The Russellville Democrat., 1893-07-13

excitement. Drummond had been the troop leader in scout after scout and in several lively skirmishes during the year gone by. There was not one of lis troopers whom he could not swear by, thought he !; but then the recollection of Bland s treachery brought his teeth together with vengeful force. He found his voice trif1e tremulous as he spoke, but bis words had the brave ring the men had learned to look for, and every one listened with bated breath.
 Our work s cut out for us here. Not more than a mile ahead now is just the worst band of scoundrels in all the West, and in their midst George Harvey's daughters. You all know him by reputation. They are in the wbite-topped wagon, and that is the one we must and shall have. Don't charge till I give the word Don't waste shot. Some of them will scatter Let them go! Wrat we want is their captives. :" With that he swung quickly into the saddle.
 Ready nowi Noi don't draw pistol till you're close in on them, and no carbines at all this time. All right. Now--steady. Keep your alignment. Take the pace from me- Forward !"
 Up the gentle slope they rode, straining their eyes for a sight 0. the hunted quarry, opening out in- stinctly from the center so that each trooper might have fighting space No squares of disciplined infantry, no opposing squadrons, no fire flashing lines were to be met and overthrown by compact and instantaneous shock Ii was tc be a melee, as each trooper we'll knew, ia which though obedient to the general plan of their leader, the httle detachment would be hurled forward at the signal, "Charge !" and then 1t would be practically case of every man for hlmself"
 II want you four fellows to stick close 10 me now," said Drummond, turning in saddle and indicating the desired set with a single gesture. "We move straight for the leading wagon See that you don't fire in- to it or near 1t "
 And these were the last instruc tions as they reached the ridge, and a hoarse murmur flew along the eager rank, a murmur that, but for Drummond's raised and restraining hand and Sergeant Lees prompt Steady there. silence p might have burst into a cheer. And then the leader shook loose bis rein, and, just touching Chester's glossy flank win the spur, bounded forward at the lope.
 Out on the sandy barren, winding among the cactus plants, the weary mule teams, with dropping heads, were tugging at the traces. Bearded men, some still with coal blackened faces, rode drowsily alongside the creaking wagons. In one of these, the foremost, an arm in blue flannel suddenly thrust aside the hanging canvas curtain, and dark, swarthy face, grooved from ear tip 10 jaw with jagged scar, appeared al the narrow opening
 "How much further have we got to go, Domiugoi"
 "Ooly across the stretch, two-- three miles, perhaps"
 "Well, 1 want to hnow exactly. The sun is getting blazing hot, and these girls can't hold out longer. Tell Pasqual l say there is more danger of his killing them with ex- haustion than there is of their mak- ing away with themselves. Say, the little one's about dead now. Here, take this canteen and get some fresher water out of the barrel under the wagon "
 The fellow hailed as D mingo leaned to the right, took the canteen strap, and then reined in his foam ing bronco.