Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1886-09-30
CHAPTER XVI

Walter, In the midst Of those dark
dangerous men, felt that his life was
not worth a moments purchase. The
lonely cabin was in the deepest. gloom
lest recessrs Of the forest, and the men
whose trade was blood were grouped
about him. He did not consider his
own safety for moment; but the qucs-
ton WAS which way could he serve
Mr.. Smallweod, the banker, best. His
common sense az once told him that
joining the hand and then bctraving
them would be the surest wey to save
the banker's life and property. He
would lose his life aRy way. and he
had better lose II 10 some ADVANTAGE.
Those dark, fierce men, OF whom there
were seven, would be sure to murder
him il he refused, aud If he BETRAYED
them they would be doubly sure to do
so. He consented to aid them, and
apparently entered into their plan with
considerable zeal.
When the meeting broke up, and
Walter once more took his place on the
wagon seat by Bill Martin. he could
scarcely believe himself awake; could
II be that he had identified himself
with band Of burglars and murder
ersg He had read of such people and
such organizations, but supposed they
existed only in the Imagination of some
author. Here he had met a real band
Of outlaws, more terrible and danger
Gus than the hloOd-and-thunder novel
ist could paint them. He was silent.
and Bill spoke not word during the
drive home.
The other rmembers Of the gang were
worthless fellows who lived chiefly by
hunting and tTamping. and spent all
their time and money in a saloon at
Bushyille. Jack Hawkins was the
leader aud the brain power of the
gang Never had Walter dreamed
that Jack could be so cruel, as he
looked on that night when he held the
shaSp point Of his knife over Walters
heart, and swore that If he ever proved
false 10 them he would drive II 10 the
hilt
1t was late when Bill Martin drove
up to the farm Of Jack HAWKING
night?"
II had better 20 on 70 Mr.. Miles to-
night, they might think il strange II +
did not come, " said Walter.
That's so, Walt" said Bill. 'I'm
glad to see ye'ye got an eye 10 tho
safety o the band. Remember now.
NUNS the word.
IL understand" said Walter.
"Ihe man who turns traitor must
the oath.
u understand it, Bill"
'Remember that Wednesday night
ye meet 70 make grand haul Help
ne an We kin buy olo Miles an his gal,
ooi fail us an yen git wooden
uit -
Walter assured him he was true, all
light said every thing that would al |
ay bilIs fears, ind hurried up the road |
oward the farmhouse Of Mr.. Miles. ID |
vas midnight and the air was frosty. |
These autumn nights were clear and |
.o.d. be stars shone brightly from
he heavens, and ~ Walter saw them
Ie wondered whether hu should gaze
lpon them two weeks hence, or would
% ill a felon's Craze?
why, o why, am | so persecutedP"
70 asked himself. Never before did |
nov the full force OF bad name.
lill Martin heard that had been
harged with larceny at Queenstown.
nd supposed me a suitable person for
ms diaholical bnrglary-a burglary in
fhlch am appointed 10 commit mur-
er lie shuddered, and We need not
sender
ihe road was cold, dark and silent;
'hen he came 10 the gIrnt farmhouse,
hp dog bArked furlouslY untll no