The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-03-07
CHAPTER ".


at the ranch.
CHAPTER ~.
And now, with such confirmation of
the truth of the story of an Apache
raid, the paymaster thought it only
right to release Moreno from the duress
in which Sergeant Feeny had placed
him. When so old an inhabitant of Ar
iona as Mr.. Harvey gave entire Gre
dence to the report, recognized the note
as really his sons handiwork and has
tened at all speed to overtake the pur-
suers, what room for doubt could be
left in the mind of a newcomer to the
soil? It was time, thought Plummer,
to form an alliance, offensive and defen-
sive, with the Mexican denizens of the
ranch against the enemy common to
both. But again Feeny shook his head
in solemn protest.
Il may have been wrong as to the
Apaches, sir, but I can't be mistaken
as to Moreno. He's in the pay of the
! Morales brothers, even if not an active
member of the gang. He is lurking in
there now, I'll warrant you, with two
or three Of them in hiding, waiting for
the coming of the main body. They'd
"a been here before this perhaps if it
hadn't been for the Apache story.
They're more afraid of one Of Cochise's
band than of all the sheriffs from Tue
son to Tacoma. I wish the rest Of Har-
vey's people would get here, " he con-
tinued, looking longingly out into the
darkness. UNLESS they are Of better
stuff than most of these mule whackers
in the territory, you won't catch them
hustling out alone trying to find their
master this night. And yet what use
would they be to us:''
Plummer turned an1iously away and
gave himself up to thought. Nothing
but faint ,glimmer now remained of
the beacon light. Ali was still as the
grave about the lonely ranch. Walking
over to the eastward door, he entered
the dark room and was instantly hailed
by the voice Of his clerk.
You're there, are you, Dawes 90 he
asked. Not getting sleepy, I hope.
s:Not whit. major. Icouldn't, even
if hadn slept 1ilost Of the day. I'm
sitting here on the safe with q Colts six
shooter in each hand. If old Moreno's
door cracks. by gad! I'll let drive"
Well, that's all right, but suppose
they come around through the corral
to this door,
I'm ready. / came within an ace
of blazing away at you, but happened
to recognize your figure and step just
in the nick of time. -
A low whistle without broke up the
colloquy. Plulnmer waddled off in
the direction of the sound.
What is it, sergeant
They're coming. sir. Harvey's
men, | mean. Will you deliver his
message:''
Just as you say Why shouldn't
| you:''
It'll have so much moro effect from
your lips, major. They may misdoubt
me. -
Far out on the trail the quick trip
ping hoofs of mules could now be
heard. Presently horseman shot up
out of the gloom.
Halt there sang out Feeny.
Whose party's this:''
''Harvey's, Tucson. Looking for
Moreno's. Are we near;
YOU'RE there now, but you can t
stop. Mr.. Harvey wants you to come
right along after him. He has taken
the trail to the Christobal, where the
Indians have carried off his daughters. .
The man fairly reeled in his saddle,
shocked at the dreadful tidings.
When? How did it happen: Who's
gone with him.
'sSo,ne time this morning, from all
we can learn. Two squads of cavalry
are on the trail, one with Ned Harvey.
the other just out from here at dark.
The old man and George followed them
as soon as they got in. Who's with
you:
Two Mexicans, that's all. They re
no account. ia best leave them here
with the mules They're just behind
and have been scared to death already. =
And so in 10 minutes two more OF
the low caste half breed Mexicans were
added to the paylnaster,s garrison ana
Sergeant Feeny's brief exposition OF
the situation at the ranch only delayed
the incoming American long enough to
water his horse and stow little gram
in Il sack
Il wouldn't wonder a ID bit
if the Morales gang were around here, "
was his discomforting assurance. None
Of 'em have been seen about Tucson for
a week before we left. Wish could
stay and stand by you, but my first duty
is with Mr.. Harvey. I've been in his
employ nig, onto eight years.
What sort of looking man is Ned
Harvey" persisted the sergeant, still
hopeful of some fraud.
Tall. dark. smooth face-lool1s like
!, Spaniard, almost. Inever saw any
body who resembled him hereabouts