The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1906-07-20
(Continued.)

days when railroads We're of the far
away future-a long, low log structure
with a roof Of dirt out of which dead
weeds Haunted. The front room, which
swarmed with men in rough clothing
seemed to be country store and post
office as we'll as an eating house. A
small, active old woman met Ann with
toothless grin. "Step right this way
and get out O. the smudge."
Ann followed her into a minute bed
room which opened off the dining room.
The old woman began to clatter. "Put
off your things here. My. but them's
fine furs! Did ye drive up from the
Springs? Are you going on to the
camp"
Eyes,"
"Waal, you'll find it lively up there!
As near as can learn they mean biz"
she whispered. ''Some O. Jack Mum
eo's men are in there now eatin'. They
keep a mighty sharp watch on who
comes In these days. Soon's you're
ready I'll put you and your man down
at my end Of the table and I'll look
after ye"
Ann laid aside her furs, but retained
her hat. and Us she re-entered the room
made dazzling appeal to those rough
fellows, who eyed her with sly. side
glances.
Braide, already seated, rose to meet
her. 1--WE have reached an outpost of
the guard and will be Intercepted be-
fore we leave, fear"
II am quite ready to meet them" she
replied. bending to her plate. '"They
can't refuse to let us pass"
The talk at the table was not illu-
minating. Each man apparently strove
to fill his paunch before his fellow.
Only one Of them seemed to study Ann
and her companion with candid inter-
est This was a small man with
chin beard and an eye as keen as that
Of blue jay. As the other men filled
up and left the table he came down and
carelessly took seat near Braide.
Il reckon I've seen you before he
began pleasantly.
Il shouldn't wonder. I'm DR.. Braide
Of Valley Springs"
"Where you amin to 60 now, If it's
q fair question:" r.
ITO SSytown.'
'Goin' to treat somebody" asked the
old woman, who was lowering near.
Ann interposed. Eyes, he is going up
to treat my brother Louis, who is lying
Ill at Mr.. Raymond's cabin"
The stranger glowed again. Didn't
see nothin' Of the sheriff's army on the
way, did ye?" Here he winked at
Braide.
The doctor smiled. mot a thing. l
don't think they've left the valley yet"
I'D advise 'em not to. I'm going
over to the camp myself, and If you
don't mind I'll Jest nacherly jog along
q rod or two ahead of you-to show
you the road"
As he rose to go the stranger said:
IF so be it you folks have any in1u-
enee with Rob Raymond, preach him
into joining the movement. It'll be a
mighty sight safer for him and a big
help to the miners"
After the miner left the room Braide
said: 'We're in the enemy's country
He was plainly warning US, and bis
going along is in the nature Of an arm
ed guard
Ellis escort may be Of use to u.s." re-
piled Ann. "Who was that man?" she
asked Of the old woman, who fairly
whispered her answer.
''That's old Steve Adams. He's boss
Of this squad. All six o. them men are
Munro's pickets."
AS Ann and the doctor drove on the
clouds began to lift, rolling slowly,
ponderously, reluctantly upward from
the timbered slopes.
Their guide rode rapidly, signaling
the doctor now and then to keep pace
with him, and after nearly an hour of |
fairly level ground the road entered |
another canyon and crawled upward |
along prodigious wall, which beat
back the clashing roar Of small but
very swift stream Of water.
It must have been about 5 o'clock
when they rounded the great base of |
the Black Cone at the head of the
canyon and looked away across the
big camp and far out upon the valley
to the west.
Adams. their guide, was a consider
able distance in advance when
couple of horsemen encountered them.
After moments conference one turn
ed back, and the other came on swiftly.
AIMS heart glowed with the hope
that it might be Raymond with a mes
sage from the sick one, but It proved
to be Munro. He came up swiftly and,
setting his horse upon his launches,
leaped cavaherly to the ground.
Good evening. lady," he called as he
approached the wagon. "Have you
)ourneyed far?'
'How is LouisT asked Ann quickly,
With instant revolt Of his assurance.
He felt the impersonal rebuke Of her
and replied simply: ''He is bet
ter this afternoon, so I hear. have
not had time to call. 1t is q pleasure to
zee you again., He fixed his eyes on
Ter companion. II don't think know
7ou." he said, with a challenging in