The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1886-05-07

tHATIEIt 7.
MAT GREEVE HITS HIS MAN.

of Mat Greeve. Using every available
bush as a cover, he followed, keeping
him in sight until they reached a part
where the growth was thick; then, TO
his vexation. Mat vanished.
Cautiously Mark tried to discover the
path he had taken, but in vain. and af-
ter a quarter of an hour he deemed 1t
WiSeSt to return to the station. Enter
ing the general room, he had hardly
been there twenty minutes when he
perceived Mat slip in, and take his
place in distant corner. Then he
could not have gone very far.
Mark resolved to keep a better watch
the next evening. When it arrived,
openly complaining Of indisposltlOn, he
retired early to bed, or apparently did
so. for directly he safely could he quit
ted the station and made for the clump
of bushes, where he had been thrown
off the scent before. Here he lay con-
cealed, waiting.
He had not to wait very long. Speed
ily he heard some one approaching, and
in the dim light. for the moon was only
lust silvering the top Of the ranges, per-
ceived Mat Greeve.
He passed SO near, Mark might have
touched him with his hand. Keeping
him in sight he followed. Again Mat
disappeared, but this time Mark saw
how. He had passed between two
bushes where there seemed no path.
After a pause, Mark, doing the same,
found himself on a ledge some three
feet broad. covered with short coarse
grass. On one side was the dense bush,
on the other a steep Tavine, at the foot
of which flowed the river.
The shadows of the bushes fell across
the path, offering security, and Mark,
hearing Mat Greeve's tread ahead, went
on.
The ledge rose by a gradual incline,
then sweeping round, made a rapid de
scent to a small opening, belted by
trees and underwood.
Into this he was just in time to see
Mat freeye spring. At the same time
man came quickly out Of the shadows
towards him. Who was it? Mark
strained his eyes to see. He felt Ger
tain it was Herbert Archer. but was not
positive. StiI he must be SO before lie
left. How?
The two men stood in the deep shad-
OW in earnest converse.
If he could but hear what they said
his suspicious would be either confirmed
OF removed.
Again how2
From where he was he could see, but
not hear. Was there no way by which
he could make 81 circuit. Cautiously he
looked round. Before him were the
bushes. behind. the ravine, ON the ledge
of which he stood.
What was he to do? Never. he re-
solved. to return until he had dscOv-
cred if Mats companion was Herbert
Archer or no.
in his anxiety for a moment he forgot
caution. lie rose up, and for a second
his head appeared above the bushes.
There was the sharp report of a rifle
Mark felt violent blow on his shoulder,
and knew he was hit.
lie flung up his arms with cry,
reeled back, lost his footing, and fell
over the raVine, crashing through the
bushes.
No sooner had he fallen than Mat
and Herbert Archer Clambered to the
spot.
It's that confomded foster-brother
Of the new chap, exclaimed Mat
Greeve. Il told Won thought he was
watching me. Now he is done for"
Would that his master were with
him. calculated Archer through his
closed teeth. 1T would save us no end
of trouble"
Il reckon we'd better make sure
there S even an end OF this one, re-
marked Mat.
How? Can you descend this steep
sideI ImpOssible.'
The other gave short laugh.
! Il reckon l did a worse when I cut
I and run from the convict settlement =
he reiOined a chap learns a lot and
+ grows nimble when he's fighting for life
and liberty. y on wait here till I come
/ back And, sejziug the tough stem Of
/ bush, he swung himself INFO the ra-
! vine. which he began swiftly to descend.
Herbert Archer watched him anX-
/ iOusly, and when he had disappeared
/ waited as anxiOusly for his return.
1t was not long before he did so, and
threw himself painting on the ledge.
"Well?''
ITS all right. Hes done for" re-
/ piled Mat Greeve.
you saw him?;
"NO; because the rivers got him.
He's tumbled flop in, and what my bul-
I let began the waters finished. .
Are YOU sUreE'
"Sure, Certain. DO you think a man
! could tumble down this here place with
a bullet in him, and get up and quietly
I walk away Besides. there 5 proof. His
hat was bobbing about the stones"
Ills hatl Where is it?'
'WheTeP In the water. q course
You don't think I was such an idiot as
to fish il oUt?' calculated Mat Greeve
contemptuOusly. Il amt anxious fOl
the property Of man with a bullet il
in him to be found in my possession
True, [ forgot. IF it's found il viii
be thought the fellow tumbled in and
was drowned" I"
If they don't find the body. whicl
might alter their opinion, was the coo
. remark.
In any case I don't see how we ar
to be suspected
Not you. I might: but I don't SCI
how they could prove it. The bulle
wouldn't fit my pca-ShOOter, and, " a
Herbert Archer started, then turne,
I hercelv- 1t would never be SuSpecte
that I'd used yours. It's my advice nov
that we make tracks for home