Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-02-08
CHAPTER XII-continued.

met them, and as Ann waited on the
platform for Don to secure a carriage
she observed that on the seat of each
of the coaches two guards sat, negll-
gently nursing rifles which glittered in
the sunlight. Soon the whips began to
crack. and the coaches rolled away one
by one, leaving Barnett to follow in a
road wagon which he had hired for
their own especial use.
The sun was sinking to midafter-
noon, and Mogalyon on the left was in
full glory of ermine and saffron. The
air was keen and crisp. the sky cloud
less. and the road except for an occa-
sional mudhole, was very good. Bar
nett remarked, I'VE ought to pull into
BoZle before dark on these roads"
Night came abruptly. A thin gray
scum rose swiftly on the western sky
and suddenly grayed the brightness of
the sun. The world grew instantly
stern and cold The road, after climb
ing ridge, descended into gorge
with frs on either side, and when they
came out upon the fiat meadow to the
uUIlll w est " loSuiSoiA WHY WV iiSA''
of Skytown could be seen.
At the moment that Don was point,
ing out the lights two horsemen APP
peared in front and in the middle Of
the road.
"Haltr' cried clear voice.
The driver pulled his tired horses to
stand so energetically that his hands
rose above his head.
'Is Donnelly Barnett with your
asked one Of the men as he rode
nearer.
I'm Barnett What do you want OF
me9' asked Don coolly.
Not a thing" answered the horse.
man. That's just it, We have no use
for you, and I've been watching to
meet you and say that the boys want
you.to continue your quiet, uneventful
life at the Springs"
"Who are you?'
Were a couple of Skytown vedettes.
Who is the lady?'
"That doesn't concern you. Go on,
driver"
The driver took up the reins, but tho
voice of the vedette grew sterner.
"Stay where you are" Then, turning
to Barnett: I'm your best friend, Don
nelly. The boys understand that you
are backing Mackay in his plans. and
it isn't safe for you to, enter the camp
advise you to turn around right here
and go back"
Ann spoke up: please let us go on.
Mr. Barnett is taking me in to meet
my brother, and l am cold and hun
cry"
There was something thrilling in the
calm, clear sweetness Of her voice, and
the first of the vedettes, pressing near
er, leaned from his saddle to ask:
"Who is your brother, lady?"
Ellis name is Louis Rupert. He is
only boy, and l am going in to care
for him.
"Rob Raymond's kid l know him."
replied the vedette "But thought he
was visiting you in the Springs."i
"He was. but he went back to the
camp today, and l am very anxious
about him."
"He's 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. 1 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.
1 will see that this lady gets to her
brother"
Ann was not 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. ut
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, coldly, ev-
cry word telling. "I'll 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 hat,
II am not a 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 l will go on"
.'It is madness!' he said in a 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. 81 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