Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-09-14
CHAPTER XIV.

to the door. Midwinter though
4 = 1t was, the sun was clear and
warm, and as they went winding down
the trail to the southwest Ann eXclaim-
ed over the exquisite quality of the
air, the crystalline clarity Of the dis
tant peaks and the cloudless serenity
Of the sky.
After short and steep descent they
came out into wagon road and We're
able to ride side by side.
you must be prepared for very poor
goods and very small Stores" said Rob.
"BoZle is by no means to be compared
even with Valley Springs. Everything
is temporary. No one really intends to
live there; they are all just staying,
and fear the millinery is not of the
latest fashion"
what power lies In the idea Of
gold! See the people who have come
from all over the world! Don tells me
that every European language Is spo-
ken here. Did see Perry, the Mex
lean boy, at your cabin this morning7"
Eyes, Perry is here, and so Is Baker.
You have cause to remember Baker"
When they entered the town Ann
said:
please take me to shop where l
can get some chairs and small table.
am going to present Mrs. Kelly with
an easy chair
Every well" said he. II know the
very place, but please do not go about
the streets alone. OF course you are
perfectly safe, but you are stranger
and might wander into the wrong
doors. Wait till tie the horses and
do one or two errands, then will join
you, and we can go where you please"
Every w,ell," she replied, with feel
ing Of pleasure in his care of her. II
will want to visit several shops"
When Raymond returned for Ann,
whom he had left at furniture shop,
he was filled with anxiety. The street
was full of men drawn together by
report that the sheriff had stolen q
march on Skytown and was already on
his way to intimidate Bozle and de-
mand those for whom his warrants
called. Horsemen were galloping up
the hill to warn the miners, and the
Cling with the growing throng, pleading
for peace. The whole camp resembled
nest Of ants into which an OK had
planted hoof.
Ann observed Raymond's abstraction
and restlessness and asked, care you
IN haste to return?''
He answered quite calmly: Eyes, we
ought to start back as soon as we can.
I am going after the horses. Please re-
main here until get back"
When Raymond returned the second
time he was breathing rapidly. "Some
one has borrowed our horses" he ex-
planned quietly, "and I must ask you
to wait little longer while l secure
another for you"
"Will they not return them?"
II am afraid not, They have prob
ably gone up the hill to join Munro's
men, and they will be returned at the
stable. If you are not afraid
ooh, no; am not afraid"
He looked at her in admiration. II
don't believe you are scared. Well,
now, stay here till can see what I can
do about horse"
Again Ann stood alone in the door
way, watching group Of men crouch
ing on the fat roof Of a two story
building opposite. Two of them had
rifles In their hands, and some man
was shouting from the walk, keep
them guns out O sight"
!! The girl began to Jingle with fore
knowledge Of violence. As she listened
wild cry went up from the roof tops.
"..Here they comet"
The throng below uttered answering
shouts. Men began to run to and fro
aimlessly, filing the street facing to
the south. In the hands Of hotheads
guns began to glitter Their action was
unreal, spectacular; but their voices
shook her, benumbed her.
Raymond came hurrying back, his
lips set and resolute, his brow frown.
Ing with anxiety. " cannot find q
horse that you can ride. have ordered
q team. We will have to go the back
way to reach It,"
A wilder yell arose. The leaders be-
gan to run down the street which led
to the south. Ann took hold of Ray.
Aouu apm WALL AtEfouS CiutCu.
''What are they going to do7'
"It's hard to tell. I wish we were
safely out of this
Cant we RUM"
run! Dear girl, you couldn't walk
four blocks in this altitude, Ii you will
come with me we will cross to the barn
and get our carriage there"
Unconsciously cllnging to his arm.
Ann went down the back street rs in a
dream.
They were already too late. The
cross street was packed with men, and,
looking down the hill, they saw the
sheriff and his posse coming six abreast
like Q squad of cavalry, riding slowly
up: between the walls of stern aud
silent citizens Of the great, camp Each
deputy carried rife across the POM
mel Of his saddle, and at their head,
preceding even the sheriff, rode Mat
thew Kelly. His head was bare, and
IN his hand long revolver cleaned.
There was something in his face, in the
lift Of his head, that awed men. AS he
came he called out not loudly, but
every word could be heard:
t.Aisy how, boys! Respect the law.
Aisy, say! This is no fight Of yours.
Down with your guns. There are wo-
men and children to think Of. Kape the
peace"
Raymond looked at Ann with eyes
whose light amazed her, "By the Lord,