The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1890-02-08


right, Mr. White"
They entered the baggage car of the
train, and were locked in. The money
was then counted out and put in two
saddlebags, which were slung over the
backs of the two horses.
1t was not quite four o'clock in the
morning when every thing was ready
and the return journey begun. The
camp was still quiet when the two
horsemen stole quietly awaysfrom it.
For two hours they rodo along in 81
lence, and then, having reached safe
place between the two camps of laborers,
Mr.. White dismounted, and tied his
horse to small tree. Allie and his
father were used to camping out, and
they were not long in starting fire and
preparing their breakfast. The two
horses were allowed to eat the tall grass
around, while Echo gulped down some OF
the bread and meat thrown to him.
Their long ride had wearied them
somewhat, and both felt sleepy. Echo
souatted down by the side of his young
master, and closed his eyes. Mr. White
lighted his pipe, and smoked away in
silence. The smoke curled up from the
smouldering fire, and made signal that
could be seen for some distance.
Suddenly, Allie jumped up and list
ened. Echo also pricked up his ears
and showed signs of interest.
''Some one is coming along the trail,
father. hear the tramp of hoofs."
"You do?" queried Mr.. White, throw
ing down his pipe.
1t was clear, cold morning, with a
threatening bank Of clouds rising in the
West. and sounds could be heard long
distance off.
"You're right, Allie, some one is
coming" said Mr.. White, after few
moments. 1--WE must strike away from
the trail, until they pass"
The fire was quickly covered up with
some dirt, and every thing packed for a
quick start. Leading their horses by
the bridles the two then walked rapidly
into the bushes.
They had not proceeded far when the
sound of voices could be heard.
"They must be somewhar roun' here, "
a rough voice said "That smoke
warnt far off. Taint likely they've
got far"
sit pears ter me that it was farther
along than this" said another.
"'Twarn't long in disappearin' any
way" remarked third.
Then there was scuffling of feet in
the bushes, as if the men were dis
mounting and searching for something.
| Allie and his father continued to move
away, parting the bushes carefully, and
making as little noise as possible. The
men seemed to be working along in the
opposite direction. When they were
about far enough away to proceed with
out fear of attracting attention, loud
shout greeted their ears.
Hello, here y'are, boys. I've found
it,"
"They have discovered our fire,
whispered Allie to his father, as he
heard the shout.
''Yes, and we must be hurrying OIL
now. Mount, and ride rapidly due
north"
Their trail was plain enough to the
highwaymen, who now began to pursue
them rapidly. The two horses were
partly recovered from their WEAKNESS
and they hurried along at quick pace
But it was soon evident to the two rider!
that they were no match for the strong
powerful horses of their pursuers, who
gained pcrceptibly upon them Sud
denly, one of the highwaymen caught
sight of Allie, and with shout to his
companions he dashed through the
bushes at reckless pace.
A rifle shot. and the whistle of a bulle
between the two riders, intimated wha
they might expect from their enemies
1T is life or death with us, Allie,
said Mr.. White to his son, as he rode W
to his side. Urge your pony on to th'
best of his speed. and then he prepared
for desperate fight. When they ar
close enough we will dismount, and hid
behind some rock and use our rifles"
But stand against the outlaws wa
not very encouraging. There were fiv
of them, and all bold, desperate men
accustomed to meet danger. They rod
their horses with the wild recklessnes
of Western desperadoes.
The cracking of the rifles soon becam
frequent; but owing to the rough, VI
even nature of the country the bullet
: fell wide their mark.
''We can not escape much Longer
father" said Allie breathlessly, tn
: whistling of the bullets around h
head making him feel uncomfortable
''But-why, father, it is showing"
The two looked up at the cloud
; which were now dark and threatening
y The wind increased, and was blowing
y cold, biting blasts from the northwes
,. Snow was already floating in the al
. with the prospect of heavy snowstor
to follow.
"a storm is upon u.s." said Mr.. Whit
. anxiously, ''and, | fear, a regular bli
:, zard."
II In few minutes the snowfakes fe
y in clouds, binding horsemen and rider
=. 1t shut out the whole landscape fro
their view, their enemies included. IL
- horses unable to trot fany longer, ne
W walked slowly forward, stumbling al
"a sliding along at every step. Ec
ID whined and looked appealingly at ALL
n "We have escaped from our enemit
thank God" said Allie, looking behil
in him. "They can not see to follow
NJ now"
"a "Yes, but we have another danger
- replied his father. "These blizzards a
es terrible things. We are now travels
Il, due north, think, and if we keep Ii
Oh we will come out to the camp"
ss The storm increased in fury. Il
wind chilled the riders through, a
,r made their teeth chatter. The SUI
- nilod nm in drifts with astonishing