The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-07-06

After satisfying themselves that the
four men We're securely fastened they
began at once to pack the gold on three
of the horses. In response to an order
from Bowers, Obed Rider disappeared
in the woods, but soon returned with
Tom and the second mate, their feet
having been released and the gags
taken from their faces. q,
Bidding Rider stand guard over the
party, Bowers gave his whole attention
to his own work, and in half an hour
the gold was strapped on the backs of
three horses, three more were saddled
for the robbers, while the remaining
pair was used to carry supply of food
and tent. II.
Realizing the uselessness of words,
our friends watched these prepara-
tions in dismay. They we'll knew that
the thieves could reach Dyea and
take steamer before their crime was
known, for without horses pursuit
would be hopeless.
When he had packed all he desired to
carry, Hank Bowers walked up to his
prisoners and sneered:
"Ier had the fust laff on me, but it's
my turn now, an rather guess I've got
Their best end of it, hey?"
Seeing that they scorned to reply, he
went on:
We're off to Dyea. By Their time yer
git thar We'll be some ways off on Their
water. I don't need all this grub, an
I'll leave yer plenty ter last yer ter
Dyea yerselves> That's fair, amt it Z?
Yer won't need eny guns. This trail is
safe enuff, an there's no sech thing as
holdups hereabouts.''
Avery could restrain himself no
longer.
you dirty thief" he exclaimed. II
wish I had put bullet into your head
the night you sneaked into our cave!"
II dare say" was the hooking re-
Spouse as Bowers turned away, ''but
yer were too big fool! Iwish yer all
better luck next time yer strike it rich.
Come on, boys, let's strike out for Dyea.
I'm in hurry to blow in some O. this
DUST
The three men mounted their stolen
horses without further delay and hur-
ried away, leading the animals on
whose backs were the fortunes of our,
friends.
Five minutes later they had disap-
peared in the direction of Dyea, and the
despoiled men were being freed by
Clara Avery and sharp knife.
Tarbox's first act was to spring to his
feet, exclaiming:
Stay here until come back! Iwon't
be long,"
AS he spoke he dashed off in the same
direction taken by the robbers. Half an
hour later he returned with his face
working strangely.
II thought sol" he cried as the others
clustered about him. ''It was all bluff
about goingSto Dyea! I smelt a rat as
soon as thatcuss told US. It would be
too easy tqtrace them from there, and
they knowtit they said it to get us to
go to Dyea while they made tracks for
Dawson andWent round the other way
to Seattle. ESSI saw them leave the trail
and strike off to the right
"Where will they strike the trail
again." asked Tom, eagerly.
They'll come right back here as soon
as we have had time to get out of the
way" was the confident reply. 'They
may think they can circle round US, but
know this trail too well. They'll find
that out after awhile and then they'll
come back this way, thinking we're
gone. It'll, take 'em all day to do all
this, and I wouldn't be afraid to bet
that they camp here tonight. At any
rate, if they went to Dyea they would
stick to the trail. You'll find I am
right"
Suppose we stay right here?" asked.
Tom.
''Stay here?"
Eyes. Look here, there are only three
Of them. Clara has got revolver they
didn't know about. There's another in
the hut where they caught me. don't
know whether it's loaded or not. I saw
it as we were coming out. Why not
hide here to-day and if those men come
back and camp here tonight, as Tarbox
says they will, it's a pity if we can't
give them dose Of their own medi-
cine!"
I'm with you'll" cried Tarbox. tits
b famous plan! They will never for
minute suspect such thing!"
Count me in, tool" said Green, and
the others were equally as eager when
they understood the proposition.
Tom made his way at once to the hut
and secured. the revolver he had seen
there. It was not loaded, but he placed
1t in his belt, hoping to find some cart
ridges at the camp to fitit.
eve might as we'll have a bite to
eat,' said the capitalist, whose name
was Seymour. II haven't lost much.
and confess that am hungry. Miss
Avery, do you suppose you could give
us a cup of coffee?"
There were plenty Of provisions to be
had, and, in spite of their misfortunes,
they all ate a hearty breakfast, and felt
the better for it. When they had fin
ished, Tarbox said:
Now we must get out of sight and
keep watch on the trail. have no
idea they'll be along before late this
afternoon, but we'll take no chances.