The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-03-03


 ed on the inner side of the wire screen. She hastened to make pleasant reply and presently she had forgotten the character of her visitor in the charm of his conversations
 Robber he might be. but he was cer- tainly e most charming fellow and had travelled far. He soon had her so fn- terested in his tales of back East |" that promised land of which she had heard so much and seen nothing at all. that she was sorry when at last the clock cifned four and she was forced to rouse herself and announce that 1t was. time to close the doors.
 I've enjoyed our little visit immense ly." he said with a smile. T am sorry that 1t must be interrupted. I hope to see you again. May suggest that you be careful to see that the vaults are se- curely locked? You see I hear that that is gang of desperadoes in these parts and 1t would be well not to put temptation in their way"
 Bertha glanced at the "s5.oo0 reward" on the circular and made up her mind. Butte must not be permitted to escape. on the shelf and slipped out of the cage. There was an opening in the counter near the front door. and just as she reached 1t. she whipped out her gun.
 Put up your hands, she command ed.f You didn't know 1t. but had your picture there on a handbfll"
 His hands had gone above his head at the first command, and now he tow cred above her. still smiling.
 There is some mists.se." he said. Ti you will kindly turn aside my coal you will find a detectives star there that should vouch for me-"
 He approached her as though to per. init her to carry out his request, but she retreated before him.
 Not much," she declared. That would give you a splendid chance to overpower me. You keep your dist ance.a
 "But can't hold my hands over my head all night he pleaded. What are you going to do with mel"
 Some one will come for me if I do not go home," she explained. 'You won't have to wait more than an hour
 The intruder groaned. You don't sup pose that can keep my arms in the air that long. do your he demanded. I'd rather have you shoot"
 T will if you come any closer" she warned. He stepped back, and for ten minutes he looked eagerly out of the door. Then he gave a cry. and with q sigh of relief Bertha turned her head to greet the newcomer.
 For an instant she gasped, for the newcomers arms went above his head promptly, and his revolver went clat- tering to the ground. In general ap- pearance he was the double of her first visitor, though he lacked the frankness, expression and genial lines about the eyes.
 His action reminded her of her cap- tive and she turned. To her surprise he had whipped out a revolver and had the other covered.
 "will you oblige me by feeling in my coat and taking out pair of handcuns you will find thereY' he asked.
 Bertha drew out the giistening brace- lets and snapped them about the new comer's wrists. Then the other man came forward and with the heavy leather belt he wore about his waist he fastened his victom's feet.
 ''This is Butte Bill" he explained as he dragged his captive to 8 chair. ''rhere are probably two others of tEe gang waiting outside. You stand over him and shoot him if he attempts to get away. I'll see if I can round up the others"
 Deprivine the bandit of his weapons the stranger slipped out. Presently there was a sound of firing, then g silence. The girl and the rran in the bank stirred uneasily. Bill was anx- ious as to the fate of his accomplices, and Bertha felt an unaccountable in- terest in the welfare of the stranger
 The minutes that sped by seemed like hours, until with a whoop, crowd burst Into the bank and relieved her of her guard duty. The stranger was in the van, a bloody handkerchief wrapped about his left hand and thin stream of blood trickling down the side of his face.
 "Tm not hurt" he said with a laugh, as he saw her look of dismay. Just a scratch on the head and ball through the palm"
 ''The sheriff can take care of these men," she said. Come home with me and let me fix you up"
 Rapidly she closed the vaults and led him down the street to the little home where her first aid to the injured had more than once gained her tltie or The Little Doctor"
 over the bandaging he told her that he was a railroad detective looking for some car thieves and that one of the Butte band had mistaken him for the leader and had uncovered the hank plot to him. He had seen chance to earn the reward and so he had sought an excuse for lingering around the bank until the desperado had put in an appearance.
 1T did not want to alarm you,''q he exnlained. 'so said nothing, though if I had had my hands in the air much longer I should have had to speak in self defense"
 And I thought was earning the re- ward" she laughed.
 You did, he insisted.
 Not at all," she contradicted.
 ''Then half," he pleaded.
 She shook her head and 1t was six weeks later before Greg Halletts hand Then they used the reward for the 
 mADrT TUE,S AST MOVING DYA