The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1894-02-01
COPYRIGHT, 1898 BY CHARLES KING.

note saying they was run off by In
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?''
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 ChrlStODal!
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
are safe here at Moreno's.''
In 10 minutes the Concord wagon,
with it's fair freight, now trembling and
excited, was standing side by side with
the paymaster's 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
e1, 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 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 brlsi-
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. 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 you.
"And 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 to the last, and they can't have it
without fight. You and your sisters
ordinarily 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.
"By Jupiter, I never thought of them! {!
You 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
to be here to help you out. 1t cannot
be long before the troops come hurry
ing back when they find they've been
tricked. Very probably they have
found it out by this time" Then, with
quick decision. he stepped back to the
door of the Concord "Girlsl Paquital
Ruthiel 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. bum
die of cavalry blankets, left behind by
the detachment when it took the trail.
was spread out upon the earthen floor.
The safe was hauled into the empty
barroom, and bidding his sisters lie
down and fear nothing, assuring them
OF, their perfect safety there and urging
them to sleep all they could against
their moveat dawn, Edward Harvey,
looking we'll to his arms and bidding