Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-05-30
cruel to YOU. Don't You see3n

If l cannot, then it is better for one to
suffer than two. Return to New York,
and from that vantage ground look
back on this new life. If do not then
seem fitted to make you happy l will
not complain"
They We're interrupted again, this
time by Nora, who came in pale and
troubled. Rob, where is Matt? Sure,
he has not shown his face since sup
per-"
f.. Hes i'll commani of the guard to-
night. He's not far away. Don't wor-
~ about him."
Ann, dear, wish you'd come home.
! need you. Rob will sit with the sick
one. wont YOU. Rob?"
10 this suggestion Raymond gave as
sent, and In the end Ann went away,
her demonstration unfinished-the ques-
ton of her future still unanswered.
Nora was fairly broken. Dear God!
How long are we to be kept on the
edge of destruction like this? Sure,
my patience is worn out"
Ann comforted her as best she could,
and ut o'clock, all being quiet out
side, they went to bed
Ann was awakened from an uneasy
sleep by Nora's cry to Matt: For love
of heaven, where have you been?
What Is that noisc?"
MATHS voice, rumbling in.reply, bare
ly reached her ears. for n,deep, tram
ping, continuous tumult grew each
moment louder and Mt last was dis
tinguishable as the sound Of horses
hoofs. Springing from her bed, she
| drew aside the curtain and pcered out.
In the clear, yellow light OF the frosty
dawn regiment of mounted men was
streaming up the road between the
cabins. Dressing hurriedly, she went
out into the sitting room just as ,1lay
mopd came in, his face excited and
cXultant.
Our reign of terror Is over. The
desperadoes are scattering like quail.
The governor ina spirit of reprlsal has
invoked fedcraliaid and Colonel Wood
of the Fortieth United States cavalry
is about to take command Of the
camp"
ooh, I am so glad!. Now there will
be no more fighting. ;and you can re-
store your MILL"
You are Light bs > lot fight
the United Stateit ..ni.,.' l.. answered,
with the pride OF. potential soldier.
They faced cnc.l ot,cl. ever at this
moment, with knowledge that the
most important matter OF ;,iliremained
unsettled between them, and all day
and the next, Willie the Orces of dis.
order dissolved and the campreadjust-
ed itself to military rule, Ann nursed
her sick and brooled over her prob
lem.
The second day passed islowly-even
though she slept ut times--and no fur
Their word of intimate meaning passed
between them. Raymondtcame in from
time to time with news u the, changes
in progress, but did not tell her,thut the
state was fun of praise of theipurt he
had played in bringing peace. to the
camp. Ieshrank from doing this. for
the reason that, III; usual, the press
was extreme, loading, him With y..1iipli-
ments forihis firm stand. for his infu-
encc over Munro and for'his powerful
protest to the governor, whereas, to his
mind. Matthew Kelly wasathe leader of
the free miners. II was only the sec
retary-the clerk,'rhe explained.
Dolan, however, broalght to Ann n
knowledge of the greatslight which had
been turned suddenly on her lovers
abashed figure, and the glow of pride
which came to her brought keen
realization or how closely his
was interviewer with her good wishes.
| Hounded and brought to bay;by his
admirers, Raymond made speech
bluntly protesting that he was not en-
titled to any credit in the.mMter II
tried hard to keep out Of Sit," he de-
clared. I'm not seeking honor of that
kind" But his argument was III vain.
His denials We're called the excess of
modesty, and ut Il meeting ofNthe vari-
Gus factions looking to an adjustment
he was amazel to find himself,put for
ward as chief arbitrator of thel conten-
ton, mainly by Barnett and the mayor
of Valley Springs.
Just at sunset, rs Ann, lingering ut
Louis side, was about to1 cross to the
Kelly cabin, Munro wild, white and
brcathless, burst into thereon.
where's my gum he demanded
where's Rob?" He was hunted
man in every look, in, every gesture.
MY gum" he demanded sharply and
ran into the inner room. When lie re-
appeared his face was set in grim
smile. for in his hand dangled shin
ing weapon. His panic was ut an end.
Whose faced him now must give ac-
count of himself.
"Goodby. grill" he called, and his
voice was wildly tender. Don't for
get me-! With Il bound he reached
Barnett's horse ;tlid rose to the saddle
just us Il stern voice called "laIt!'
and blade of fire reached out of the
dusk and pierced his side.
Squirting his horse in u swift, rear
ing circle, he flung from his right hand
an answering puff Of smoke. and tall
man with Il rifle In his hands dropped
at the corner Of the.cabin, but from his
knees again took aim, and the lN.nuti-
full horse went down, finging his des-
pcratc rider over his head.
Horriiied, frozen into imlnobility.
Ann stood i'll the doorway, while Nun
TO shook himself free from the saddle
and dragged himself clear Of the groan.
ing horse. Resting himself on his cl-
bow, with the face of a.calm panther,
he confronted second armed officer,
His right arm was useless, but his
mind was clear, his eyes steady. and
rs his new assailant approached he
shifted his weapon to his left hand
and rolled upon his useless right arm,
and the bullet intended for his heart
Went wide then. Lifting himself with
terrible effort, he fired ag;in and put
Il bullet into the very heart of his pur-
sucr, who fell in Il heap just us Ray
mond and Barnett, followed by Kelly,
came ruslEng to the scene Of combat.
Raymond bent above the fallen leader.
How is it, Jack? Are you hurt."