Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-03-10

entirely, was all poor Feeny couId
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 Kim back here as quick
as you can. Tell him Fan and Ruth
are safe here at Moreno's.''
In 10 minutes tho Concord wagon.
with its fair freight, now trembling and
excited. WAS standing side by side>wit
the paymaster S ambulance. The weary
mules Were unhitched and with the sad
die horses led in to water. The major
and the sergeant, prompting each 9TH
Ell, went ON with their recital, Harvey
listening with attentive ear.
1t 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 off father,
too, and four of orr best men into the
bargain. But to think that this old
scoundrel Moreno should be in it'll
We've always suspected the Ceralvo
'set, but father has done everything for
Moreno, practically built his ranch for
him, dug his well, set him up in bust
ness. and now he makes this rendez-
vous for thugs and assassins. By heav-
en-, I'm glad you have him trapped.
How many has he with him do you
Think"
Il don't know. | 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 l thought it was them when
We heard you.
and that S what is Worrying me,
Mr.. Harvey" said the MAYOR as he
drew the young man aside. ''All they
are after now, of course. is my safe full
OF money. 1t is my business to defend
it TO the last, and they cant have it
without fight. You and your sisters
ordinarily they would not modest. but
by this time they know You are here.
Very possibly they've followed closely
on your trail and may be gathering all
| around us at this moment. Let me be
| brief. The sooner you can hitch in
! those mules again, or those relay mules
rather, and get ont OF here the better. -
All, but, major, how about the
Apaches in the Santa Maria? We
would get there, you know, just about
| daybraak. =
By Jupiter, never thought of them
that your fathers gone"
NO. We've simply got to stay here,
major. Personally I'm only too glad
! to DE here to help you out. 1t cannot
be long before the troops come hurry
! ing back when they find they've been
triclIed. Very probably they have
| found it out by this time Then. with
quick decisi IL. he stepped back 20 the
door Of the Concord. Girls. Paquita
Ruthie! Tumble out, both of you.
We're to Stay here ut Ioreno's to-
night" And. the paymaster aiding,
the silent, trembling sisters were lifted
from the wagon and led away into the
! one gues.rcom-the east roon-where,
| pistol in hand, still sat Dawes On the
safe. The wraps and pillows were
! quickly passed in. The little hurricane
lamp was stood in one corner. 4 bun