Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-02-01

Il
Tie. and he grappred ns-osfy win as
] dread antagonist, Murphy snapped
like a mad dog. his lips snarling
curses: but Hampton fought silently.
| desperately. his brain clearing as ne
succeeded In wrenching those claws
from his lacerated throat. and forced
his way Up on to one knee. He worked
his way. inch by inch. to his feet. his
slender figure rigid as steel and closed
in upon the other, but Murphy writhed
out OF his grasp. as a snake might.
J The younger man realized now TO the
| full his peril. and his hand slipped
down to the gun upon mis- nip. There
was sudden CLINT in the faint star
light as he struck, and the stunned
maniac went down quivering. aud lay
motiouless on the hard ground With
the quick decision OF one long accus-
toned TO meet emergencies. Hampton
unbuckled the lariat from one Of the
led animals and bound Murphy's hands
and limbs securely.
AS he worked he thought rapidly.
He comprehended the extreme des-
peration OF their present situation.
While the revolver blow might posi-
bly, restore Murphy 20 a degree OF san
ity. Il was far more probable that he
would awaken violent. Yet he could
not deliberately leave this man to
meet a fate OF horror in the wilder
ness. That which would have been
quickly decided had he been alone be-
~7me a most serious problem when
In fn~.
sane. helpless scout. Then. there we're
the dispatches! They must De OF vital
importance 10 have required the send
ing Of Murphy forth on sc dangerous
ride; other lives. ay. the result OF
the entire campaign might depend
upon their early delivery. Hampton
had been a soldier. the spirit OF the
service was still with him. and that
thought brought him 20 final decision.
Unless they were halted by Sioux bul
lets, they would push on toward the
Big Horn and Custer should have the
papers.
he knelt down beside Murphy. I'M
buckled the leather dispatch bag. and
rebucklod Il across his own shoulder.
Then he set TO work 20 revive the
PROSTATE man. The eyes. when open
ed. stared up az him. Wild and glaring:
the ugly face bore the expression OF
AFFECT fear. The man was no longer
violent; he had become a child. fright
ened at tho dark
Securely Swapping Murphy 90 his
saddle and packing all their remain
ing store OF provisions upon one horse.
leaving the other TO follow or remain
behind as Il pleased. he advanced di-
rectly into the hills steering by aid
OF the stars. HIS left hand ever on
Murphy's bride rein. his low voice OF
expostulation seeking 10 calm the 9TH
er's wild fancles and 20 curb HIS vio-
!eas speech.
AZ dawn they were In narrow
-o~~e among the hills. a dark and
-i-"--' role. Yet peculiarly safe spot
Oh" hide. having steep. rocky
lodges on either side. with sufsoia..
grass for the horses. Leaving Murphy
bound, Hampton clambered Up the
front OF the rock to where he was
able 10 look out All was silent and
MS heart sank as he surveyed the
brown sterile hills stretching TO the
horizon. having merely narrow guIches
OF rock and sand between. the sheer
haKeaness OF the picture unrelievad
Oy green shrub or any living thing
Ihen. almost despairing. he sid hack
stretched himself out amid the soft
grass. and sank into the slumber of ex-
harstion. his conscious memory the
lncoherent babbling OF his insane
companion
He swoke shortly after noon. feeling
refreshed and renewed in both body
and mind. Murphy was sleeping when
ne nrst turned to look at him. but he
a"oke In season TO be fed, and &C
cepted the pronered food with all the
apparent delight OF a child. While he
rested, their remaining pack-aninal
had strayed, and Hampton was com
peiIed TO go on with only the two
horses. strapping the depleted store
OF provisions behind his own saddle.
Then he carefully hoisted Murphy into
place and bound his feet beneath the
animals belly. Then he resumed the
Journey down one OF those sand
strewn depressions pointing toward
the Rosebud. pressing the refreshed
ponies into canter, confident now
mat their greatest measure of safety
lay in audacity.
II was already becoming dusk when
they swept down into a little nest OF
green trees and grass. 1t appeared so
suddenly and was such an unexpected
oasis amid that surrounding wilder
ness, that Hampton gave vent TO a
sudden exclamation OF delight But
that was ali. In=tantly he perceived !
numerous dark forms Ieapfng from
Sat the shrubbery, and he wheeled his
horses to the left. flashing them into a
rapid run. 1t was all over In a mo-
ment-a sputtering of rifles. a wild
medley OF cries, a glimpse OF savage
nsures, and the two were tearing
down the rocks. the din OF pursu..
away behind them. The band were
evidently all on foot. yet Hampton con-
unued TO press his mount at a swift
pace. taking turn after turn about the
sharp hills, confident that the hard
49,