Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-29

It s G06M, clF, muII@reQ the ser geant. Its that bloody gang, for there's no stage due tonight, and if it was Harvey's ambulance, recaptured. 'tis from the northeast it would be com ing
 "Mightn't they have missed the trail in the darkness, and having no ranch lights to guide them got lost somewhere out there3"
 Mot likely, sir. Shure, there'd be squad of the troops and half dozen old hands with 'em if it was Harvey s. This has come from the pass, and it won't be long before they'll be coming ahead. You'll need your carbine then. D-n that man Mullani Can't wake him yet?"
 Apparently not. Even the well di- rected kick only evoked groan. Tax ing a couple of carbines, Feeny returned to the major, silently handing him one of the weapons, saying, It s loaded, sir, and here's more cartridges. ''
 Then again both men listened in- tently.
 No sound now. The hammering had ceased. One, two minutes they wait
 
 clear, sharp and distinct, out from the darkness came the unmistakable crack of n whip. At the sound Feeny knelt. Click, click! went the hammer of his carbine to full cock. Another moment of breathless silence. Then the muffied sound of hoofs, the creak of wagon springs, then a voice:
 Ut can't be far away. Ride ahead and see if you can't rout somebody out
 And then Feeny's challenge again rang out on the still night air, followed instantly by muffied sound of stir and excitement in the ranch behind them.
 "Who comes there3''
 Hello! Whats that? Who's that Is that Moreno?''
 "Who comes there, say? Haiti or I'll frer'
 'For Gods sake, don't fire, manl We've got ladies here.''
 What ladies? Who are you any how? Quicki''
 George HarSey's daughters of Tue son. I'm his son.
 "God be praised!'' shouted Feeny, springing to his feet and rushing for ward. Are they all lsafe-unharmed? Where did you overtake them? ?"
 "Overtake whom? What in blazes are you talking about?" queried tall, slender fellow, bending down from his saddle. Who are you:'
 Sergeant Feeny of the cavalry, and here's the major just back of me. -
 Major who:"
 Major Plummer-him you was talk ing with this morning when you came for help answered Feeny, his voice tremulous with excitement. Already he was beginning to see light.
 "Why, I've never seen Major Plum mer nor any other major today. The only troops I met were Sergeant Wing and his guard at the pass just after nightfall. Have you met the Apaches You saw the signal of course. Signal, yes, but devil an Apache. Tell me now, wasn't it you was here at Moreno's this morning begging for from the Glla: Wasn't it you sent the dians?" And as was the case when ever excited, Feeny's grammar ran to seed.
 Not bit of it. My sisters are here, safe and sound. We'd have been here an hour ago but for slipping tire. Is father here:"
 Talk to him, major. I'm done up entirely" was all poor Feeny could say, as between relief, rejoicing and the inestimable comfort of finding he was right in his theories, after all, he drop ped his carbine, threw himself upon the soft, sandy ground and fairly rolled over and over in his excitement and emotion.
 What wondering eyes, what startled ears were at the wagon doorway as, in his ponderous manner, the. major en- deavored to tell of the mornings adven- ture and the counterfeit presentment. of the Ned Harvey now before him. Long before he could finish the thoughtful son begged an instant's interruption.
 And father has gone on the trail to the Christobal:''
 "Yes, an hour ago"
 After him, Leon! Ride like the devil, even if you have to ride all night. Fetch him back here as quick as you can. Tell him Fan and Ruth arc safe here st Moreno's.
 In 10 minutes the Concord wagon. with its fair freight. now trembling and excited. was standing side by side with the paymaster's ambulance. The weary mules were unhitched and with the sad dle horses led in to water. The major and the sergeant, prompting each oth- CT, went on with their recital, Harvey listening with attentive ear.
 Ut is one of the most perfect plants they ever put up," he burst in, grind ing his teeth in wrath. "Of course they knew of fathers movements and of mine. They know everything. They knew we were to meet here probably. They felt assured you knew nothing of it at all. They have used our supposed peril to draw away your guard. They have succeeded even better than they planned, for they have drawn of father, too, and four of our best men into the bargain. But to think that this old scoundrel Moreno should be in it! We've always suspected the Ceralvo set, but father has done everything for Moreno, practically built his ranch for him, dug his we'll, set him up in busi- ness, and now he makes this a render vous for thugs and assassins. By heav- en, I'm glad you have him trapped How many has he with him do you think:''
 II don't know. I only feel sure he must have one or two, but it's the main gang we have to watch" answered Feeny. They may be along any min. ute, and thought it was them when we heard yous''
 And that's what is worrying me, Mir. Harvey" said the major as he drew the young man aside. ''All they are after now. of course, is my safe full of money. It is my business to defend it to the last, and they can't have il without fight. You and your sisters ordinarily they would not molest, but &s.... &1.... l-.,,,w, ..,o, |.