The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1900-01-13
CHAPTER Xv.-CoNrMUED.

CHAPTER XV.-CoNTINUED.
A few inquiries informed him where
Bowers had deposited, his source of sup
plies. and he watched until the miner
went for a fresh portion one evening.
Rider was helplessly intoxicated, and
Bowers had been INDUCING freely him
self. He placed little pouch contain
ing about $500 In dust in his pocket,
and reeled out in the darkness without
the faintest thought of danger.
heavy blow behind the ear suddenly
sent him TO his knees, and a pair of
strong hands grasped his throat at the
same moment, but the owner had no
easy task to accomplish his object. The
realization of his danger fully sobered
Bowers, and with a stifled curse he tore
the grip from his throat and gained his
feet by main strength.
II was too dark TO see his assailant,
but Hank Bowers was no coward, and
instead of attempting to flee or call for
help, he grappled silently with the
would-be robber.
1t did not last long. Once his arms
were about his enemy, Bowers was
master OF the situation. Inch by inch
he bent the other back until human
endurance could bear no more, and
with a groan the mans muscles relaxed
and he fell heavily with Bowers on
top of him.
Struck a snag that time, didn't yer?"
he demanded, grimly, seating himself
on the others breast and holding his
wrists so that he could not draw n
weapon.
LET me up, blast yer!" was the sullen
reply as the man tried in vain to move.
want ter get up? All right, pard.
Jest remember I've got gun agin yer
ribs, though, an if yer don't go all quiet
I'll let hole through yerl"
AS he spoke he arose and allowed the
man to do likewise, keeping stout grip
on his collar. Then he said, sternly:
''Go on where push yer. want ter
see yer face"
A short walk brought them TO the
tent where Rider and Bowers slept, and
into this the latter conducted his pris-
oner and lita candle.
The light showed the face of man
about 30 years, with an expression OF
ferocity which was revolving, but Bow
ers surveyed il with satisfaction as he
asked.
. "Well, Mr.. Man, what made yer tackle
me? Hard upP"
eyes"
The fellow gazed at him unflinching-
~ as he spoke.
II s'pose yer know / could come pref
ty near hevln' yer hung fer this job?"
do II, t-yer, an don't talk about
IT," was the prompt reply.
Bowers released his grip, produced q
bottle Of liquor from his pocket and
held it toward his companion, saying:
"Take a drink. You're a man after
my own heart, you be. You an | kin
do business, guess. How would yer
like Ter lay yer paws on n couple o
hundred thou, all in dust an nuggets|
whats that yer saying?" replied the
man, wiping his mouth on his coat
sleeve as he lowered the bottle. Are
yer maxim game Of me or what the"
"Do look like chap that fooledY
snarled Bowers, angrily. II amt tibet
kind. / know some chaps as has got Q
few hundred pounds o the yaller stun
all dug, an II had two or three good
men they'd whaclk up the swag with
me-"
"rm YER mani" exclaimed the other.
looking him full In the eye. Il ain't
scared OF little blood. I'm desperate
and I'll join yer!"
"Know another good man we could
trust?" asked bowers. I've got a
white-liyered cuss with me as I'm goin'
- cut loose from pretty quick. Three
will be plenty ter do the job"
"Plenty ter divide with, too. Why
caa't we manage IL between us2"
Course we kin" said Bowers, AN
the fewer In II The better. Two good
men Is better'n twenty fer ~, h job
Will yer stick ter me, no matter what
happcns2"
81 never went back on a chum yet,N
was the prompt reply.
"All right. Now, what's yer name,
pard7"
"My names Turner"
wall. Turner. lets finish this Ticker
Ne fust thing.-