Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1900-02-02

down on us an hold the gang up with
yer guns. I'll git behind 'em, an we've
got 'em then"
''Goodi" 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 charitable 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 I'll jest stay here with yer
ter-night."
You're welcome said Tarbox,
heartily. There's 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 a 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
he might hasten there as soon as he
was relieved of his present care in the
shape of the sick man.
When the pipes were empty he &C
cepted Tarbox's offer and was soon ap-
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 a bird outside.
Carefully lifting the edge of the tent,
he peered outside.
Yes, daylight was coming. First
came a little motion of the air which
had been still before. Then from a
bush near by was heard the chirp of
bird. The outlines of the. forest be-
gan to be distinguishablew where masses
had been
Tt 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:
t'You are up early?"
eyes," replied Turner, ''I'm goin' ter
see how the poor Teller 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 a neigh boring tree with
weapon in each hand. The former
shouted:
Hands up!"
Avery obeyed instantly and Rider at
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 Tarbox
| and Taylor, but without weapons they
could make no resistance, and in less
| than two minutes from the first sound
| the four men were seated on the
| ground, their feet secured with rope,
| while Clara Avery was bundled I'M
| tremendously into one of the tents and
roughly ordered to stay there.
| To attempt to describe the feelings of
| the prisoners would be a hard task.
| They were like men stunned. The
whole thing had been accomplished so
suddenly that they could hardly realize
| it was not some fantastic dream.
! Bowers and Turner wasted no time.
! After satisfying themselves that the
| four men were securely fastened they
began at once to pack the gold on three
| of the horses. In response to an order
| from Bowers, Obed Rider disappeared
in the woods, but soon returned with
Tom and the second mate, their feet
having been released and the gags
| taken from their faces.
Bidding Rider stand guard over the
| party, Bowers gave his whole attention
TO his own. work, and in half an hour
the gold was strapped on. the backs of
three horses, three more were saddled
| for the robbers, while the remaining
| pair was used to carry a supply of food
| and a tent.
| Realizing the uselessness of words,
our friends watched these prepara-
i finnS in diSnav Thar In I, II