The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1900-01-20

got tlA lHtns
Good" whispered Bowers, admir-
ingly. That's great schemel"
And IL 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 IL did not seem unnatural
that he should be charitable enough to
remain by a dying man, even though IL
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.
III there had been any uneaslness in
the minds of Toms friends II would
have been dlspeiled when the stranger
said, careIessly:
"Say, pards, there amt room enough
in the shanty for four OF us, an IL yer
don't mind I'll jest stay here with yer
ter-night."
you're welcome" said Tarbox,
heartily. 'Tbere's room in my tent and
a 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 n 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 ac-
cepted Tarbox's offer and was soon APP
parently asleep, an example which was
followed by all but Taylor, who took
the first watch.
lie was relieved by Tarbcx, 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 pcered 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
a bird. The outlines Of the forest be-
gan to be distingushable where masses
had been.
il was time TO act. First ne 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 tree near by, came
toward him, saying:
"Iou are up earlyP'
yes" replied Turner, I'm goin' Ter
see how the poor feller is gettin' ON"
But Avery caught sight CT the weap-
ons in his hands and his suspicious were
at once aroused
what are you doing with those re.
ward the other quickly and laying his
hand on the butt of his weapon
Before Turner had time 10 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 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 Tarbcx
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 un-
tremendously into one OF the tents and
roughly ordered 10 stay there.
To attempt 20 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
il was not some fantastic dream.
Powers and Turner wasted no time.
After satisfying themselves that the
four men were securely fastened they
began ut once 10 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
20 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 tent.
Realizing the uselessness OF words,
our friends watched these prepare
tions In dismay. They well knew that