Los Angeles herald., 1907-03-17


been poisoned, and by-Fisher.
Fisher did everything he could to intimi-
date the boys and get them to quit the claim.
He, would ride silently by and smile as he
as If to say, "Well, pity you when Tillory
comesp
The boys were told that Fisher daily hung
up rude pictures he had drawn of them and
fired at them with his revolver, and that
every time he hit he would laugh in great ,glee.
he let it be understood to the few claim
holders about that "Them Shaw boys viii find
what's what when Tlory comesl"
!1lloTy was to come, SO Fisher said, on the
thirtieth day after he had filed his claim.
That was the second Saturday after the boys
passed the first night in their dugout
The day before Fisher rode up, George had
been taken SUDDENLY ii, and everything was
wholly in the care of Rob, who was sitting
on a box by the door, ready to administer to
any want of his sick brother.
in his, yellow pony. "Tillory'n be here to-
night"
-.'Let him come" said Rob.
ble."
"Wel stay right here" said Rob, quietly.
This made Fisher furious and he rode away
in .sIy4e rage. ,n :. nm 49,. . >.
Rob asked of George as they talked together
about it."
"If he can honestly prove the claim is his,
/ /, am willing to give it up" George replied;
''but if this is only claim jumpers scheme,
wen never give up The tables will tnrn.
Fisher will get into troube-see if he don't"
That night the clatter of horses hoofs was
heard outside, and the familiar voice shouted,
threateningly:
"Tillorys come! Now you're in for it,
/, IN give We, you till daybreak. If you're here
The rest of the sentence was lost in the
clstter of hoofs.
1t was an hour OF two after this that the
stamp of hoofs- s-was again heard, and stran-
ger called out. asking if he could remain the
rest of the night.
Rob opened the door and surveyed the man
in the moonlight. There was nothing unusual
about his appearance, but his voice and man
ner inspired confidence. ..
I've. been out south a number Of miles"
he explained, "and wanted to get back to
Fresno tonight, but find can't. II you will
let me remain here it will be great favor"
"You are, welcome" said Rob, "if you can
sleep in dugout."
81 have done it many a time," replied the
stranger, with a goodnatured laugh, as he
dismounted, and removed the saddle from his
horse, "and. as | am. very tired, I'm sure
shall enjoy it tonight"
Rob took the horse and picketed him behind
stack of hay they had cut for the oxen, and
the stranger entered the house, where he was
soon asleep.
Rob was preparing breakfast, when the expect
ed approach of Fisher and Tillory was heard.
"There they are" said George, family, rails
ing himself on his elbow. "I believe they
have no right to the claim, and are only bluff
fers. The land is ours, Rob, so stand up for
our rights. Everything depends on you"
"HeIo,. there!" shouted the wellknown
harsh voice.
Rob opened the door and stood on the step.
For a moment the two men glared at the
slender boy. and he returned the gaze with
perfect calmness.
''Well, we've come, ,Tillory and l." said he
of the yellow pony, Ito get his claim, and
we're going to get it."
Rob looked at the burly form Of Tillory, and
the revolver at his side, and felt that the
chances were against him, unprepared as he
was to contend against these ruffians.
ION what ground do you claim this land"
Rob asked.
''Why, sir" said Tillory, who now spoke for
the first time. "on the. ground that filed ON
eve did not jump the claim" Rob asserted,
stoutly, "and we don't believe you have the
slightest right to it"
"Why not? Tell me that" demanded Til
lOg;
Because, for one reason, you have made no
improvement"
Haven't, hey?" broke in the sharp tones
of Fisher. 'fWhat about that sod house?'
''That was made after my brother filed on
the land. and"
"You both ought to be shot!" broke out
Fisher, in terrible rage, shaking his fist in
Rob's face, while Tillory put his hand on his
revolver.
Seeing this, Fisher motioned TiIIory back.
and first addressed him, then Rob.
"Hold on now. No violence yet! told
you Hllory was bad man, young feller, and
apt to be rash. / don't want no lawing nor
no violence, knowing your brothers sick so
tell you what Pll-I mean. Tillory will do.