Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-11-04
IL .vsry algsetlaa tbs eon stu lay lsks

IN svsry dlVsetisa tbs for stu lay HIS
q barricade.
81 should value a change of raj
ment," observed Armitage. There
was an advantage in armor-your buds
might get rusty on damp excursion.
but your shirt wouldn't stick to your
hide"
"Who cares? Those devils are pref
ty quiet. and the little sergeant is
about due to bump into them again"
| They had come to a gradual turn in
| the road at point where Il steep wood
cd incline swept up on the left. On
the right lay the old hunting preserve
and Armitagcs bungalow. AS they
drew into the curve they heard re-
volver crack twice, as before, followed
by answering shots and cries and the
| thump of hoofs.
"Ohee! Oscar has struck them again.
Steady now! Watch your horse!" And
Armitage raised his arm high above
his head and fired twice as warning
to Oscar.
The distance between the contending
parties was shorter now than at the
first meeting. and Armitage and Clai-
borne bent forward in their saddles.
talking softly to their horses. that
had danced wildly at Armitage's shots.
Lord. ii we can crowd them In here
now and back to the Port!"
"rhcra!''
I Explanations died on their lips at the
instant Ahead of them lay the fog,
rising and breaking in soft folds. and
behind it men yelled and several shots
snapped .;pitcfully on the heavy air.
Then IL curious picture disclosed itself
n just ut the edge of the vapor as though
it were IL curtain through which actors
i'll IL drama emerged upon stage.
Xmai and Chauvenet flashed into view
suddenly. and close behind them Oscar,
yelling like mad. He drove his horse
between the two men. threw himself
fiat rs Zmai fred at him and turned
and waved his hat and laughed at
them; then just before his horse reach.
ed Claiborne and Arinitage lie checked
its speed abruptly. flung it about and
then charged back, still yelling. upon
= the an,azed fee.
i III - StNLS iG Solic ClCstll Jul vi
his head" muttered Claiborne, re
o straining his horse with difficulty
n what do YOU make Of it?'
en- Hes having fun with them. He's
n just rafting them to warm himself up
g the little bcggur. didn't know it wa.
in him."
s Back went Oscar toward the two
g horsemen he had passed less than ,
J. minute before. st.ll yelling. and th
it time lie discharged his revolver witt
d seeming unconcern for the value o
IT ammunition. and as lie again dashct
d between them and back through TIL
gray curtin Armitage gave the word
re and lie and Claiborne swept on at
sallop.
'p Durand was out of sight. and Chau
he venet turned and looked behind hin
t. uneasily; then lie spoke sharply t
d Imai. Oscars wild ride back and fort
ID had demoralized the horses. whic
We're snorting and plunging wildly. A
" Armitage and Claiborne advance
e. Chauyenet spoke again to Zmai an
h, drew his own revolver.
"Ot. for saber now." growcd Cha
MI borne.
lie EFT it was not moment for e:nl:
is zion or regret. Both sides We're perfec
d. II silent rs Claiborne. leading Slight.
III with Armitage pressing close at Iii
left, gallopel toward the two men VIII
ly faced them at the gray wall OF mis-
ed They bore to the left with /, view {
crowding the two horsemen Off til
nd road and into the preserve. and as the
ok |neared them they heard cries tlrous
I'd, the mist and rapid hos heats. I'll
70, Durand's horse leaped the ditch at tt
at roadside just l!efore 1t reached Cha,
he Senet and Zmai an, ran ava; llroue
the rough un,:e:nius,, inip the woo
nd Oscar close behind ard :;iip;;t noy