Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1892-03-10
ern horizon, and darkness would 500

at hand. From WnaC ne Hau overheard
from the outlaws Dan knew that men
would be stationed on the prairie on
each side of the creek to watch for him,
and he was determined to use the knowl-
edge to his advantage.
AS soon as it was fairly dark he left
his place of concealment and stole
cautiously down the stream. 1t was his
purpose to travel several miles in this
direction before leaving the shadows of
the woods By adopting this course he
hoped to evade the outlaws who, he felt
convinced, were keeping close watch
upon the prairie at all points near the
road leading to Scott
After travelling II quarter of a mile he
reached the road, and after assuring
| himself that none of the outlaws We're in
the vicinity he stole across to the timber
beyond AID made his way down the
stream as rapidly as possible, using the
| greatest caution as he proceeded.
He travelled fully three miles after
crossing the road before he ventured to
leave the shadows of the timber. Then
turning in northerly course he struck
out at a brisk walk across the prairie.
For nearly an hour he travelled steadily
northward; then turning to the left he
began to make his way toward the Mil
! itary road. Upon reaching this it was
his purpose to proceed directly to Fort
/ Scott, where he would endeavor to frus-
trate the plans of the willy Dill and his
co-conspirators.
! He might have continued his course to
ia fCrt wit 70 hI,
keeping away from the road, but he
wished, if possible, to meet the pay
master and his escort, that he might
give warning of the intended robbery at
Drywood.
On reaching the road he found the
travelling much less fatiguing than wad-
ing through the high grass. and he was
enabled to proceed at more rapid pace.
He had travelled three miles, perhaps,
when he caught the sound Of approach
ing hoofs in the roMa chead.
Not knowing who the corners might
be, Dan hastily withdrew from the road
and concealed himself i'll the high grass.
Presently four mounted men, riding
at a brisk trot, came into sight. They
were dressed il uniform. and the CLEAN
Of their bright buttons shone in the star
light.
It's the p0ymasters advance guard"
exclaimed Dan Ioyfully. rs he rose up
and hastily approached the road.
HALT! came the sharp command as
the youth advanced. "Who comes there
| Dan stopped abruptly, startled by the
/ sudden challenge. The horsemen had
come to a halt, and sat upon their horses,
their bright weapons visible through the
gloom,
ut is Dan Riggsby," faltered the
youth, Il would like to see the paymas-
ter. Is this part Of his guard"
Gone forward and let us see you,"
commanded one Of the men, and Dan
hastily oheyed.
"What business can you have with
the paynastcr, and how do you know
that he is 10 pass along this road:" ques-
toned one Of the men, eying the youth
| keeuly.
Dan hesitatcd. He was not sure the
mcu before him were what he had sup
posed them to he. He did not wish to
make any mistake.
IF you please said Dan, 81 would
rather wait until the paymaster arrives
before make my business known"
VERY we'll; we'll remain here till the
main body arrives"
In a short time the tramp Of hoofs and
the sound Of wheels could he heard up
the road, then line OF mounted men
appeared in sight.
AT a signal from the man who had
been cOnvcrsng with Dan the moving
column Of troops came to halt.
"What is it," asked one who appeared
to be an officer, squirting his horse for
ward to where the five were stopped III
the road.
Here is a boy that wishes TO see the
paymaster on important business" WAS
the answer.
That is rather strange" was the
comment Has lie mace his business
known
No; he says he prefers to wait till
he can sec the paymaster, lieutenant"
"Well, bring him back to the alnbu-
lance" replied the officer in an impa-
tient tone He must be brief in what
he has to say"
The officer wheeled his horse and rode
back along the line as he spoke, fol-
lowed by Dan and the four mon COM
posing the advance guard.
AS Dan made his way along the line
he noticed that there were about thirty
men in the company. They were
formed in line by twos, and near the
confer of the column stood the ambu-
lance to which were hitched four mules.
A man got out Of the vehicle as Dan
and his approached.
What's up, lieutenant" he asked.
"Uere's young man that wishes to
see you," replied the officer as Dan was
ushered forward into the paymaster's
presence, He was very particular and
refused to make his business known till
he saw you
II only wished to be sure that this was
the paymaster and his guard before
spoke, said Dan, advancing and address
ing that individual.
"Wcll, am ready to hear what you