Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-10-15
would prove to be the sought for ex.

would prove to be the sought for ex.
press messenger.
One. Of the men, at q signal from his
leader, relieved Billy's belt Of consid.
cradle weight Then the latter was
permitted to sit on a cracker box. Two
more mounted the little stairs. In a
moment they returned to report that
the upper story contained no human
beings, strange or otherwise, except
the girl, but that there remained u
small trunk. Under further orders they
dragged the trunk down into the bar.
room. /. was broken open and found
to contain clothes of the plainsman's
cut, material and state of wear. a neat
" folded Mexican saddle showing use
and rawhide quirt.
''Tenderfootr' said Black Hank con-
temptuollsly.
The outlaws had already scattered
outside 10 look for the trail. In this
they we're unsuccessful, reporting in
deed that not the faintest sign indicat-
ed escape in any direction.
Billy knew his man. The Tightening
Of Black Hanks close knit brows
meant but one thing. One does not gain
craftsmanship Of any kind ip the west
without propping ascendency with
acts of ruthless decision. Billy leaped
from his cracker box with the sudden
ness Of the puma, seized Black Hank
firmly about the waist, whirled him
into sort Of shield and began an ear
nest struggle for the instant possession
Of the outlaws drawn revolver. It was
q gallant attempt, but unsuccessful.
In moment Billy was pinioned to the
floor and Black Hank was rubbing his
abraded forearm. After that the only
question was whether 1t should be rope
or bullet
Now, when Billy had gone down,
stairs the stranger had wasted no more
time at the window He had in his
possession SOC, 600 in greenbacks which
he was to deliver as soon as possible
to the luck Tail agency in Wyoming
The necessary change Of stage lines
had forced him to stay overnight At
Billy Knapps hotel.
The messenger seized his bag and
softly ram along through the canvas
partitioned rooms wherein Billy slept
to narrow window which he had al
ready noticed gave out almost directly
into the pine woods. The window was
Of oiled paper. and its catch baftled
him. He knew 1t should slide back
but it refused to slide for him. He
did not dare to break the paper be-
cause Of the cracking noise. a voice
at his shoulder startled him.
I'll show you" whispered the red
checked girl.
She was wrapped loosely In q blan-
ket, her hair falling about her shoulder
and her bare feet showing beneath her
COVERINGS. The little man suffered at
once ali agony Of embarrassment IN
which the thought Of his errand was
lost. It. was recalled to him BY the
girl.
"There you are she whispered.
showing him the open window.
..Thanls you" he stammered painful
". IL assure you'll wish
The girl laughed under her breath.
sThat's all right she said heartily.
81 owe you that for calling old whisk-
ers off his bronze" and she kissed him.
The messenger, trembling with self
consciousness, climbed hastily through
the window, ran the broad loop OF the
satchel up his arm 3 instead OF
dropping to the ground. the girl had
expected, swun. himself lightly into
the branches Of q rather large scrub
oak that grew near. She listened to
the rustic of the leaves for d moment
as he neared the trunk and then. I'M
able longer to restrain her curiosity IN
regard to the doings below. turned to
the stairway.
AS she did 50 two men mounted.
They examined the rooms Of the upper
story hastily. but carefully. paying
scant attention to Ter. and departed
swearing. In Il few moments they re-
turned for The str,ngess's trsas. Nell
followed as far AS tha stairway. There
she heard and saw things. and aesl II
bitter dslnay to The E.sc:s OF Tie house.
whom It;'3-. -. NslyT-c-ed.
&c Be Concluded Tuesday,