The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-03-14
ynoAT, 1893 By CHARLES KING:

.sTalk 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 tie mornings adyen-
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.
s And father has gone on the trail to
the Christobal?''
Yes, an hour ago.
.sAfter him, Leon! Ride like the
devil, even If you have to ride Al
night. Fetch him hack here as quick;
as you can. Tell him Fan and Ruth
are safe here atsMoreno's.''
In 10 minutes the Concord wagon,
with its fair freight, now trembling and
excited, was standing side by side with
the paymaster' ambulance. The weary
mules were unhitched and with thesad-
die horses led in to water. The major
and the sergeant, prompting each 9TH
er, went on with their recital Harvey
listening with attentive ear.
Tt 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 our best men into the
bargain. But to think that this old
scoundrel Moreno should be in it!
We've always suspected tho Ceralvo
set, but father has done everything for
Moreno, practically built his ranch for
hina, dug his well, set him up in bust
ness. and now he makes this rendez-
voas for thugs and assassins. By heay-
en-, Pm glad you have him trapped.
How many has he with him do you
think?''
81 don't know. only feel sure he
must have one or two, but it's thetmain
gang we have to watch answered
Feeny. They may be along any min
ute, and / thought it was them when
we heard you. -
.:Ard that's what is worrying me,
Mr.. 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 60 the last, and they can't have it
without a fight. You and your sisters
they would not molest, 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 out of here the better. -
"Ah, but, major, how about the
Apaches in the Santa Maria? We
would get there, you know, just about
daybreak.
4sBy Jupiter, I never thought OF them!
Yoa wouldn't have your guard now
that your fathers gone.
mo. We've simply got to stay here,
major. Personally I'm only too glad
10 be here to help you out. 1t cannot
be long before the troops come hurry
ing back when they find they've been
ricked. Very probably they have
found it out by this time. . Then, with
quick decision, he stepped back to the
door of the Concord. Girls! Paquita!
Ruthiet Tumble out, both of you.
We're to stay here at Moreno's to-
night . And, the paymaster aiding,
the silent, trembling sisters were lifted
from the wagon and led away into the
one guestroom-the east room-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. A bun
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