The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1899-12-15

down on us an hold the gang up with
yer guns. I'll git behind 'em, an we've
got 'em 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 it did not seem unnatural
that he should be charita BILE enough to
remain by dying man, even though it
was an enemy. The tents had been
pitched, a 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 III jest stay here with yer
ter-night."
You're welcome" said Tarbox,
heartily. There room in my tent and
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 a rich
spot and were returning with their
gold, while Turner professed intense
curiosity to know the spot in order that
was relieved of his present care in the
shape of the sick man.
When the pipes were empty he ac-
copied TarboX's offer and was soon APP
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.
TarbOX 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
li+41o Of ~, io,
had been still before. Then from a
bush near by was heard the chirp of
4 bird. The outlines of the forest be
gan to be distirguishable 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 feller is gettin' 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-
ward the other quickly and laying his
hand on the butt Of his own weapon
Before Turner had time to reply
Hank Bowers and Obed Rider sprang
from behind neigh boring tree with a
weapon in each hand. The former
shouted:
Hands up!"
Avery obeyed instantly and Rider al
once disarmed him.
Turner sprang to the tent occupied
by the capitalist and before the latter
was fairly awake he was disarmed and
helpless.
The first shout had awakened TarboN
and Taylor, but without weapons they
could make no resistance, and in les:
| than two minutes from the first sOpnC
| the four men were seated on the
| ground. their feet secured with a rope
| while Clara Avery was bundled I'm
tremendously into one of the tents ant
roughly ordered to stay there.
To attempt to describe the feelings O.
| the prisoners would be a hard task
They were like men stunned. The
whole thing had been accomplished 81
suddenly that they could hardly realize
| it was not some fantastic dream.
| Bowers and Turner wasted no time
After satisfying themselves that tn,
four men were securely fastened the!
began at once to pack the gold on three
of the horses. In response to an orde-
from Bowers, Obed Rider disappeared
in the woods, but soon returned will
Tom and the second mate, their fee
having been released and the gag
taken from their faces.
Bidding Rider stand guard over tn
! party, Bowers gave his whole attention
10 his own work, and in half an hou
the gold was strapped on the backs o
three horses, three more were saddlet
for the robbers. while the remainin!
pair was used to carry supply of foo
| and a tent.
J.