The daily silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1903-1907, 1904-02-11
THE MOONSHINERS

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their stills were gon some of their
men had been shot, while the rest,
after scattering, had come together
at the river fork to consider what to
do,
There's just one thing to do" said
Branagan. land that is to wreak ven
geance on the man that give us away"
And who was THAR" asked Ian
MacAlister.
And who knows better n you know
yourself. Ard you'd own. too, that
it's the schoolmaster If o. wasn't deao
stuck on his daughter"
Ian MacAllister had long been a
leader among them, but since theii
last misfortune, which they attributed
TO Cameron Swift, the man who taught
their children, and who. though he
condemned their occupation, had be-
fore always been their friends, they
had broken away from MacAlister's
influence. For Ian would not listen to
a word against Swift. and the gang at
tributed this to the fact hat Ian was
the slave Of Lucy Swift, the school
AAh6oh0t . 49,
scarcely spoken when there was the
sound of horses hoofs, and a young
girl riding astride pulled up in their
midst.
Scatter boys, scatter. The 'reve-
nues' have got wind that you're here
and before morning they'll be here
GO back to your father" said one
oF tho oonr tton6 foil him that Wa
want no warning from him or any Of
his kim"
MacAlister, seeing that he was pow
erless to protect the girl from insult,
without a word took her horse by the
bride and led her away
ITS no use. Lucy. The men have
been informed that your father put
not to be convinced TO the contrary.
Go away from here at once"
II wish you'd come with me-" she
said, as she started On, "and quit the
gang forever"
But Ian had work before him jus.
then. He feared the men were going
to move upon Cameron Swift. seize
| 0iiIi diiu IdIS MIN. Iii a M az
was back, and just in time to hear
Branagan propose to do exactly what
he feared. Turning before he was seen
he ran after Lucy to warn her. but was
too late. He kept on, however, on foot
till he came to a farm where he pro-
cured a horse and never drew rein till
he dismounted before Swift's cottage
and told of the danger.
you'll have little time he said. ITO
get far enough away, for they're near
behind me. Mount my horse and let
Lucy mount again and ride as fast
as you can"
But I know who was the traitor"
said Swift. "A revenue told me. II
was Branagan."
THAT Won't save you They're blind
with rage, and just nov Branagan has
them completely under his influence
Go at once"
"And your asked Lucy.
"Ill stay here and stand 'em off as
long as l can"
In less than half an hour there was
a commotion below, men ealing to
each other. and shouting vengeance
Ian listened with his hand on the
schoolmaster's rifle, which he had
taken down from the wall, waiting til
they should come up. He had locked
and barred the house and taken posi-
ton at an open window, where he
could fire through closed blinds. HIS
had no min to hurt any of his com
49, A1AAI nf pr0n
agan, the man who had betrayed them
On came the gang until they emerged
from behind the trees and stood II
front of the house. Then MacAlister
with the muzzle of his rifle pointing
between the stats of the blind, aimed
straight at the heart of Branagan and
taking advantage of a moment wher
the traitor was not in motion, fired
Branagan fell dead.
MacAlister threw open the shuttle
and stood where his form could b
seen, though his features could no
be distinguished for the darkness.
"Fools!" he cried. 1T is Branagal
who gave us away. Search him. Lik
as not he has his bride in his pocket.
John Hanson, a friend of Ian's, wa
the only one who recognized the voice
Jumping for the fallen body, he thrus
his hand in the pockets, but pulled GU
nothing. Taking Off the coat he tor
it in pieces. and five new. crisp $40
bills, fresh from the United States
treasury huttered to the ground.
Then. there was a sudden stiffness
and MacAlister, unarmed, walked on
to them.
Boys" he said. 1T was the school
master. whom you'd have hung If
hadn't forestalled you, who was tolC
by a revenue that Branagan was tn
traitor He was worse han a traitor
for he not only took the bride for Civ
ing us away, but to urn suspicion from
himself led you on to murder Cameron
Swift. You're spared a crime"
I'VE wronged you as we did tn
schoolmaster,' said one.