Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-10-09
ooh Rob Pm c,od ,o,,,uo 49, ~,

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fort. and a drunken fellow
Take your time" said Raymond
coldly. "There are several minutes left
In the box. You might begin at the be-
ginning and tell me why you sneaked
away again without saying goodby to
Ann?"
The boy was not daunted. "As soon
as heard what the sherif's plans
We're wanted to leave, but it was so
dark; that was last night. was afraid
to try it, so this morning pulled out
early"
"Where have you been all dayY
"Tve been with Jack. met his men
way down the canyon, and they took
me to headquarters, where told my
story, and then went to supper with
Jack; and then this big row came on,
and I stayed to see that Oh, but Jack
Is fine! He faced the whole crowd
alone. One man wanted to clean out
your cabin. He said it was nest of
traitors. He drew his gun on Jack, but
he hadn't time to pull the trigger.
Jacks bullet went through his arm"
Raymond, who had been studying the
lad with softening glance, interrupted
him: 'Now, see here, Louis, you sit
down here by the fire. Don't let your
words all try to get out of the corral
at the same time. We want to know
all about it, but we don't want you to
hurry. It's only 10 O'clock, and you
can get over whole lot of ground by
midnight"
The two men looked at each other
with grave eyes. The boy was trem-
bling with excitement, and his voice
was high and strained.
Kelly said gently: "My lad, 'twould
serve your sister better If you kept out
oe this. 1 don't like to- see you riding
between the lines as a spy"
II didn't intend to. be spy, but
when heard the trick they were going
to play couldn't help hurrying back"
"What trick?'' @
'Why, they're going to load all their
men into freight cars and make them
keep quiet, and then they're going to
run them through Jacks guard at
| Doggy clear to the end of the rails"
"That's very nice plan," said Ray
mond. when do they intend to
Gomez"
Tomorrow night if the guns arrive
for which they are waiting
"How did you drop on to this?"
II heard Cousin Don tell DR.. Braide
He wanted DR.. Braide to follow next
day in case of accidents"
you've told this to Jack2"
eyes. I wanted to come and see you,
Matt, but he said I could tell you aft
erward."
Raymond again looked at his partner.
well, don't see that there is any
thing for US to do now
Jack told me to tell you to be on
your guard tonight. He said he'd come
down and see you If possible. Oh. I
feel SO cold" he ended, drawing nearer
the fire. I'm all trembly over my
chest"
ri reckon you better strip off your
clothes and go to bed. This has been a
hard day for you.'
He seemed stiff, and was shiyering
convulsively. II believe ! will. Rob.
don't feel any good"
As Raymond helped him to undress
the boys teeth began to chatter, and
he drew his breath with kissing
moan. II guess I've taken an awful
cold, Rob. My breast aches so.'
Matt, go ask Nora to come over and
bring her little medicine case This
boys got chill right now"
"a swallow of whisky will fix that"
answered Matt as he went out. "I'll
be back in jiffy."
Raymond bundled Louis into bed
and heaped him with blankets and
furs. his heart deeply stirred with anx
iety, for as the boys mind turned from
the excitement of his days expert
ences to his condition he became deep
~ depressed. He fairly collapsed
Mrs. Kelly, with her emergency
case" Of medicine and a knowledge Of
sickness gained in years Of maternal
care in the rough country. was great
comfort to Raymond, but she could not
keep down his growing anxiety. The
boys body was so small and frail
when stripped Of Its clothing! Under
their vigorous ministrations the suf-
ferer ceased to shake and at last fell
into hot, uneasy doze
Raymond, seeing this, whispered:
'You must 60 home. will watch
mo, Rob. you must sleep. I forgot
you had no sleep last night"
"Oh, yes, did. took nap ut Bar
nett's. Please go to bed"
To this arrangement she submitted,
and, taking his seat close by the boys
couch, Raymond studied his flushed
face, more concerned at that moment
over his temperature and pulse than
with the brawling crowds. the invading
force or the fate Of his mine When
Munro knocked OH his door he went
out upon the threshold and repeated
the failure Of his mission. while the
captain of the velettes listened with
his horses rein across his arm. At the
end he merely said ".All right. Let
them come; they will find us ready.
Did the kid turn UP all rlght?"
"He turnel up. but he has taken "a
chill and is burning with fever"
Munro seemed concerned. HE had
nothing on but that little gray jacket
I tried to warm him up with some
whisky and supper hope he won't
be laid up. Well, now, old man, what
are you going to do-help us or the
dudes!"
II can't decide anything tonight I'm
WOrriad about thic hoy re ho 10 hot+o,