The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1899-01-05


lifted out two heavy valises. A little deep
er he found the object of his pursuit
"I'm all right" Minton gasped Hurry
up and let's get away
mo hurry" Willard said. I've spent
a week watchin for you. I've a warrant
for your arrest
A revolver flashed, and the bullet whiz-
zed close to Wizards head
"Curso you!" cried Bill, throwing him.
self upon Minton Il ought to kill you"
and, wrcnching the weapon away, he
threw it far out into the snow
"Now''- he began.
CHANGING up, Willard saw another spe-
cial agent dismounting from a winded
horse.
II don't know what you re up to, said
the newcomer, but I'm after that man
Minton. | have warrant for his arrest,
on either side of tho line He robbed a
bank last week and ought to have the loot
with him.
This hero amt the first time you've
tried to play my hand for me" growled
Bill, ''but you re q little late my friend.
Pm in the catchin business myself and
I've already annexed Minton; likewise the
loot. That reward will be mine"
The agent made quick grab for his
gun, but by the time he had drawn a bead
on Wizards bead he was looking into the
barrel of that individuals weapon.
Hands up!' cried Willard. IN flreW
Hands up yourself, was the retort,
or II blow your head OFF,
Suddenly Minton jumped up and start
ed to run fer cover, but neither of the
agents moved a muscle, although their
prize was escaping.
! Grinncl chuckled weakly. "Reckon they'll
| spend New Years standin there a-pintin
! at ore another
A few moments later one Of the Cana
dian mounted police rode out from the
! fringe of timber and drew near. Directly
in front of him marched Minton.
In the queens name, don't anybody
shoot anybodyl'' he shouted as soon as the
strange spectacle caught his eye.
Willard and his antagonist lowered their
weapons and turned to the new arrival.
/ Here's CO." laughed the policeman.
who's it: What are you after-opium:"
| And he glanced from the two casks to the
notorious smuggler
! Opium ana bank robbcr," Willard
! replied.
/ If it's Minton, l want him myself, !"
/ said the policeman.
/ "YCu've go5 him." Willard announced.
/ Il heard sh2oting.' continued the po-
liccman, and then l saw this man run
/ ming. 1t looked suspicious, SO l called a
halt on him Well, he's my prisoner,
guess -
Guess again, Bill remarked. What
/ are you doin on this side of the line any
how: He's mine.
Not while I'm here he ain t. declared
the other secret service agent. He goes
back with ne But woll all freeze to
death if we stay here any longer. Let's go
back to Bottinear. There's Il justice there
and Jail
After n few moro words the party got
under way Pop Grinnel and Minton be-
strobe the only horse that had survived
the collision. The Canadian policeman
took up the body of the sInuggler and laid
him across his saddle bow. Willard and
the other special agent followed, keeping
awatchful eye on each Others mo-ments
The justice of Bottineau was s, efng the
old year out in company with his pipe and
several BEETLES. During the latter part of
this time honored ceremony he fell asleep.
Three hours Of the new year had stolen
past without greeting, when he was rude
ly awakened by the heavy stamping of a
number Of men in his little office.