The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1885-07-11

relieved after his confession, and nv tbo
time the early twilight came was in hot
ter spirits than he had been for woal-
in spite of the fact that their larder
never too well furnished, was gettino
suspiciously low Game had grown
scarce and shy. Though they were not
at all particular as to what came into
their deadfalls, or fell to their arrows il
was growing harder to keep the mill of
life grinding.
Tomorrow" said Joe, Just before
he closed his eyes for slumber. "T'll
take tramp down South Eff we don't
look sharp we'll be starved outer bver
yet; an | don't want ter give Their SPOT
| away till we see what Their show are. y
''All right. I'll stay an watch Their
claim.
In the morning with the Winchester
slung over his back, and his bow in his
hand, Early Joe set out on his hunting
expedition; while Jim higgins loafed
about or in their rude retreat, Willing
away the time as best he could.
1t did not seem at all strange when
evening came without his partner; but
as one hour after another passed he be-
gan to grow uneasy.
He amt no kitten, Joe amt" he
said to himself, IAN don't guess what
might er happened, but anyhow it's
queer, an eff he don't git back afoTe
mornin' I'll hev ter take up thef trail
myself
But when morning came there was
still no Joseph, and, having partaken of
his simple breakfast, higgins was just
about starting out in the direction taken
by his pard, when he was startled at
hearing footsteps.
Looking out he saw fonr men coming
down the valley. At least he Judged
that they were all men from his hasty
glance at their clothing, though when
they came near it was easily seen that
the smallest of the four was a woman.
higgins was startled enough at the
first. These people came steadily on,
with the strength belonging to those
who have lately rested. They did not
look like prospectOrS either but like
found, they would follow to the very
end.
As Jim higgins was a hunted man
the first possibility that suggested itself
was that they were after him.
The second look convinced him that
they were all strangers. Besides, his
dealings with women had been few and
fair. No occasion was there for any of
the sex to take the trail
But might they not be after Early
Joe? The idea seemed ridiculous, for
Walnut Bar lay good hundred and
fifty miles to the north, according to
| the most definite statement that Joe
had given of his wanderings. Never
theless Jim lay quiet on the uery slim
chance that they might 90 by, following
the trail they had found on the other
side of the valley. The retreat under
the rock was fairly well concealed and
could not well be seen until the party
was directly opposite to it.
Suddenly the leader stopped short
and held up his hand. They were not
so far away now and higgins heard
feminine voice.
"What is it, Shade?'
There's some one hyer, perspecter
most likely. There's only ther one
track but there may be a gang ov 'em,
dll u llltN NC OIL UCh ally Ulllll2 Iutl
won take it kindly ter see us. 1t looks
en- though they he'd a mighty good
chance for big thing"
As the man spoke he looked around
with keen eye, and his gaze lit upon the
little trail the two men could not help
leaving as they went in and out.
higgins was watching through chink
and saw that discovery was certain.
Without waiting he stepped out, his
hand appraised in token of amity, though
he had loosened his heavy revolver and
was ready to draw at moments
notice.
Hello, party, whar yer goinP" was
his salutation. :'Hain't got much ter
offer, but can't yer turn in an stop
awhile. 1t does me good ter see a face
agin'. I've been ALFRED lonesome, an
theirs room enough for all
The leader had dropped his carbine
into the hollow of his arm, and now he
advanced with quick steps, followed at
little distance by the rest.
"Who are your he asked sharply.
higgins are my name, an I'm layin'
OF hyer till the snow goes. Then I'm
goin' ter see how she pans out. What's
your leetle game? You amt huntin
ter strike pay gravel. What yer name
an where yer FROM"
"My name is Shade Miller, and I am
from Walnut Bar. Yonder woman is
my brothers wife an we're a huntin
A cry from the woman broke in upon
his explanation, and higgins gave a
quick glance down the valley. Early
Joe was approaching with slow, weary
steps.
"Yonder is my pard' said jim,
briskly. Him an me pulls together
Drap it"'
He wound up with stern comHf5r1d
and his revolver lay in line for Shade
Miller's head, Just as that individual
thumb forced back the hammer of his
carb ne.
There was an exclamation from one
of the other men; shrill cry from the
woman, but Jim higgins never turned
his eye.
you tech him. he shouted, "an
I'll scoop Shade Miller sure. You hear
me? Let's talk it over.
Shades life hung by a thread just
! then, for with another scream the wo-
| man Snrpuor forward