Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1900-01-26
CHAPTER XV.-CoNTINUED.

-
Bowers had deposited his source of sup
plies, and he watched until the miner
went for fresh portion one evening.
Rider was helplessly intoxicated, and
Bowers had been indulging 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.
"A heavy blow behind the ear suddenly
sent him to his knees, and 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 stifed curse he tore
the grip from his throat and gained his
feet by main strength.
It 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 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
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 allquiet
I'll let a hole through yer!"
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. I 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 a man
about 80 years, with an expression of
ferocity which was revolving, but Bow
ers surveyed it with satisfaction as he
asked:
We'll Mr.. Man, what made yer tackle
me? Hard up?"
Yes
The fellow gazed at him unfiinching-
~ as he spoke.
Il s'pose yer know / could come pref
ty near hevin' yer hung fer this job?''
do it, DYER. an observation-disclosures
it, was the prompt reply.
Bowers released his grip, produced a
bottle of liquor from his pocket and
held it toward his companion, saying:
-sTake a drink. You're man after
my own heart, you be. You an I kin
do business, guess. How would yer
like ter lay yer paws on a couple o
hundred thou, all in dust an nuggets p
whats that yer saying replied the
man. wiping his mouth on his coat
sleeve as he lowered the bottle. '.sAre
yer maxim game of me or what the"
do I look like chap that fooled p
snarled Bowers, angrily. 81 amt thet
kind. know some chaps as has got q
few. hundred pounds O. the yaller stuff
all dug, an if I had two or. three good
men they'd whack up the swag with
me-
I'm yer mani" exclaimed the other
looking him full in the eye. ain
scared of a little blood. I'm desperate
and I'll join yeri"
know another good man we could
frust?'' asked Bowers. I've got q
white-livered cuss with me as I'm goin
to cut loose from pretty quick. Three
will be plenty ter do the job"
PLENTY ter divide with, too. Why
can't we manage it between us
Course we kim" said Bowers, IAN
the fewer in it the better. Two good
men is better'n twenty fer such job
VIII yer stick ter me, no matter what
happens?"
81 never went back on a ehum yet.
was the prompt reply.
"Ali right. Now, what's yer name
pard ?"
my names Turner"
-'sWall. Turner. let's finish this Iickel
zhe fust thing