Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1891-11-05
ADeal5WildLandS
FIGHT for The MHSSGlShGn Millions.
BY LEON LEWIS.
CHAPTER xvl.-CContInusd.,
Or THE-

CHAPTER xV1.-(Continued.1
A second shot from the half-breed
gave Perry a closer call than the first,
touching the outside of his arm at the
elbow sufficient to draw blood.
He lost no time in responding, but his
action was wholly negatived by lurch
Of the carriage, and such proved to be
the case with his next shot
A second saddle was emptied by his
was the half-breed who "bit the dust,
much to the satisfaction of the fugi-
tives.
That's good, so far as it goes. NUT
tered Perry, with a reassuring glance at
his betrothed @But this initial mis-
fortune only makes the ruf1ians all the
more resolute."
Such, indeed, was the case.
Another tau and burly man had taken
the lead, and was encouraging his asso-
siates by word and gesture.
That's the chap who gave Colonel
Whipsaw and myself so much TO think
Of yesterday" remarked Baker. Il
think he's a connection of Gaddler's- In
any case he's worthy of his MASTER
He finished with cry of dismay, re-
marking that one of his horses had
stepped into hole and given itself such
severe wrench that it was going quite
lame
A glance at the animal caused Perry
10 echo Bakers cry of regret, hut the
Incident was now too closely pressed by
other hints of disaster for him to linger
upon it.
The new leader of the pursuers was
straining every nerve to oYertake the
carriage, and several of his associates
made every effort to keep him company,
reserving their fire until nearer, and
fhnu Of
the fugitives.
This was the moment for which Perry
had waited with grim and logged pur-
pose.
Suddenly taking the offensive, he emp
tied his three rifles in rapid succession,
needless of the return fire, bringing
down the new leader and at least one of
his comrades.
A howl of CONSERVATION arose from
the enemy at this result, but it was met
by furious yell from Gaddler, who had
recovered his senses.
@Come onl" he shouted. "Don't mind
me. Shoot them down, all of them.
Don't let one of them escape. Lively!"
Nothing could have been more inspir-
iting than these cries at that moment.
With q yell in response, the pursuers
came on with redoubled fury.
A moment later a second cry of dis
may came from Baker.
There's draw just ahead, he cried,
springinR to his feet and looking in the
direction indicated, Hnmindful of the
mark he was presenting. "Ah, I see a
gap which may enable US to pass it.
Shall try, Perry?"
Anything that offers a chance.
Baker changed his course enough to
enter the draw almost lOngitudinally,
but the gap" was a snare, being full OF
rocks, and the draw was a veritable
gully, so that his next cry was one OF
terror.
-Hold fast, all of you," he shouted.
"The ditch Is bad one
Too late he saw that it was out of the
question to pass it safely in any such
way or at any such gait and made q
desperate attempt to hold up his horses,
but the wild yell that came from the
pursuers at this moment negatived his
efforts, and the next instant horses and
carriage. occupants and all, crashed into
one mass in the fatal abyss.
While warning all to hold fast, Baker
had taken good care to practice what he
preached, and the result was that the
two imperiled men arose uninjured from
the wreck of their carriage
Despite all his efforts to save Ellie
from harm, however, Perry had the
pain Of seeing that she had received 8
shock which rendered her unconscious
and Tor moment he even feared Tor hel
life
That moment was q fateful one, as i
proved, Sam Gaddler having been re
leased from his bonds by his tumble into
the gully, and having promptly gained
his feet uninjured.
Surround them. boys, he yelled, with
furious gestures; but take good care
not to harm them!"
The order was obeyed by the time
Mrs Cotter and Mrs. Ranzle had beer
released from the wreck of the vehicle
eight or ten rifles covering the fugitives
and then Gaddler added, addressing
Perry Wynans:
@You see that fate has played you
bad turn, sir. VIII yon continue the
fight longer, or will you surrender a
discretion?"
One glance at the pale face of his be
trothed and at his surroundings was
enough for Perry He realized only too
well how anxious Gaddler was to give
his men an order TO fire upon him, and
he fastened to reply:
"Of course, l am not fool enough L
continue the fight under these circum,
stances. AS you suggest, we are AGAR
at your disposal"