Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-07-06

were too treacherous and that no time
could be saved by doing SO. Thus they
waited for the dawn. At last they
heard the wounded man family calling
He spoke to Helen oarsely. There
was no malice, only fear. in his tones:
Il said this was my .?ladness-and
got what deserved, but I'm going
to die. O, God-I'm going to die and
Pm afraid" He moaned till the
Bronco Kid hobblsd in, glazing with
unquenched hatred
Yes, you're going to die and | did
it. Be game, can't you? sha'nt let
her go for help until daylight"
Helen forced her brother back to
his couch and returned to help the
wounded man, who grew incoherent
and began to babble.
A little later, when the Kid seemed
stronger and mis- head clearer, Helen
ventured to tell him of their uncle's
villany and Of the proof she held, with
her hope Of restoring justice. She
told him of the attacks planned that
very night and of the danger which
threatened the miners. He questioned
her closely and. realizing the bearing
Of her story, crept to the door casting
the wind like hound.
We'll have to risk it," said he. "The
wind is almost gone and it's not long
till daylight
She pleaded to go alone, but he was
firm. "I'll never leave you again, and,
moreover, know the lower trail quite
well Well go down the gulch to the
valley and reach town that way It's
farther but it's not so dangerous
you cart ride" she insisted
Il can if you'll tie ne into the sad.
dls. Como, get the horses"
It was still pitchy dark and the rain
was pouring. but the wind only sighed
weakly as though tired by its violence
when she helped the Bronco into his
saddle. The effort wrallched a
sr1an from him, but he in
sisted upon her tying It's feet he.
meath the horses belly, saying that the
trail was rough and he could take no
chance of falling again: SO, having per.
formed the last services she might for
Strive, she mounted her own animal
and allowed 1t to pick its way down the
steep descent behind her brother who
swayed and lurched drunkenly in hts
seat. gripping the horn before him
with both bands.
They had been gone perhaps a half
hour when another horse plunged furi-
ously out of the darkness and halted
before the road house door, It's ride.
mud-stained and dishevelled, flung him.
self In mad haste to the ground and
bolted in through the door. He saw
the signs of confusion in the outer
room. chairs upset and broken, the
table wedged against the stove, and
before the counter shattered lamp in
pool Of oil. He called loudly but, re.
ceiving no answer, snatched a light
which he found burning and ran to the
door at his left. Nothing greeted him
but the empty tiers of hunks. Turning
ne crossed to the other side and burst
through. Another lamp was lighted be.
side the couch where Strive lay
breathing heavily his lids half closed
over his staring eyes Roy noted the
pool Of blood at his feet and the
broken window; then, setting down his
lamp. ne leaned over the man and
spoke to him.
When he received no answer he
spoke again loudly Then. in frenzy,
Glen1ster shook the wounded man
cruelty. SO that he cried out in ter
ror:
I'm dying-oh, I'm dying" Roy
raised the sick man up and thrust his
own face before his eyes.
"This is Glenister. I'VE come for
Helen-where is she?" A spark Of
recognition flickered in the sufferer.
"The Kid took her away The Kid
shot me-" and then his voice rose till