaw was not alone. At any rate, we’ll investi- gate. Now, ready once more.” As he spoke he drew -his gun and pre- pared for surprises. Followed by Huntly he again approached the door, which had been rebolted on the inside. -“ You see,” triumphantly exclaimed the sheriff. “What did I tell you? Now to find out who is on the other side.” “In the name of the law,” he said, beat- ing on the door. There was no answer. “Open, or I’ll break down the door.” Still no response. “Very well, then; here goes.” There was a crash as the door gave way agaist the sheriff’s powerful frame. There came a feminine scream. The next instant they were face to face with Mildred Temple. The girl stood there with her pistol in hand, evidently prepared to defend herself. She was just about to pull the trigger when her eyes fell on Huntly. “Ned!” she cried. “ Mildred,” he answered. Then she flung herself against his breast. “Am I dreaming,” she sobbed, “or is it really you?” - : “Oh, it’s all right,” said Huntly, as he placed his arms protectingly about her. “It’s too be good to be true,” she almost sobbed. “Oh, what a terrible night!” and she shuddered. Just then the sheriff coughed discreetly. “Oh, I forgot,” said Huntly. “Mildred, dear, this is Sheriff Border, who started the search for you. If it hadn’t been for him, none of us would have had the first idea of what to do or where to go.” Mildred turned to Border with a smile. cComicloool.