The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1906-05-11
road wagon which he had hired for

full glory of ermine and saffron. The y
air was keen and crisp, the sky clond-s
less, and the road. except for an occa-
sional mudhole, was very good. Bar
nett remarked, We ought to pub into
BOzle before dark on these roads. Z AK,
Night came abruptly. A thin gray \
scum rose swiftly ON the western sky
and suddenly grayed the brightness OF
the SUM- The world grew instantly
stern and cold. The road, after climb
Ing q. ridge, descended into. gorge i
with frs on either side, and when they
came out upon the fat meadow to the
northwest Of Mogalyon only the lights p
Of Skytown could be seen. 81 s:
At the moment that Don was point
ing out the lights two horsemen APP
peared in front and In the middle Of
the road.
'Haltv' cried clear voice.
The driver pulled his tired horses to
q stand so theoretically that his hands
rose above bis head.
Ills Donnelly Barnett with your
asked one Of the men as he rode
nearer.
II IN Barnett. What do you want OF
me?' asked Don coolly.' ~~" T.. r.,
mot thing" answered the horse
man. That's Just 1t. We have no use
for you, and I've been watching to-
meet you and say that the boys want
| you to continue your quiet, uneventfut
life at the Springs" .-~-.--. :
! "Who are you :"
"We're a. couple Of skytown vedettes.
Who is the ladyT" =
"That doesn't concern you. Go on.
driver"
The driver took up the reins, but the
voice Of the vedette grew sterner,
"stay where you are!' Then, turning
to Barnett: I'm your best friend, Don
nelly. The boys understand that you
are backing Mackay In his plans, and
it isn't safe for you to enter the camp.
I advise you to turn around right here
and 80 back"
Ann spoke up: please let US 60 on.
Mr. Barnett Is taking me in to meet
my brother, and l am cold and hun.
Sry."
There was something thrilling in the
calm, clear sweetness Of her voice, and
the first Of the vedettes. pressing near
Or, leaned from bis saddle to ask:
''Who is your brother, lady?'
His name Is Louis Rupert. he III
only boy, and am going in to care
for him."
Rob Raymond's kid. l know him.
replied the vedette. But thought he
was visiting you in the Springs"
HE was, but he went back to the
camp today, and I am very anxious
about him."
Hes all right, lady, SO long as Rob
Raymond has him in hand. You are
welcome, but Barnett is on the out
side and must stay there"
II decline to acknowledge your au-
thority," responded Barnett, now thor
eughly angry. -.- :
The horseman laughed softly, irritat-
ingly. Manners don't 60 with u At
the present time l must ask you to
camp right here or 90 back to Grand
View till I can communicate with the
president Of the union. II you are
here to talk compromise the men will
be glad to meet you but my judgment
II that you better retire to Grand View. .
will see that this lady gets to her
brother"
Ann was not timid girl, but the
thought Of riding away into the black.
ness of the night with these sinister
guards made her flesh chill and her,
nerves creep. Don't leave me, Dom" r.,
she whispered.
Barnett stormed at the horsemen. 1T
is impossible! If I am forced to go
back she must 80 with me. What right
have,you to interfere in our plansT'
The answer came quickly, coldly, .ev-
cry word telling. "Pll tell you. The
boys have learned that you have been
chiefly instrumental in pushing the
sheriff into another raid, and II trouble
comes they'll kill you. 1t isn't safe for
you to be on the bill tomorrow. Now
you needn't be afraid to trust the lady
to me-" The vedette removed bis hat.
II am not a man to be feared by wo-
men"
Ann again spoke. Il can't consent to
your going into danger for me, Don.
Turn back, and will 60 on"
1T is madnessv' he said in a low
voice. these men are not fit escorts
for you. We will both 60 back and
wait-until morning"
AIMS teeth were chattering with
cold. II dread that long drive. We
must be almost at our destination"
The two horsemen conferred together.
and at last one Of them returned to
say: Driver, you may come on until
you reach the first cabin at the foot Of
the hill. There the lady will get out,
and you will drive Mr. Barnett back
before daylight tomorrow morning."
As they drew up before the shanty
door the leader Of the vedettes rode
forward and said gently: Lady. the
road from here to the summit Is lined
with cabins, and no harm can possibly
come. to you while have you In charge,
Or, II you like, you can stay here TIL