The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1899-07-21
Icopyrlrht ,eos. by S. S. MecIut..l

racket. Chuck them clothes on that
hoss, an let's light out. We've got ter
git big start on EN-. anyhow faint
likely they'll start to-day
81 don't see how they got here" said
Rider, as they started off through the
tents, leading their horses. 81 took
every cent he had, and don't believe
the second mate had much"
"Wall, they're here. replied his com
panion, philosophically "an' Of course
they're bound for that mine. He's
raised the stuff somehow. We've rot
ter git thar first"
Half an hour later they had left Pyra-
mid harbor behind them. and were rid
ing along the trail as fast as they could
urge the pack horses while Tom and
Green were discussing their rude break
fast, i'm hissful ignorance Of how mar
rcWiy they had missed the man who
they fully believed TO have already
reached the writer of the lost letter
Although they were eager to he Off at
once, il was impossible to start till the
horses had fully recovered from the sel
voyage. Tney were too valuable to tai e
any chances with and one of them was
slightly lame from fall in his cramped
quarters on the steamer. TO replace an
animal was also impossible. for fabu-
lous prices were being offered for any
thing that could by any possibility bear
burden.
Then again, il was necessary to make
careful search about the camp TO see
II the man TarboX, mentioned in the
letter, had arrived yet If they could
find him all would be plain sailing, and
he could pilot them back. There was
also chance that the dead miners
brother might be even then on the spot
But they found IT a difficult task TO
get any information. The population
OF the camp was changing daily. No
one paused longer than was absolute
y necessary, and each was too busy
with his own affairs to take notice of
others.
Besides this, they were obliged TO
avoid giving many details which might
perhaps have helped them, and at the
close Of the second day Tom said, as
they sat in front Of their tent, smok-
ing:
ITS no use, Green. We might as well
be off and trust to luck. We can't ask
what we want to know without arous-
ing suspicion and we'd better give ii up.
The horses seem TO be in pretty good
shape now and ! move we start off in
the morning
Before A!S friend had time to reply
woman's voice sounded clear and dis
| tinct through the darkness;
Help! Help!"
The two men sprang TO their feet.
| Tom was a little in advance as they
| dashed of in the direction of the cries
and was first to arrive at little open
ling. where red-shirted figure was
holding a struggling form in his arms.
As he was nearly within striking dis
lance the female managed to free her
self, but instead of running away she
dealt the man a resounding slap on the
cheek and painted:
you big brute! Nou-you-"
What she would have added was lost.
for the ruilian, maddened by the sting
ing blow, raised his hand TO strike her
| lie was 100 lalc, however boT just u~
his fist was raised Tom dealt him n
J straight right-hauder that stretched
him on the ground at full length.
He made an effort and scrambled to
his feet. l.t it was apparent that he
was half dazed by the blow and the
liquor he had been drinking. He at
tempted to d. nw revolver from his
belt but by this time he was surround
ed bv angry men who had been at
tracteL to the spot by the outcry.
He was seized by dozen pairs of
hands and his weapons removed. At
first he ATTEMPTED TO struggle. but the
muzzle Of a revolver pressed close 20
his temple ard few cries of Lynch
.,m!" completely sobered him. ana he
NOW lacked fearfullv abou, him nj The
stern faces which bcset him or every
side.
"Wbat'u we do with him. bovsP'
shouted n broad-shouldercd giant who