Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1899-01-21

being still between me and the light,
the head and shoulders were seen sway
ing grotesquely about as he strobe
through the garden, and, as if impelled
by pCrverse fate, came i'll as direct q
line for the spot where | stood as if the
sun were shining. 1t was a good time
for me to make a change of base, but l
stood ny ground
Doubtless the army experience of Cy
Walters helped him in Outwitting his
foes at night, but it was an extraordi-
nary act, which must have been purely
accidental, that held him to a mathemat-
ically true line until he came directly
opposite me with only the paling fence
separating us.
| had the advantage, inasmuCh as the
dim light beyond gave me partial
glimpse of his gigantic figure, but his
eyes We're keen, and he saw me before
attempting to leap the obstruction be-
tween us. That keen vision, too, showed
my revolver leveled at his head.
Hands up!" l commanded in a voice
whose earnestness could not be mis-
taken.
Cy Walters was unquestiOnably a
brave man, and it is such who know
when to fight and when to surrender.
Up went both huge hands, one grasping
the Winchester, so that it was inter
posed like a rude cross against the faint
background.
Drop that gunn'
Down it went with thump to his
feet.
MY man, as you see, l have the drop
on you. 1t would serve you right if l
stretched you beside your rifle, but l
have never committed murder and don't
intend to begin now. You take me for
Hank Boyer If were he, there would
be no sense in denying it when it would
bring me no danger, but | repeat that l
am another person. Everything that |
said at the hotel tonight was true. l
was never in this part of the country
until yesterday The real Hank Boyer
was that young man whom l pointed
out standing by the door Of the dining
room. He had made himself look differ
ent by shaving off his mustache, and he
also disguised his voice. What do you
think of my statement"
Its all id lieP
Mr.. Walters was evidently man of
convictions. | had not shaken his belief
in my identity with the detested horse
thief.
VERY well, believe as you choose,
but it won't be long before you will
learn that you and your friends are the
biggest fools in Mississippi"
me and Archie Hunter have showed
that already in allowing you to climb
out of the winder while we slept and
after you had took Archie's pistol from
his lap; that's a little the worst yet
aughr'
1t was clear he had no suspicion of
the part played by the young woman,
and it was not my place to enlighten
him.
1T was a piece of tomfoolery, Cy,
and the boys will have tho laugh on
you both when you tell them how |
gave you the slip and got out Of the
country"
You hain't got out the kentry yet, "
was his significant comment.
"Not just yet, but l soon shall,
thanks to you and your stepson. You
see have Archie's revolver, and now l
shall take your Winchester. Since you
persist in looking upon me as horse
thief you may as we'll include the theft
Of weapons 3"
He emitted a blistering imprecation,
but saw there was no help for it. He
was still reaching for the stars when /
commanded
Face about toward the hotelr'
He complied with surprising prompt
ness.
''If you stOop or attempt to pick up
your gun, I'll shoot. 1t won't be the
first time fired a revolver, and you are
in good range"
Despite my watchfulness and readi
ness to use my weapon the fellow out
witted me.
March, " I added, land don't pause
or look around until you climb back
through the window"
He began moving, but his feet seemed
to become entangled in the vines that
had partly retarded my steps. He ad-
vanccd slowly, tripped, swore and
struck his toe against some obstruction.
Then he Strengthened up and stumbled
onward with the same difficulty.
The cunning veteran was kicking his
Winchester along in front of him, and
l had no suspicion of it.
In this manner he advanced for fully
n r,1 lilo fash hn ctnpno6
snatched up his rifle, and, wheeling with
the same amazing quickness, let fly at
me. felt the ball graze my temple and
snip off bit of hair. Dazed for the
moment, | discharged two chambers of
my revolver but i'll the furry missed,
as he had just done with his Winches-
ter. Before could pull myself together
range, while he, knowing the useless
ness of firing at me, refrained from the
attempt.
l had safely emerged from my prison,
but my full escape remained to be
made. 1t would not do to stay at AL
dine, nor indeed anywhere i'll that sec
tion. 1t was 20 miles to the steamer
landing, and l could hardly feel safe
until aboard of one of the boats and
steaming up or down the Mississippi.
| was tempted to try daredevil
thing That was TO steal into the barn,
remOunt the horse | had honestly bought
and HE away at headlong speed. Re-
fiectiunl, however, convinced me that
such an act would invite my own ruin.
My escape was known to Cy Walters