Los Angeles herald., 1907-02-24

But they laughed in his face. Romany King
caught his horse and vaulted lightly into the
saddle.
Goodbye, matesl" he said to the two troop
ers, Hope we'll meet next time under happier
circumstances. AS for that skunk on the ground
don't want TO see him again except along my
revolver barrel"
And he cantered off over the desert.
The sergcant's threat was not an idle one.
When some hours later, the three men rode into
the little mining camp on the edge of the desert
tired, disheveled and dusty, he hurried oil TO
the sub.inspector, and laid the case before him.
Burke the subinspector, grew white with an
ger at the story, and instantly summoned the
troopers to his presence. As they shuffled into
the little weather-boarded office, their uniforms
ragged and their faces stained with the dust of
the desert, they found him waiting for them, his
whole attitude rigid with severity.
WELL said the sub-inspector, you know the
charge. You've assaulted your superior officer
and let villain escape"
at was only common humanity" said Gordon.
Humanity" said the fiery old sub-inspector.
"What the deuce has that to do with you troop
ers? You've dishonored your uniform and insult
ed your superior officer because he was man
enough to do his duty. You shall be tried on
those charges at the sttings of the next court"
And, turning to Moran, he gave orders for
them to be handcuffed and led away. Ignomini.
ously they were thrust into the little log Jail to
await their sentence.
But, few days after, mysterious notice. ad-
dressed to the sub-inspector, was posted upon
the door Of the jail
Dear sir" it ran, eff you give me your prom
Use to release the two troopers who were jailed on
my account, will deliver myself up in their place
right away. You can accept my offer by putting
notice at the camel-soak just outside the town
ship. ROMANY KING.
Burke, the sub.inspector, looked puzzled.
"I suppose he means it," he said to Moran
Il reckon so," said the sergeant Anyway,
we can let Duncan and Gordon out for time
and if he turns up we can nail the three of
them"
The sub-inspector was convention-loving man,
worshippng routine like god, but he broke in
instantly:
"'Pon my soul, Moran I believe you could
break thousand promises without wnking an
eyelid I'm inclined to think those poor beg.
gars of troopers had more honor in them, after
all"
The sergeant walked away, raging inwardly,
and the sub-inspector sent trooper to the spot
appointed accepting the offer of the bush.
ranger.
There was some excitement in the little mining
camp next day when the news leaked out. A
crowd of miners gathered at midday to see if
Romany King would come to redeem his promise.
And, punctually to the hour appointed there ap.
peared on the desert track spot of white half
hidden by cloud of dust.
| At once whisper ran down the line of waiting
men.
"Romany Kings coming, mates"
The sub-inspector and Moran were waiting for
him at the barracks-Nioran, pleased and exult
ant. with look of insolent triumph on his face
Ronany King colored as he saw his enemy, and
his hand made an instructive movement towards
the revolver at his hip. He was longing to meet
the sergeant on the open plain to fight battle tc
the DEATH but he conquered himself, and passed
along good-humorcdly to the sub-inspector.