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

come an see II sumthin' can't be did
fer him? He's in bad way"
Taylor looked hard at the stranger.
He was apparently about 40 years old,
rather tall, scar across his thin nose,
which made his eyes seem close to-
gether. 1t was not face to inspire
confidence, but Dick Taylor had not the
slightest suspicion Of danger as he
asked:
| "Who Is the man and where did he
come from? What's the matter with
him?"
Hes sailor sort Of chap an his
horse throwed him, he says. Then his
pardner skipped off an left him ter kick
Their bucket alone"
| AS the man spoke Tay lor sud denly re-
membered his face.
Didn't meet you not long ago on
this trail?" he demanded.
With well-assumed air of surprise
the man drew nearer and stared at him
9 moment, then exclaimed;
fright yer are, stranger! Yer was
boun' fer Dyea afoot an was comm
this way. Didn't know yer at first. Yes
I got long here an found this Teller
most dead. knocked up sort Of q
shanty in the bush an got him into It.
but he's dyin' sure's yer born"
whats his name?" asked Avery,
"and who is he?"
"says his names Rider. Obed-"
"Obed Rider!" cried Tom and the
second mate, simultaneously.
That's 1t! Dyer know him?" asked
the stranger, looking at them with we'll
feigned surprise.
1.-THE scoundrell" cried Tom, jumping
from his horse. Come, Green, let's go
and see If 1t is really him!"
But Avery spoke up at this point and
said:
Hold on. boysl Don't go rushing of,
like that! don't take much stock in
this story. Suppose 1t Is some sort Of
trap? Remember what we are taking
with u.s."
TITS all right, boss" urged the new
conner. you needn't be scared O. one
man. This Rider begged me ter stay
with him an hadn't ther heart ter
leave him. wouldn't leave dog ter
| die in the bush alone. II yer don't want
ter come, all right. but hoped yer was
men enuff fer that. I'm goin' back ter
him. He may be dead by this time"
"Whers does -FOUR man say he's
/ from3" demanded Tom. his anger melt
ing away as he thought Of his enemy
dying miserably by himself In this will
derness.
"He says he's from Dyea. He had a
pardner named Buffers or some such
name. He's out OF his head sometimes
an goes on bout q lot O. gold an how
some ones go!n' ter git held up an sech
nonsense. Then he's got some papers
an all he thinks about when he sees 'em
Is some gold mine an chap named
Scott"
THAT settles III" cried Tom. Come
on. Green. We'll Co."
Without waiting to hear an other word
the man turned on hi. heel and led the
way among the stunted pines from
whence he had emerged. Tom and
Green followed him and the rest dis
mounted to await their return.
A short walk through the scattering
trees brought the three men to the close
columns OF the main forest, and soon
Tom saw what appeared to be con-
armation Of the mans story, for in
little opening toward which they were
directing their steps he could distin-
guish the outlines OF hut.
This is the place" said the guide, as
they reached the entrance. Come In"
Tom was right at his heels and fol-
lowed him without hesitation. 1t was
now growing dark, and at first he could
not distinguish objects distinctly, but
gradually he became accustomed to the
semi-light and saw mans form
stretched on the ground In one corner
Of the interior, while deep groan came
from the spot.
Hank Bowers had altered bis plans
Aomewhatsin first outlining them, for
. faint voice said:
"Who is 1t, Turner"
There was no mistaking the voice.
Both Tom and the second mate recog-
nized 1t instantly as belonging to the
mate Of the Seabird. Tom stepped
quickly to his side and bent over him,
saying:
"It's Tom Scott. the man you robbed
and nearly killed"
TON Scott"
Rider seemed to raise himself on his
elbow by great effor. and whispered:
Thank heaven! Here! Take the pa
pers I stole! didn't hit you! 1t was
some one else. I did rob you, though
Here, take them an say yer forgive
mel"
| Without any suspicion OF danger Tom
bent compassionately over the form Of
the recumbent man to take the papers,
when he felt his pistol slip from his belt.
A hand had withdrawn 1t from behind.
Il was the hand Of the guide.
Tom Strengthened up and turned
sharply to find the muzzle Of a revolver
within an inch OF his face. while at the
same instant Hank Bowers appeared In
the doorway and covered the second
mate with weapon, saying sharply:
I Hands up! If yer move, yer dead
men!"
1t is needless to say that both Tom
and Green did as they were bid. twas
madness to attempt resistance. for not
only was there something In the mans
tone that showed he was in earnest, but
third reason presented itself in the
shape OF q weapon In the hand Of Rider,
whose face wore an expression of devil
ish triumph at seeing Toms pale face.
What do you want of us2" demand
ed Green, who was the first to find his
tongue.
I'VE want you," was the prompt re-