The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-06-29

the men mounted a horse and drove the
rest directly toward the hidden watcher.
whats he drivin' at?" muttered,
Bowers to himself.
AS the rider drew near the miner WAS
forced to throw himself at full length
on the ground to escape being seen, and
he fingered his revolver grimly. Tar
box was too busy with the horses to look
very sharply about him, and soon
turned back after giving the animals O.
few sharp blows, which sent them Off
at full speed.
Then he returned to his party. and
At last they had all disappeared from
sight.
=, Bowers waited until he was satisfied
that they would not reappear; then he
stretched his cramped limbs and bur-
ried back to Rider, who was impatient-
~ awaiting him.
what are they dofng?" asked the
latter, eagerly.
They've turned all their critters
loose an hid away somewheres," was
the reply. "See here, Rider, I've got a
scheme"
"A scheme?"
That's what said. It's good one,
too. Suppose you could find yer way
back to Dyea?"
"Of course I could. Why?"
I'm goin' ter tell yer why. Thar's
about a dozen good critters turned
loose. They're worth 5000 apiece in
Dyea, dunno but more. You don't
seem ter want ter put up bluff an iine!
this party Well ketch them horses an
you drive 'em back to Dyea an sell 'em.
Bring one spare critter back with yer,
fer me an one fer Their swag. When
yer git back come ter thet big bowlder
an jest as Their sun is risin' show YER
self mint. That night hev the horses
thar an I'll jine yer. Understands
But what are you goin' to do?"
Ihat's my funeral. You do jest as
I tell yer. Don't make any slip. It
wouldn't be very healthy fer yer if yer
went back on me. I'd foller yer all
over kingdom come"
Rider jumped at. the proposal
Whether he would return or not was a
question he could settle later on. At
present it was enough to be rid of the
desperate man who eyed him as if read
ing his very thoughts.
you'll come back. I shall have gold
enough to make US both rich or else
shan't be Dove ground. I'm takin' all
the resk an eff yer don't come back
I shall prob'ly miss yer. I'll do mypart
an you see you do yours"
It was evident that he was about to
engage in some desperate scheme, and
Rider fastened to assure him that he
would be back as fast as possible.
you'll travel light an you orter be
back in ~ days." said Bowers. II shall
look fer yer bout that time, So long"
Rider started off on the back trail at
once, and while he is making his way to
Dyea we must follow Hank Bowers as
he rides around the bowlder and ap-
proaches the spotwhere Tom Scott and
his party had camped the night be-
fore
He had no means of telling whether
his approach was observed or not, but
he rode boldly forward and soon
reached the deserted camp. Here he
dismounted and walked toward the
cliff between the scattered rocks in the
same direction he, had seen the outfit
carried.
I'LL swear this is the way they went,"
he said aloud as he paused before the
face of the cliff and looked keen1y
about him. They haiu't gotVn& a.
<hoxv no Uhop Ma $oTX
never drove off them horses. They fd{h
some place horses couldn't be took, but
whar is it? Tain't up Their valley,
cause seen 'em come in here with my
own eyes,
For some time he paced about the
spot, examining each bowlder to see
that there was no hiding place near it,
gan to grow angry.
Wouldn't it be slick If that cuss
should sell the HOSES an skip out an
shouldn't find these-Hello! What's
thatl"
His restless eyes at last noticed the
mass of vines which covered the open
ing in the cliff. and with a wrench he
tore it aside.
I've got it now" he cried, as he en-
tered without hesitation and made his
way along the rocky passage. "What
luck! No wonder they let the critters
60! This beats all ever sawl"
Ahead of him was a sharp turn, and
just before he reached it there was q
crash like thunder, and an instant later
the way was blocked by massive rock
which would have crushed him had he
been few feet further ahead. T. ~
In spite of his wonderful nerve Bow
ers was so startled that he utteredSa
shout Of dismay, which reached the ears
OF the men above.