Page 171 (1/2)

The crowd jostled and split to adht toward Kells, till the table alone stood between

the hard, resolute and stern

"Kells, I throwed--you--down!" he said, with outstretched hand It

was a gesture of self-condemnation and re like the

strike of an eagle

"I'm takin' it back!"

Kellsit "Handy, I

never knew you to right--about--face But I'ed you so quickly?"

"VIGILANTES!"

Kells's aniround out

"No rumor, Kells, this time I've sure some newsCome close,

all you fellows You, Gulden, coether closer'n ever"

Gulden surged forith his group Handy Oliver was surrounded by

pale, tight faces, dark-browed and hardeyed

He gazed at the revelation "Men,

of all the white-livered traitors as ever was Red Pearce was the

worst!" he declared, hoarsely

No one e sound, alroup