The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1902-01-17
{ By
: Capt. }. d. B. ROBINSON

the w young fellerS know thef SICK
man an is goin' ter stay by him ter
night. Then I'll allow its too dark ter
fin my way back ter h hut, or Their
amt room fer so many in it. Jest as 1t
gets light enuff ter see you an Rider
Kin come Gown on us al hold the gang
up with yer guns. I'll git behind EN-,
an we've got 'em them"
"Good!" whispered Bowers. admir-
ingly. That's a great scheme!'
And it 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 it did not seem unnatural
that he should be charitable enough to
remain by a dying man, even though
it "a 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.
If there had been any uneasiness In
the minds of Toms friends it would
have been dispelled when the stranger
said, carelessly:
Say. pards, there amt room enough
in the shanty for four of US, an If yer
dom mind I'll jest stay here with yer
ternight."
you're welcome, said Tarbox.
heartily. There's room in my tent and
a spare blanket, too. Turn In with us
now and lave some supper
When the meal was over the men set
tied down by the fire. Turner produced
an old cherrywood pipe and lighted 1t,
while TarboX threw on an armful of
sticks and made q cheerful blaze. They
talked of mining, and made no secret
of the fact hat they had struck a rich
spot and We're returning with their
gold, while STurner 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 &C
cepted Tarbox's offer and was soon APP
parently asleep, an example which was
followed by all but Taylor, who took
the first watch.
He was relieved by Tarbox, 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 Inspirations
came the twittering of a bird outside.
Carefully lifting the edge of the tent,
he peered outside.
Yes, daylight was coming. First
came a little motion Of the air which
had been still before. Then from n
bush near by was heard the chirp Of
a bird. Tho outlines of the forest be-
gan to be distinguishable where masses
had been
It was time to act. First he rolled up
the tent flap to provide q retreat, then
with stealthy hand he removed the
weapons from the belts Of the sleepers
and stole outside with them.
1,ok %hoo a thin rad 1trpa u annna rod
In the sky, Inc Avery. h had been
leaning against a tree near by, came
toward him, saying: =
You are up early?"
Yes" replied Turner, I'm goin' ter
see how the poor Teller is gettin' on"
But Avery caught sight of the weap-
n in his hands II his suspicious
were at once aroused.
What are you doing with those re-
volvers?" he demanded, stepping to-
ward the other quickly and laying his
hand on the butt OF, his own weapon
Before Turner had time to reply
Hank Bowers and Obed Rider sprane
friYa behind a n~eighboring tree with 6
wel.pon IN each hand. The former
shouted:
Hands up!"
Avery obeyed instantly aand Rider a
once disarmed him.
Turner sprang to the tent occupied
by the capitalist, and before the lattel
was fairly awake he was disarmed ant
helpless. -
The first shout had awakened Tar
box and Taylor, but without weapon
they could max no resistance, n II
less thar two minutes from the frs
sound the four men were seated on tn
ground. their feet secured with a~rope
while Clara Avery was bundled uiicere
moniously .nto one Of the tents ant
roughly ordered to stay there.
To attempt to describe the feelings o
the prisoners would be a hard task
They were like men stunned. TIL
whole thing a been accomplished S
suddenly that they could hardly realiz
it was not some fantastic dream.
Bowers and Turner wasted no time
After satisfying themselves that tn
four men were securely fastened the
began at onec to pack the gold on tnre
of the horses. In response to an orde
, from Bowers, Obed Rider disappears
in the woods, but soon returned wit
Tom and the second mate, their fee
having been released and the gag
taken from their faces. Y
Bidding Rider stand guard owe tn
= party, Bowers gave his whole %attentio
to his own work, and in half an hou
the gold was strapped on the backs c
! three horses. three more were saddle
: for the robbers, while the remainin
pair was used to carry d supply of foo
. and a tent.
$ Realizing the uselessness Of word:
r our friends watched these prepare
. lions III dismay. They well knew tha
= the thieves could reach Dyea and tax
a teamer before their crime wa
. Known, for without horses pursu
I would be hopeless.
e When he had packed all he desired
: carry, Hank Bowers walked up TO h
. prisoners and sneeTed:
S Yer had the fust laff on me, but it
: my turn now, anti rather guess ~
e got the best end Of it. hey?'