Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1891-10-29
ADeaI6WiIdLandS
Fight for The MHSSelSh8l Millions.
by LEON LEWIS.
CHAPTER xv-(Continued.l

been aware, and he is determined TO
force US to a transaction of some sort
that will leave him and his prospective
father-in-law in possession. Ten to one
he will not seruple at any cost to get us
out Of his path"
@You have your deeds with you?8
ayes, and fortunately Gaddler's atten-
ton has not been directed to them"
That's good" commented Baker. aft
we can only get clear of this place be-
tween now and morning, well place
them on record during the next for y
eight hours, and thus put a barrier In
the way OF this murderous plotter.
Where is Jerry and Daisy all this time?"
They've gone home TO protect them
selves from Hiram Skidder, who, with
his son and daughter. came West on the
very train taken by his brother. They're
having 4 high old squabble over the
wild lands which have slipped through
their fingers, but just which one of them
IS the most dangerous for us it would be
hard 10 determine. Hiram has gone TO
the mine, or in that direction, but 1
think Jerry and his men will keep him
at distance. If we can get out of here.
we may yet become masters of the situa-
ton. You must have made friends with
some one in the house, Charley?"
~Yes-with that woman you see hover
ing about-Airs. COtter, who has been
took possession of these premises. She
will befriend us in every way she can"
-Well, how are we to get out of this
box?" asked Perry, looking around in
tently. Can you suggest anything?3
~Yes First of all, patience. No doubt
supper will be sent up TO US, and after
that We may look for visit from Cad
der. If he shows up here without an
escort we must have some very serious
dealings with him.
-And if he remains away?" suggested
Mrs Rankle.
ain that case" replied Baker, Mrs
COtter may be able to give us hint for
our guidance. At the worst. let US be
hopeful and patient
The silence that succeeded was broken
by Baker, who said TO Perry:
"You are armed, of course?n
ayes, replied Wynans, "for the rea-
son that have offered no resistance.
you've had no chance, 1 suppose?"
mot the least Gaddler has had six
or eight men on guard over US ever since
We reached Custer, so that we could do
no less than conform TO his orders.
Have you revolver"
ayes, but no ammunition"
Il can supply you, If your caliber is
the same as nine
The question was soon decided favor
ably, and then Baker remarked:
That's a point gained If we don't
get clear of these ruflians before day
light shall be greatly mistaken"
The idea of escape gathered new
strength in the hearts of the prisoners
every moment, as they continued their
condolences and consultations, and in
the course Of few minutes had become
their one hope and thought.
They did not neglect, however, to do
ample justice to a solid repast that was
placed before them, in due course, by a
couple of Gaddler's men.
The only drawback to the feast was
the forced eclipse of Charley Baker, who
was obliged to beat retreat to closet,
and to remain there until the with
drawal of the enemy, but he found that
his friends had quietly put aside ample
supplies for him.
The shades of night succeeded to twi-
light, but lights were duly furnished the
prisoners at the suggestion of Mrs. Cot
ter, who found occasion to pass few
moments with them and give them some
information.
MIR. Gaddler is very much elated with
his success in capturing YOU, she re-
ported, "and Is treating all of his men
so literally that they are in a fair way
TO become as drunk as fiddlers He him
self is drinking like a fish with one or
two of his fayOrites, but he can stand up
under q cargo that would swamp an
ordinary man-eXcuse the smile, my
late husband was a shipmaster-and it
would be rash to count upon his taking
aboard more than he can carry"
She listened a moment to the voices of
the guards on the staircase, and re-
sumed:
ave must not think of going until
quite late, when these men viii be help
less or asleep, but in the meantime there
Is great deal TO do, and you can de-
pend upon me to do it."
A few questions were asked and an
swered, making plain the situation, and
Mrs. Cotter vanished.
The wait that succeeded, as might
have been expected, proved a very long
one
The prisoners had even begun TO have
some apprehensions for the success of
their plans, when they heard the heavy
and uncertain footsteps of Gaddler ap-
preaching their door.
He was In a condition which the wild
ow of the shipmaster would have doubt
less described as ~three sheets in the
wind
~Whatl still up2" he cried, with
maudlin gravity, staring from one 10
another, as he entered and closed the
door, placing his back against it.
~As you See" replied Perry, pushing
a chair toward the villain. ave are
waiting patiently to have few words
with you.
The visitor sank into the proffered
chair, his glances continuing to wander
around him
what do you want?] he asked.
This young gentleman will tell you, 4"
was Perry's answer.
At that moment Gaddler felt the cold
muzzle of a revolver against his fore
head
Half turning, he saw Baker
~Whatl you alive and here?" gasped
the ruffian, quaking with terror.
AS you see, ;" was the ans yer. SNo
noise, now-not the least movement
You are our prisoner, ana Mr.. Wynans
will bind youi7
The measure was soon taken.
well even gag you. If you are IN
civil, added Baker. an fact, Wen do
so without waiting for you to be trouble
some.s
The action was suited to the word, and
the arch-schemer was at the mercy Of
his enemies
At just this moment there came a
quiet knock at the door, which Perry
fastened to draw ajar, covering the
aperture with his body, and looking out
ats only me, announced Mrs. Cotter
slipping into the room and closing the
door. "Ah, Mr.. Gaddler has taken pas
sageP Goods
@Then the way of escape is open?"
qneried Perry excitedly in a whisper.
@Yes, sir, at least as much so as It can
be with such a dangerous crew around
US, replied the housekeeper. 1.-The
worst Of the men have turned in with
their boots on, and are in such drunk
en- stupOr that they'd only sleep all the
harder If it were TO come on to blow
great guns. But two or three are scud-
ding about, more or less out Of their