The Rich Hill tribune. (Rich Hill, Mo.) 1903-1911, 1908-03-05

slowly splaShing through the shallow
water 60 the northern shore. Before
them stretched a broad plain, the sur
face rocky and uneven, the northern
stars ohsoured by ridges Of higher
land. Murphy promptly ave his
horse the spur, never once ~elancing
behind. while the other Initiated his
example, holding his animal well IN
check. being apparently the better
mounted.
They rode silently. The way be-
came more broken and rough as they
advanced, causing them 10 exercise
greater caution. Flying clouds OBJ
soured the stars. yet through the riffs
they caught aeeting glimpses SUN
cient TO hold them to their course
And the e%ncroaching hills swept in
closer upon either hand, leaving them
cropping their way between as In a
pocket. yet ever advancing north.
Finally they attained to the steep
bank OF a considerable stream, found
the water Of sufficient depth TO compel
swimming, and crept up the opposite
shore dripping and miserable, vet with
ammunition dry, Murphy stood swear.
inc disiointedly. wiping the blood from
a wound in his forehead where the
Jagged edge Of a rock had broken the
skin, but suddenly stopped with a
quick intake of breath that left him
painting. The other man crept toward
him. leading his horse.
What is It now" he asked. grumy
"Hev' sc got EN- agin?"
The dazcd old scout stared. point
ing directly across the others Shout
der. his arm shaking desperately.
ITS thar,-an' it's his face! Oh,
Godi-l know it-t5 year
The man glanced backward into the
pitch darkness, but without moving
his body,
There's nuthin' out there, less it's
a FREELY he insisted, in a tone OF con
tempt You're plum crazy, Murphy;
the nights got on yer nerves. What
is il We think ye see2
His face, / tell ye, Don't / know?
IT'S an green and CHASTITY. with snaky
flames playin about Il, But I know
Is years. an ! amt forgot"
He sank down feebly-sank until he
was on his knees. his head crsned for.
ward. The man watching touched the
miserable, hunched-up figure compass
sionately. and it shook beneath his
hand. endeavoring to shrink away.
My God! was thet you? thought
il was him a-reachin' fer me. Here
let me take yer band. Oh. Lord An
can't We see? It's just there beyond
them horses-al greer crawlin'. dev
iBsh-but IT'S him"
Who
"Brant, Braut-i5 year"
"Brant? Fifteen years. DO YOU
mean Mai Brant. the one Nolan KILLED
~ az Bethuucs
"He-he didn't"
The old mau heayed forward hts
head rocking from side TO side. then
suddenly he toppled over cn ais face
gnspiug for breath. His companion
caught him and ripped open the heavy
flannel shirt. Then he strobe savage
ny across In front OF his shrinking horse.
tore down the haring picture. and
hastily thrust Il into his pocket. the
light OF the PHOSPHORUS with which Il
had been rubbed being reflected for q
moment on his features.
"A dirty. miserable. low-down trick.
he muttered. Poor old devil, Yet
I've got to do Il for the little girl"
He stumbled hack through the dark
ness. his hat filled with water. and
dashed q into Murphy's face Come
on. Murphy, There's good thing
bout spo0ks. they don't hang round
fer long al a time. Likely Is not this
'un is gone by now. Brace up. man,
for you an I have got ter get out O.
here afore mornin
Then Murphy grasped his arm and
drew himself slowly To his feet.
Don't see nuthin nov. DO yes
mo Where's my-horsc
The other silently reached him the
loose rein. marking as he did so the
quick. nervous pecrins this way and
that. the starting at the slightest
sound
did ye say, Murphy. as how g.
wasn't Nolan after all who plugged
the major
I'm dnmncd-f did who-clse
was it2'
why. / dunno. Sorter blamed odd
though. tibet ghost should De- ahaunt
In ye Darn 81 u amt creepy 'nough
ter make a Teller believe most any.
thin"
Murphy drew himself up heavily
into his saddle Then an az once ho
showed the muzzlo OF q "t5" into the
others face. I'VE say nuther word
bout thet. an TIT make ghost outer
ye-blame lively Now. ye shet up-If
ye ride with me
They moved forward at a walk aud
reached a higher level. % which
the night wind swept, bearing a touch
OF cold in its breath as though coming
from the s-now-capped mountains 10
the west. There was renewed life In
this in%vigorating air and Murphy
spurred forward, his companion press
lng steadily after.
NEhan the Nref gfuua NJ returning