Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1895-08-23

when an ominous galloping began to re-
sound in the tops of the fringe ol Vr0o0
beside them.
AS they listened, this galloping grew
louder, indicating tho approach OF INC
unseen riders. :.
"Our fight has been discover cd IL
seems" exclaimed Perry. "The enemy
is coming!"
The announcement was like new
lease of life to Sam Gaddler, who uG'
tered an awful vel, with view to tell
ing his followers whore he was ana re-
vealing his situation.
"This way, ALL" he shouted, with the
fury of demon. "Savc mel"
Perry's band flew to his revolver, ana
his eyes blazed with fury, as he r, al ca
what his pr soner was doing, but he dld
not shoot him, as had been his ilrst I'M
pulse. Instead, he gave him blow on
the head that left him temporarily se-se-
less
aAnd now to get out of thiS!" he ex-
claimed. springing to his former seat on
the box. "Lct them go, Charley, Tor
what they are WORTH It's d, or die"
In another moment the carriage had
pulled up the bank, gaining the level O
tho prairie, and thus emerging into full
view of the pu suers, who greeted 1t
with vells of the W lde tire. oicing.
"There arc about dozen of them, ="
muttered Baker, plying his whip. "At
their head is that chap who re ognlz2d
me as | descended the stairs with MIS-
Cotter."
"Thcy're we'll mounted, of course, re-
turned Perry. regarding the approach
| ing borsemen with critical eye. but
they'll not find US so easy p1ey as they
imagine"
No one could hope, Of cou Sc, that tho
carriage could distance the fleet-footed
horses of the pursuors, but the prairie
presented a wei defined descent as far
as the evo could reach, and err knew
chat the chase would not end with the
Grst mile or tie second lie fet, too,
that he could sell his life dearly with
.he aid of the three rifles which lay IN
the carriage behind him.
"Pass them up here, please, he SAID
with a gesture to Mrs Cotter, while
Baker gave all his attention to getting
the carriage under full headway, "ano
have no fear. The form of adder Is
between us and his people, and theyl
take good care not to send too many
bullets in this direction until they are
near US
At what wild gallop the horses were
now going, with the favor OF their dowr
grade, can lie imag ne !.
"Of course we are handicapped,
grow,ed Baker, after another glance a
the pursuers, "but their horses are NJ
fresher than ours"
The situation was now as clearly DC
fined as anything could be, the carrlag
6ving with all the speed OF which tn
five horses attached to it were capable
even undor the spur of their wild excite
ment, and the pursuers rending the al
with their cries as they came on like
laundering tempest.
They're gaining. at length an
nounced Elfe, when there could De d
longer any doubt of the fact, "but no
very rapidly"
Noddng assent, Perry looked to hi
rife. while Baker pied his whip wit
removed vigOr, at the same time en-
couragng his horses with his vol j
such a way as to bring out their bes
: gait
Onward Onward!
{ A mile had already been traversed a
, this break neck sTe1d and the mai
| group of the pursuerS had gained sea- &C
, ly ten rods upon the fugitiyeS, although
| like Ferry and Baker they were gettin
, all they cou out of their horses.
But there were two of them who ha
> taken the advance consid rably of thei
{ fellows-the tall, formidable ruflian wit
whom Baker bad dealt so promptly an
/ a wiry little half br ed.
Nearer and nearer came the couple
S as the wild flight was continued, and
length they proceeded to get their II &
in readiness for action.
I "They mean mischief" recognize
@ Perry. facing around on his seat, wh.c
v was Of course elevated above the body
d the vehicle. at will lie luck, howcye
rather than skill if any harm is done q
+. either S d. until they are nearer or OF
pace Is moderated"
O A shot came from the half-breed
t this moment, whistling near the fng
g tjyes. but its only effect was to quicke
: the speed of the horses.
| "Pll give them response" erie
Perry.
!, The report of his rife succeeded al
l. q cry of Joy escaped him. Fortune hf
G favored him. and the ia |, tormidab
pursuc1 in the lead, who was evident
q the head of the whole gang, ha tumble
/, from his saddle.
d "Good" muttcred Baker. awe ha'
IS made beginning
l. lTO BE CONTINUED