The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1894-08-22

in an hour or so.''
They advanced to meet the group OF
mon, who, still far off, threw cut empty
hands and shook their heads discourag-
lnyiy.
why didn't ye bring him along?"
shouted Jarrett, grinning.
But the men were worn out with their
long tramp over the hills. Tired and sleepy,
their sense of humor could not be counted
upon. One of them answered Jarretts
question with gesture-lips pursed, eye
brows raised and palms turned upward.
Another gave an inappreciative grunt as
he passed on toward the prison. The third
stopped just long enough to deliver his
message.
Say, Jarrett, warden says you're to
Join him at the lower end Of Piute canyon.
You're to bring two guards with you and
to starts soon's Mr.. Franks comes back
from town to take charge
''That'n be in half an hour. All right.
He nodded to the man, who passed on
YEARLY. Now he continued, turning
to Paddock, do you really want to Gomez"
"Do Ip'
"We'l take little lunch in a big hur-
ry, get our guns-I'll show you that new
one-and start.
The sun was setting when they reached
Piute canyon. They had seen no trace Of
the warden's camp, but as they began the
ascent of the ravine man came out to
meet them. Paddock's heart beat madly.
His desire for excitement and peril was
curiously confused with natural sympathy
for the under man In the fight. But the
stranger proved to be a guard, stationed
there to direct the re-enforcements farther
up the canyon, whittier clew had guided
the warden and his party. So they pressed
on, leaving their horses in the mans care
at the foot of the ridge, for the sides of
the mountain sloped steeply. Converse
ton became difficult as they climbed, and
they toiled on in silence till they had
reached the summit and found the party.
We've got him this time" were the
white haired warden s first words, his fine,
benevolent face glowing in triumph. "He
camped on this very spot last night. Burns
and Davis are out now. If they don't find
him, you and I'll do the business, Jar
rett.' He threw back his handsome head,
smiling pleasantly.
They threw themselves upon the ground
to rest, and the warden began to give to
the reporter the particulars of the escape.
He was interrupted by the arrival of the
two guards. They had found nothing.
'sWell, Jarrett, you, Wilson, Bennett
and this young fellow, if he wants to, come
along with me. They took the trail up
the mountain. Well just climb over the
hill yonder. On the other side the brush
is thick, with the trail toward Hatton 8
ranch not far off. There we'll find Gran
dali if I'm not much mistaken
Soon thaV Wara ready The vUardo, "a
enthusiasm had communicated itself to
his companions. Jarrett examined his
new, long revolver lovingly, for ssCran-
dali isn't the man to go back for life with
out fight" Wilson and Bennett march
ed on grimly, watching every bush, and
Paddock followed, his brain in whirl Of
excitement. The long twilight of the
summers day had passed In the dark,
warm night they walked on softly, speak
ing only in whispers.
The young man S conflicting sentiments
had yielded by this time to the expecta-
ton, the vigilant enthusiasm of the rest Of
the party. Jarrett's rifle, which the re-
porter had taken for moment while the
former examined his pistol, he held un-
consciously now with firm grasp His
nerves were SO strained that the slightest
hOAoO CesllO w I'LL 1lhO nuOCk. WQCu
Jarrett touched him upon the shoulder to
tell him that the warden had called halt
he jumped nervously Jarrett lips curled
beneath his heavy, dark red mustache
Under cover of the darkness he did not
try to conceal the CLEAN of contempt in
his small, keen eyes.
'"We're hot on the trail, . he whispered
to Wilson. Warden, Bennett, and I'll
,<,Y, d<xxy kT,ou Ha3t l.
Paddock" had better stay here with you
while you watch. He'll do less damage
here than with us. A shot from us or
from you'll he the signal that Crandall' s
found. -
He had spoken with his mouth close to
the guards ear.
Wilson and Paddock stood in silence,
watching till the warden's party had dis
appeared. For a long time they waited,
expecting every moment to hear the sig
nal. The young mans nervous trembling
had passed away. He was eager for the
conflict. The softer sentiments had van
ished. Only the savage in him remained
and longed for battle.
After time he could no longer bear in.
action He envied the guard his sentry's
duty, which gave him the liberty of pacing
up and down. The moon was Just rising.
Rocks and bushes took queer shapes in
the dim light, and from behind any Of
them Crandall might be lurking. With a
nod to the guard, the young man turned
and climbed to the top of the hill. Far
down glimmer of light from the broad
moon tipped the shining barrel of Jar
rett's pistol, which doubtless he held cooked
in his hand. The warden and his two men
were creeping cautiously along.
Paddock stood awhile Then, rounding
turn in the twisting trail, suddenly he
came upon the murderer crouched behind
great rock, his eyes bent upon the same
CLEAN of steel that had attracted Pad
docks attention.
''Throw up your hands!" Paddock COM
manded, his young voice vibrating with
triumph. Suddenly, rememb ering Jar
rett's rifle, which he had forgotten in his
excitement, he covered the man before
him.
Surprised at this unexpected assault in
the rear, the man jumped, turned, bent
for his gun-then obeyed. The defiance
In his haggard face yielded to despairing
consciousness of defeat.
They stood thus, for a minute, the con-