Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-02-24

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"
| 81 decline to acknowledge your au-
! thority," responded Barnett, now thor
oughly angry.
The horseman laughed softly. irritat-
| ingly. Manners don't go with us at
| the present time. l must ask you to
| camp right here or go back to Grand
View till I can communicate with the
president of the union. If you are
here to talk compromise the men will
be glad to meet you. but my Judgment
| is that you better retire to Grand View.
| I will see that this lady gets to her
brother"
Ann was not a 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, DON"
she whispered.
Barnett stormed at the horsemen. "It
Is IMPOSSIBLE! If l am forced to go
back she must go with me. What right
have you to interfere in our plans?"
The answer came quickly, coidly, ev-
cry word telling. III tell you. The
boys have learned that you have been
chiefly Instrumental in pushing the
sheriff into another raid, and If trouble
comes they'll kill you. 1t isn't safe for
you to be on the hill tomorrow. Now
you needn't be afraid to trust the lady
to me- The vedette removed his nat.
Il am not n man to be feared by wo-
men,"
ann again spoke 81 can't consent to
your going into danger for me, Don.
Turn back, and I will go on"
1T Is madnessr' he said in n low
voice. These men are not fit escorts
for you. We will both go back and
wait-until morning"
AIMS teeth were chattering with
cold. Il 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 l have you in charge.
Or. if you like, you can stay here till
morning: but l would advise you to go
on to Mrs. KellyS. There is no cabin
suited to your needs ON this side of the
peak
Ann, stiff and weary and hungry,
rose in her seat with a sort of despera-
ton. Il will co." she said with trem-
bling voice.
The vetette, dismounting quickly,
helped her to the ground, While the sec
ond man, leaning low on his horse, en-
tered into muttered conversation with
an unkempt man in the doorway.
Barnett argued and insisted on going
on to Kelly's.
Not one step fartherr' sternly COM
handed the vedette. But you can
sleep here till daylight If you WISH"
Ann interposed. Don, beg of you
to go home. l don't want you to go
any farther. am not afraid now.
This man will take me to Mrs. Kelly's.
I'm sure of it, and Louis Will be there
by this time, and Mr.. Raymond"
Sure thing, lady. And 1t isn't late
not more than o'clock. Well almost |
get there in time for supper. Can you |
ride q horse?"
Yes"
well, will put you on my saddle, |
and 1 will walk and lead the horse" |
The light from the doorway fell upon |
him as he approached her, and the |
sight of his boyish face treasured her.
AS Barnett saw her rise to the sad
die he burst out: This is preposterous.
You must not go up there. The boy |
isn't worth it. I'm going with you or
fight" He drew his revolver, but some
one caught his hand from behind and
twisted the weapon out of his grasp.
Go on, Jack. Well take care of
him." called the man in the cabin door.
AS the light of the lamp was left be-
hind and the darkness settled round