Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1899-07-07


lake them guns away from 'em, an
see they hain't got none out err sight"
His was done. and he added:
Here. Rider, tie EN- up. hand an
foot. Yon ought ter be HANDY at max.
in knots that won't slip, seem as yer
q sailor"
rope which had evidently been pre-
pared for the occasion was produced
ard cut into requisite lengths, after
which Rider bound both prisoners Sc
curely and rolled them helpless into
The corner of the hut, completing his
work by tying pieces of blanket over
their mouths in such way that while
they could breathe they could not give
an alarm if so disposed.
All this was accomplished much
quicker than it takes to tell it, and in
less than five minutes from the lime
Tom and his friend crossed the thresh-
old of the hut they were bound and
helpless prisoners, while Hank Bowers
and his two partners were congratulate
Ing themselves on the outside at the
complete success of their scheme.
1t was now so dark that they knew
the party must camp for the night
where it was. That search would be
made soon for the missing men was
more than probable, and. after short
consultation, they concealed them
selves near the hut and waited.
Deeper and deeper fell the shadows,
until at length they were forced to the
conclusion that the miners had taken
the alarm.
"I'll try again." said Turner, at last.
ut won't do to hev them suspectin' any
thin has happened ter them chaps. I'll
go out ter where they are an say the
two young fellows know ther sick man
an is goin' ter stay by him ternight.
Then Ill allow it's too dark ter fin my
way back ter the hut, or Their amt room
fer SO many in 1t. jest as 1t gets light
ennff ter see you an Rider kin come
down on us an hold the gang up with
yer guns. III git behind 'em. an we've
got EN- then"
Good" whispered Bowers, admir-
ingly. That's great scheme!"
And it was. When. Turner appeared
at the camp and told his story no one
had any suspicion that it was false.
The men were all familiar with Toms
story, and 1t did not seem unnatural
that he should be charitable enough to
remain by dying man, even though it
was an enemy. The tents had been
pitched, cheerful fire built near by,
and Clara Avery was tripping lightly
about to prepare the evening meal,
while the men attended to the horses
and their precious burdens.
If there had been any uneasiness in
the minds of Toms friends it would
have been dispelled when the stranger
said, carelessly:
Say, pards, there amt room enough
In the shanty for four of us, an if yer
don't mind I'll jest stay here with yer
ter-night."
You're welcome" said Tarbox,
heartily. There's room in my tent and
q spare blanket. too. Turn in with
US now and have some supper"
When the meal was over the men set
tied down by the fire. Turner produced
an old cherrywood pipe and lighted It,,
while Tarbox threw on an. armful of
sticks and made cheerful blaze. They
talked of mining, and made no secret of
the fact that they had struck rich
spot and were returning with their
gold, while Turner protested intense
curiosity to know the spot in order that
he might hasten there as soon as he
was relieved of his present care in the
shape of the sick man.
When the pipes were empty he ac-
cepted Tarbox's offer and was soon ap-
parently asleep. an example which was
followed by all but Taylor, who took
the first watch.
He was relieved by Tarbox, who in
turn aroused Avery. but the night
passed off without incident until dawn.
TarboN and Taylor were sound asleep
In the tent with the stranger, who now
raised himself quietly on his elbow and
listened.
The two men were breathing heavily,
and mingled with their respirations
came the twittering Of bird outside.
Carefully lifting the edge of the tent,
he peered outside.
Yes. daylight was coming. First
came a little motion of the air which
had been still before. Then from a
bush near by was heard the chirp of
bird. The outlines of the forest be-
gan to be distinguishable where masses
had been.
1t was time to act. First he rolled up
the tent flap to provide retreat, then
with stealthy hand he removed the
weapons from the belts of the sleepers
and stole outside with them.
just then thin red streak appeared
in the sky, and Avery, who had been
leaning against a tree near by, came
toward him, saying:
you are up early?"
Yes replied Turner. I'm goin' ter
see how the poor Teller is get,in' on
But Avery caught sight Of the weap-
ons in his hands and his suspicious were
at once aroused.
"What are you doing with those re.
volvers?" he demanded. stepping To-
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