Gilpin observer., 1903-01-22

ing his way 20 the cabin at which he
had stayed since the attack, when he
met Glum Ralston.
Hello. Crack Lash, gettin' under
way agin?"
Il am able to be out. Gium." he
answered.
Glad on 1t, boy-glad on It."
The ex-sailor was about to pass on
when the young man said:
Il want to talk some with you,
Glum. There was deep-laid plot to
rob and murder me. have an enemy
or enemies-I know not how many
who have designs on my happiness.
Ralston was not a man to be moved
by emotion or jump at conclusion.
He sat a long time listening to the
unquestionable evidence Of the youth.
When he had finished there was no
longer a doubt that here was a con-
spiracy to injury Crack Lash, and per-
haps take his life. A new light was
breaking in on him and he became
more interested in the youth than he
had been.
"M-well, Crack Lash, think we'd
better run 'em down. Wonder how
many we kin git to go with u.s."
Il want no one but you, Glum," said
the youth. "You and l are enough, for
can trust you, which is more than
care to do with all. believe that If
can capture those men they will not
only tell me where to find my lost
treasure, but also inform me who this
enemy L. t. is.'
Then by the trident O. Neptune
we'll go an never stop until we find
them.'
After consulting the matter, they
decided to keep their departure a Sc
cret from their companions, and de-
cided to start before they were awake
next morning. During the night a
snowstorm ragged. Next morning long
before the miners were astir our two
friends were attired in furs, with sew
eral dogs, provisions, blankets and
rifles, and set off on snow-shoes in
search of the three men who had
robbed and SO nearly killed Paul sew
eral weeks before.
Glum Ralston had received reliable
information that the men he wished to
find were in valley up the Yukon,
and they acted on that information.
They found the snow still falling,
though it was not very cold. For sew
eral miles they trudged along on the
snowshoes in silence. At last Glum
said
"Stopi"
"Why?" asked Paul.
We'll rest"
Il am not tired"
"Ye don't think We are, mate, but
you'll have all the wind out O. yer sails
afore ye know it. Set down."
There was log lying near, and both
sat upon it.
Il am sufficiently rested, SO let's go
on" said the youth, after a short rest,
starting to his feet.
Don't be too certain We know We
kin stand it. lad. tell ye it's longer
voyage n you think, an there's rough
sailin' between this an the Chilkoot"
They reached Dawson City next day
at noon. AS Paul was still weak, he
secured a room in the hotel and went
to bed to rest. Being overcome by
WEAKNESS and the journey. he was
soon buried in profound slumber.
He was awakened by some one shak-
ing him by the shoulder and whisper
ing:
Tumble up, Crack Lash"
What is 1t, Glum?" he asked, start
ing up and rubbing his eyes.
They're here"
"Who?"
THE rascals that robbed We. saw
tn face O. one O. them fellers we'd
seen a-hangin' around our diggins be-
fore you were robbed, an I'd bet my
wolf-skin cap tn others amt fur on"
Paul Miller hastily donned his
clothes. The pale youth drew on his
fur boots and buckled his revolvers
about his waist. He realized how
dangerous an encounter would be and
he knew he might be a corpse in
twenty minutes. He breathed silent
prayer for Laura, mother. and lastly
himself. and whispered:
I'm ready"
They went down to the room below,
where they found wild crowd carous-
ing. but no sign Of the man who was
suspected Of being an accomplice in
the robbery.
wait at the door. Crack LASH"
Glum whispered.
The ex-sailor left him and hurried
away. He was gone but few min
utfs when he hurried to his side. say
ing:
They're gone.'
"Where?"
up the ukon; we'll find 'em in the
valley"
Lets go at once" said Paul. They
set out for the upper valley. An