The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-07-09

as one hour after another passed he be-
gan to grow uneasy.
He amt no kitten. Joe amt" he
sa-d to himself. IAN | don't guess what
might er happened. but anyhow its
queer an EFF he don't git back afOre
morn'n' I'll hev ter take up ther 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 four 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 Ike prospectors either. but like
men in search of a trail which, once
found, they would follow to the very
end
As Jim higgins was 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 Cery 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 BigginS heard Il
feminine voice.
What is it, Shaded"
There's some one hyer, a perspecter
most likely. There's only Their one
| track: but there may be gang Ov EN-.
an eff they've struck anything they
won't take it kindly ter see us. 1t looks
Ell though they he'd a mighty good
chance for big thing"
As the man spoke he looked around
with keen eve, 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 q moments
notice.
Hello, party, whar yer goin?" was
| his salutation. :.Hain't got much ter
offer. but can't yer turn in an stop
awhile. 1t does ME good ter see 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
a little distance by the rest.
"Who are you?" he asked sharply.
'.BiprinS are nv name. an I'm layin
off liver till the snow goes. Then I'm
poin' ter see how she pans out. What 5
YOUR leetle game? You amt huntin'
ter strike pay gravel. What yer name
an where yer from?
"Mv name is Shade Miller, and am
from Walnut Bar. Yonder woman is
nv 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.
Wonder is my pard." said Jim,
brisklv. Him an me pulls together
Drap it,
He wound up with stern command.
and his revolver lay in line for Shade
Miller's head Just aS that individual 5
thumb forced back the hammer of his
carb ne.
There was an exclamation from one
of the other men; 4 shriil cry from the
woman, bat Jim higgins never turned
his eve.
You tech HIM" he shouted. "an'
I'll SCOOP Shade Miller sure. You hear
! me- Let lain IL OhCl
Shades life hung by a thread just
| then. for with another scream the wO-
man sprang forward.
4 gyms did not shoot. An instant
later he saw the change in Shade
Nliller's face and knew that he was safe
He turned and looked southwark Just
in time to see Early Joe stumble and
fall, dropping from his arms Il little
bundle that rolled over and over and
then sprang up and showed itself to be
a child.
Mamma" said the child. just as it
was snatched UP, and then there was a
singular hurrah, and doubtless Early
Joseph was in no immediate danger
| from that crowd.
Early Joseph was pretty hard hit:
but it was not altogether the wound
| and loss of blood that made him grow
white again to the lips as he looked up
and saw the face of the man that was
bending over him.
''PugSey Milleri' he said at last.
That's my name, old man. l didn't
go out of the damp. and l wasn't more
than half hurt. The boys were little
too previous. And here you've saved
my kid for me. Shake, pard! How
did you do it?''
Il struck Their trail ov half-a-dozen
copper skins that knew he'd been up
ter some devilment. an l f0llered on,
an wiped 'em out. an got Their boy.
Now, count my checks fur me. I'm
startin over Their range"
|
But Early Joe didn't 60. after all.
He revived again. grew strong, beard
! how the little squad of Indians had