The Washington times., 1904-03-08


mendation-sped swiftly across the
desert. through the range TO the south,
and over the Mexican line, their sad
dies heavy with the booty secured by
their crime.
Ten miles from the camp the glisten>
ing rails Of the Southern Pacific stretch
ed across the desert from east to vest,
and over its track the limited express,
carrying a million IN gold bullion con
signed to Eastern bankers. would pass
shortly after midnight. This train was
10 be looted of its treasure. and Thorn
tons Raiders. the terror OF every IN
dian, criminal. and bad man" in the
Territory. We're TO commit the robbery
This was the plot Thornton HAD over
heard.
Again his eyes travelled over the faces
Of the men. Two score they were. and
OF them all not one on whom ne might
depend Many had joined the troop, he
knew solely for the love of the Legal
ICED slaughter of their pet foes. the red
skin and '-greaser, others. thar the
service would shield them from a chance
arrest for crimes committed in the
States All this he knew, but they had
been faithful TO him, and. imbued with
the spirit of his work. he had never
given such an emergency a thought.
They knew he would not join them in
their crime. nor permit it while he lived
He knew his life must pay the for
felt of his interference. Amy open at
tempt TO thwart them single handed
was but the merest folly. He must wait
Perhaps at the eleventh hour something
unforeseen would arise 10 save him
Slowly the long afternoon wore away
The red glare OF the sun paled and
81
Of shale that walled the canyon bed
Beneath alder tree. which had
found root among the rocks. the troop
cook prepared the evening meal OF cof-
fee and jerlged beef The men their
plans Tor the nisat's work completed
and their tasks assigned. played pedro or
monte in the waning light. or lay upon
the rocks, smoking or doing.
Wharton moved about among the
horses. stroSins their legs and looking
at their hOOfs. He was a cautions man.
and took 10 unnecessary chances. Pres
entity ne s2untcTed over to where the
young officer sat Thornton looked up
from the letter he was writing.
Wharton eyed him curiously for
moment You know what's up he
asked.
Yes. you scOuncrel, replied Thorn
otn, hotly; you are ,soout 70 turn my
troop into a set OF brigands- Drop IL
Len" he continued. more calmly. II
can't stop il. | know. but you We got
to xiii me first
Wharton nodded his head. Il know
It," he said.
And you'Il do it?"
The trooper nodded again. less you
stay here an keep quiet"
Thornton looked him squarely in the
eye. Very well, he said, and went on
with his writing.
Wharton walked away. PITY 10 kill
hiIu," he unused. "Ful OF grit. Liks
him. too. But he'd foller us 10 hell
The moon rose over the mountains.
casting her sheen on the rushing. SIM
ing waters OF the canyon stream. The
fires were lighted. and about them gath
q ed the men, now laughing and joking
as OF old The strain of the day was
ever. and as they neared the hour Of
their crime. their spirits rose. Thorn
ton sat apart moody, with the calmness
OF "a brave man facing death.
Suddenly there was a clatter of stones
ut the mouth Of the canyon. as horse
picked mis- way over the loose rock
Thornton and some of the men sDrang
C. their feet. Then the familiar yell OF
the Raiders woke the echoes Of the quiet
spot. and Burns. Thorntons courier
rode into camp.
hsndod the officer letter. and unsad-
dnng his Piute, turned him loose and
Joined the group AZ the nearest IRE.