Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1901-04-26

said the dying man. They mustn't
know what bad end came TO. must !
tell you something while l can. It's
about your father"
"My father!"
Tom drew closer TO Rider and ex-
claimed:
Quick! What do you mean?"
"Get me some brandy" whispered |
the other. I'm getting faint"
Tom darted off, and soon returned |
with the stimulant which they had pro-
vided in case of sickness He admins
tered a small portion 10 the mate, who /
revived at once and said:
Don't interrupt me. I must be
quick. This wound is burning me up.
Your father got the Alaska fever and
left his ship at Frisco lie gave me
all the money that belonged TO the
owners 10 take TO them. | gambled ii
away. To hide my crime | said he
ran away with it. saw him in
Dyea-"
What"
Tom stared at him as if inclined to
think his mind was wandering but the
mate went on:
Hes rich. He's struck gold some
where. and was going home 10 find you.
He was wild when told him you was
dead and started off for Frisco to see
you was buried in good shape. That's
all, and its enough, too"
rs he uttered the last words he fell
back exhausted. Tom tried 10 give him
more of the fiery liquor. but he could
not swallow it. Ills lips moved feebly
and his eyes were turned on Tom in
mute appeal.
Il :orqiyc you! God knows I dol"
whispered the Young man hu.l.ily, and
a fash Of joy on the dying man, face
told him that hc was heard and under
stood Then a single lorg-GraNn breath
followed, and with IT. Cbed Riders
earthly career ended.
There Was no desire for Sleep I'm the
little party that night by the light
OF thc camp fire a grave was dug and
the body Of the unfortunate sailor
placed beyond the reach of any wild
animals. and ly The time this was done
the DAMN was near.
Avery dressed Bowers fingers to the
best Of his ability, the latter grinding
his teeth with pain and rage rs he
realized how he had been outVitted the
second time
Ills partner however. took the whole
matter 81, coolly as If hc had not been
caught I'm amy act tlat might cost him
his lille. Tie spoke bat once, and that
was 10 ASK one Of his captors 10 ac-
c-mUclatc him with chew Of to-
Iacco.
"WoulGu't trouble yer only yer'ye
+ tied nv hands" le explained.
When it was fairly light council
/ was held to determine what position
/ should bc made Of the prisoners. This
proved somewhat difficult matter. To
. take them TO Dyca involved ycNatious
delay, for there were no horses forthcm
to ride. and To- turn two such t-pcrate
men loose seemed dangerous thing
10 do. Moreover they would staWo
without provisions.
After talking the matter over some
time without arriving AT any conciu-
sion. Taylor exclaimed Impauenty;
They ought 10 be hung but / don't
want the lob. We'd better give them
grub enough for week or two and
turn them loose. We can't be bothered
with them."
His advice was agreed TO by the rest
and the little outfit was at once pre-
pared. When they were ready TO start
he walked up to the two desperadoes
and said:
"Tbere's vour grub. Take it and light
ont shall give a full description of
Won TO the authorities at Dyea and see
that it is sent to Dawson. Somebody is
sure 10 hang Won both before long"
As he spoke he cut their bonds and
then mounted his horse.
Half an hour later our friends were
well on their way. while the baffied rob
hers were trudging tediously along to-
ward Fort Selkirk in moody silence.
Their nlots had failed. and here we
- Il - =. ,Lo;. eo,o