The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-09-12
CHAPTER XIV.

CHAPTER XIV.
u r 2:30, prompt as groom, Ray
mond brought the horses round
to the door. Midwinter though
a it was, the sun was clear ana
warm, and as they went winding down
the trail to the southwest Ann e1clain2-
ed over the exquisite quality OF the
Z air. the crystalline clarity Of the dis
sant peaks and the cloudless serenity
OF the sky.
After a short and steep descent they
came out into wagon road and were
able to ride side by side.
sYou must be prepared for very poor
goods and very small stores" said Rob-.
ssBoz,e is by no means to be compared
even with Valley Springs. Everything
Is temporary. No one really intends to
i've there; they are all just staying,
and fear the millinery is not Of the
4 latest fashion
ssM'hat a power lies in the idea Of
golds See the people who have come
from all over the world! Don tells me
Z that every European language is spo-
ken here. Did I see Perry, the Mex
lean boy, at your cabin this morning"
s'Yes, Perry is here, and so is Baker.
You have cause to remember Baker"
When ttey entered the town Ann
said:
4ePlease take me to shop where /
csn oet some chairs and a small table
/ am going to present Mrs. Kelly with
an easy chair"
every WELL said he. 81 know the
very place, but please do not go about
the streets alone. OF course you are
perfectly safe, but you are stranger
and might wander into the wrong
doors. Wait till I tie the horses and
do one or two errands, then I will join
you, and we can go where you please"
every well,'' she replied, with feel
ing of pleasure in his care Of her. "k
VIII want to visit several shops"
When Raymond returned for Ann,
whom he had left at furniture shop,
he was filed with anxiety. The street
was full Of men drawn together by
report that the sheriff had stolen
march on Skytown and was already on
his way to intimidate Bozle and de-
mand those for whom his warrants
called. Horsemen were galloping up
the hill to warn the miners, and the
chief of police and mayor We're min
Cling with the growing throng, pleading
for peace. The whole camp resembled
q nest of ants into which an OK had
planted hoof
Ann observed Raymond's abstraction
and restlessness and asked care you
in haste toNreturn?''
He answered quite calmly: eyes, we
ought to start back as soon as we can.
I am going after the horses. Please re
main here until get back
When Raymond returned the second
time be was breathing rapidly. Some
one has borrowed our horses he ex-
plained quietly, "and must ask you
to wait a little longer while I secure
another for you"
eWill they not return them?"
'I am afraid not. They have prob
ably gone up the hill to join Munro's
men, and they will be returned at the
stable If you are not afraid
"Oh, no; am not afraidv'
He looked at her in admiration. 81
don't believe you are scared. Well,
COW, stay here till can see what Z can
do about a horse
again Am stood alone in the door
way, watching a group Of men crouch
ing or the fat roof Of a two story
building opposite Two Of them had
rifles in their hands, and some man
was shouting from the walk, Keep
them guns out O sightp'
The girl began to tingle with fore
knowledge Of violence. AS she listened
wild cry went up from the roof tops.
Here they Gomez"
The throng below uttered answering
shouts. Men began to run to and fro
simlessly. filing the street facing to
the south. In the hands of hotheads
guns began to glitter Their action was
unreal. spectacular; but their voices
shook her, benumbed her.
Raymond came hurrying back, his
bps set and resolute, his brow frown-
hg with anxiety. Il cannot find
horse that you can ride have ordered
9 team. We Will have to go the back
way to reach it,
4 wider yell arose. The leaders be-
Gan to run down the street which led
TO the south. Ann took hold Of Ray
nond's arm with nervous cluIch.
what ere they going to do?'
'Its hard to tell. 1 wish we were
safely out of this"
Cant we rum?
.tRun. Dear girl, you couldn't walk
four blocks il this altitude. II you Will
come with nee we will cross to the barn
and get our carriage there"
UnccEsciolsly clingng, to his arm,
Ann wen1 down the back street as in a
dream.