Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-03-03

But now Lndt Ian WAS out OF inc
clutches of the enemy, no made good
use of the opportunity to put as much
distance between himself and pursuers
as possible Keeping under cover when
ever he could he ran swiftly down
stream, maintaining a sharp lookout for
any of the robbers that might be lurking
in his way.
For a half hour he continued his course
rapidly down the stream; then pausing
and hearing no sounds Of pursuit. he
concealed himself in dense thicket Of
willows Here he remained in conceal
ment till he had rested and then contin-
ued his way.
Dams first impulse now was to at
tempt to find the cabin Of some settler
that be might obtain assistance, but he
soon saw the danger OF making his pres-
ence known to any one who might live
in that locality 1t was PLAIN that q
large band of robbers infested that part
OF the country and he did not wish TO
take any risk Of again falling into their
hands.
After carefully considering the matter
he resolved to push on to the Marmaton
river by the way of the Military road.
This would afford him an opportunity
Of meeting the paynaster and his escort,
when he could make known to them tho
plot that had been laid for their robbery
at the Drywood ford.
But there was great danger yet that
threatened him for well he knew that
the robbers on learning of his escape
would make thorough search for him.
~.
would leave no stone Unturned to find
him. now that they were aware of the
secrets ne had found out from their con-
versation, he was fully convinced It
was highly probable that they would
communicate with the outlaws and
thorough search would be made.
AS Dan reflected over the situation he
became convinced that 1t would be haz-
ardous in the extreme to attempt to cross
the broad prairie lying between Drywood
and the MarmatOn until dark. 4 sh8rp
watch would doubtless be kept by tho
enemy, and he saw no course left but to
conceal himself in the bushes and wait
patiently for nightfalI Having selected
q dense thicket Of dogwOJd bushes be
crept into it, aud throwing himself among
the rank weeds that entirely covered the
ground. he prepared to wait patiently
for the coming Of night. He examined
the pistol he had cap,ured from his adj
versary at the cabin and found that it
was Of large caliber and contained six
loads.
The sight of the weapon brought forci-
bly, to his mind the startling events that
had taken place at the cabin in the woods,
and now for the first time he found time
to reflect on the strange things he had
overheard there. 1t was all plain to his
mind now THAI the persons to ba defraud-
ed by the two strange men who had stop
ped At the iun. were none other than him
SELF and mother. The conversation he had
heard at the ian and that between the
short man AID the woman 1T the cabin,
had fully convinced him of the fact.
What was he TO do in the natter How
was he to prevent the successful carry
ing out of the siiillful)y laid plan of the
cousplraturs? lie felt sure that the
scAeming two whom he had left at tho
cabin would proceed to Fort Scott %
soon rs possible, and would Ioso no time
il putting their evil designs iu;o effect.
The thought of returning home to
consult with his parents about the uat-
ter presented itself, but after CO ,er-
ing the condition Of affairs TIL nd
the danger that ms presence hit
bring to himself as well Is his r.. Is,
he decided to adopt soma other p.,l OF
action.
81 know what I'll do" he mutterel at
last, In go directly to Fort Scott and
inform the authorities Of what have
heard and see what can DO done in tie
matter"
Dams knowledge of the law was very
limited, but he WAS fAIli!lar with tho
plan adopted by those with WHOM he
had to deal, and no felt confident Of his
ability to defeat their designs, could Lee
only reach Fort Scott before 1t was LOO
late.
But the worst part Of the whole
business" continued Dal, lis tn. fact
that they now know that thelr b. ia
discovered and they VIII not fail lsh
the business through with Tie st
dispatch possible. Bat it ma, nat
they VIII remain here with tnC ! on
Of rec&pturing ne-whlCh would iot-
less he the best plan they could o.2p5;
for 10y keeping a close watch III. l tco
prairie along both sides Of the Stream
they might be successful II their unuer-
tGaiAg
The more Dam studied over the mat
ter the greater was MS anNleoy is 10
what would be the outcome or II all.
Any attempt to leave his hiding place
might result in again placing hlsn N the
power OF the outlaws, and ms heart Al
most sank within him as ho reflected
upon his trying situation.
But there was no,hius to be done now
but wait for night. and then trust to the
chance of escaping the enemy unGer
cover Of darkness.
A half hour passed and then Dan heard
the sound of hurried footsteps advance
rg from up the stream. Clutching Jhe
revolver in his hand, he crOuched low IN
the weeds, his heart beating IN Wild
t1,uult Soma prNa XUuS apDrOaplln