Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1900-05-18
Again the defense had gained an ad-

them in aid of their ally, SO speedily
had he been worsted. dare say they
had revolvers as well, but preferred
cold steel for the work they expected
to do. Even on that lonely knoll
fusillade of pistol-shots might have at
tracted attention from the people of tho
knot of houses half mile away. I
know that the blades had most wicked
look, and that the sweat gathered on
my forehead as I watched them and
wondered which of them might be des-
tined for me. was frightened, thor
oughly frightened; such courage as
possessed vanished at the CLEAN of the
weapons, and, could have fled, not
q moment would have tarried. But
there was no escape; was forced to re-
main and TO see the end, which, though
il involved the defeat of the enemy, I
had no hand in bringing about.
Well-laid plans once disarranged are
generally worse than none at all. The
programme of the assailants, no doubt,
had been prepared most carefully.
After posting one of their number on
the landward side of the knoll, the only
direction from which, in their ignorance
of the line of communication with John
sons cottage, they would reasonably
look for interference, they had ad-
vanced, and forced an entrance to the
house. Once within, their prey was 80
completely in their grasp that. dare
| say, they felt able to go about their
business with cold-blooded delibera-
ton. I do not hatter myself with the
belief that my presence disturbed them
in the least. But, while the arraign-
ment of Lamar may have been intense
ly satisfying as prelude to their ven
geance, it was n sad blunder; for it
gave johnson time to reach the scene
and to change the whole aspect of the
affair.
Had they pressed the attack as soon
us their comrade was overthrown, it is
altogether likely that one of them
might have reached Lamar; but, un-
luckily for them, they failed to seize the
opportunity in the second or two OF its
existence. Their hesitation, brief as it
was, meant defeat; for no sooner had
his man fallen than johnson drew q
brace of revolvers from his pockets, and
| when the strangers started forward
! they looked into the muzzles of the
pistols. Lamar, too, thus protected
had pulled out a key and was unlocking
a drawer of the table; and presently he
added another ugly-looking weapon to
the array trained upon the foe.
"Sorry there amt none for you, doc
tor" I heard johnson remark, "but ]
guess we can attend to our friends
| now"
For moment thought that two Of
our udversaries would risk the bullets
though the last conner quailed at the
first sight of the firearms; but even fo1
them the odds were now too great
They dared not even risk trying tc
reach their own pistols. They probably
had no stomach for such combat n.
was now offered them. Reluctantly
step by step, they reiterated toward tn
door. Then, suddenly, with an oath
the leader wheeled about, and. gnash
Ing his teeth in baffied rage, strobe from
the room.
"Here, you two" cried johnson
"carry off your wounded"
doubt if they understood his words
but his gesture MS he pointed to the
man lying unconscious on the floor was
plain enough. Sullenly they picked w
their comrade and bore him into tn,
open air. The fisherman followed then
to the door, and watched them hurr,
away toward the stream on the nortl
side of the little hill.
Come in o boat, eh?" said he
That's it; you can hear the oars. II
bet they've something to do with tina
schooner lying off there in the bay
Well, Mr.. Lamar, they're of, and
guess they've had enough, thank ye, fol
one evenin'."
ut was fortunate they chose to d.
their talking first and their business
afterward,' said l. But think we're
quit of them for some time to come
The abuse that tall chap showered or
you was unpleasant, but it was mighty
valuable, as figure it OUT
| Ibid you comprehend? 2" Lamar
asked.
| mo. except that he was cursing yo,
as energetically as he could"
He seemed relieved at the answer.
"How are you feeling?" said ]
That's not the sort of entertainment
that does you any good. 1t must no
be repeated"
Yet it has profted me- he an
swered. II am stronger. better"
| But you'll pay for ii, am afraid
Let me see how you have stood it,"
Not now" said he, waving me back
Tonight l have work to do. May
request you both to remain here fo
time?"
Certainly. We should not think o
leaving you before daybreals.
"That will SUFFICE" he answered
For the present, go to my room"
| johnson, what do you make of al
this?" asked, when Lamar had left us
Not much" he answered, "'cep
twas close shave for the boss.
thought he'd have trouble with tha
locked drawer if ever he wanted to ge
ut his guns in a hurry. Why, if he't
tried to open it before come, they,
have carved him into mince-meat be
fore he could have got to his weepins
He would keep it locked, though, an,
you know he amt man to argy with
Lucky brought my brace along; blu
twas his orders should. whenever
got the CALL"
"Why did they pursue him 10 thi,