The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1890-02-08
With some difficulty the man was awak-

senting his draft for the amount of
money necessary to pay off the men, he
said:
II would like to get it now and start
back for the camp before daylight. No
one has seen me enter your camp, and it
is not necessary that they should. Many
of the men know the object of my visits
here, and they might take it into their
heads to relieve me of the money on the
way back"
Eyes, yes, you're quite right" replied
the men are not very honest looking.
No, sir, not honest looking, and l might
add-not safe looking. You're quite
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 away from it.
For two hours they rode along in ST.
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 MIN.
Their long ride had wearied them
somewhat, and both felt sleepy. Echo
squatted 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. l 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. I'VE 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 brides, the two then walked rapidly
into the bushes.
They had not proceeded far when the
sound of voices could be heard.
''They must be somewhat roun' here, "
rough voice said. THAT smoke
warn't far off. faint likely they've
got far"
sit pears ter me that it was farther
along than this" said another.
"'Twarn't long in disappoarin' any
way" remarked third.
Then there was scuffiing 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
nsSn seemed to be working along in the
opposite direction. When they were
about far enough away to proceed with
out fear of attracting attention, a 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 off
now. Mount, and ride rapidly due
north"
Their trail was plain enough to the
hishwaymen, who now began to pursue
thera 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 riders
that they were no match for the strong,
powerful Lorses of their pursuers, who
gained perceptibly 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 rife shot, and the whistle of bullet
between the two riders, intimated what
they might expect from their enemies.
st is life or death with us, Allie -
said Mr.. White to his son, as he rode up
to his side. Urge your pony on to the
best of his speed, and then he prepared
for desperate fight. When they are
close enough we will dismount, and hide
behind some rock and use our rifles
But a stand against the outlaws was
not very encouraging. There were five
of them, and all bold, desperate men,
accustomed to meet danger. They rode
their horses with the wild recklessness
of Western desperadoes.
The cracking of the rifles soon became
frequent; but owing to the rough, I'M
even nature of the country the bullets
fell wide their mark.
1--WE can not escape much longer,
father" said Allie breathlessly, the
whistling of the bullets around his
head making him feel uncomfortable
"But-why, father, it is showing"
The two looked up at the clouds
which were now dark and threatening.
The wind increased, and was blowing in
cold, biting blasts from the northwest
Snow was already floating in the air
with the prospect of a heavy snowstorm