The Lamar register., 1909-09-29

had fallen silent; every man was peer
ing AMI listening. On me, even as I
spoke. an unutterable dread descend
ed-a dread as awful as my hope had
been high.
Big Mike thrust his face at me, and
1t was red with fury.
Get out, you!" he roared. Don't
try any of your games on me. Get
out!" And he added string OF
curses.
"Games," repeated. helplessly. for
my head was whiting. But want
our money for getting the bones"
Big Mike broke IN on me:
your money! he shouted. 81 don't
pay twice, young man. I've paid your
money to you once. and that's
enough!' He cursed me again, long
and foully
where's your receipt" demand
ed, goaded to rage. where's your
receipt. you liar?"
/ found myself looking into the bar
rel Of u huge Colts that Big Mike
had drawn from beneath the bar.
Throw up your hands!" he COM
manded. 81 reckon this is about all
the icccipt L neeu Will your bOTt.
Instinctively had obeyed his order.
and now, as reflected for moment,
saw how desperate was my case.
For the moment, at least had no
means of redress. The man was in
iis own place, surrounded by friends,
admirers. dependants; my life was
at the mercy of his fnger-touch on
the trigger. / had no choice but to
submit
Turn around and walk out of here"
he babe me. And keep your hands
up!"
Trembling with mingled wrath.
shame, and despair. | stumbled from
the place.
Once outside. set forth on a run
for our lodgings. to rehes Sc my tale
of disaster to the waiting Hoses.
My appearance at once prepared
him for evil tidings. and h. listened
to me without signs of great emotion
Il didn't think he was that Sort"
was the sole comment. when at last !
paused for lack of breath.
Then he fell into a brown study
while / sat painting and staring at
him But after little he suddenly
sprang to his feet. He drew his tall
gaunt form erect, and his eyes flashed.
We've earned that money" he said.
softly. but with a curious sternness in
his voice. land we're going to have
it,"
mo. Waite, amt going to tell you
anything except Just what you've got
to do. But what do tell you, you've
80. do rfrl,
stand?
THE clock downstairs has Just
struck nine" Moses continued. AT
nine-twenty the train east is due. and
it's usually on time. You Just hustle
back to Big Mikes. go in. and up to
The bear. and tell him you've come for
that $3.50"
'But-''I began.
Don't talk" Moses interrupted.
When he gives you the money chase
Yourself to the depot licketty-split for
hat train. You've got to catch It
I'll meet you there"
But he won't give me the money"
objected.
retorted. you do as I say. That's
II.
I'm going most there with you"
The saloon was more crowded even
than before. more clouded with to-
bacco smoke. and none took heed of
me as l pushed open the door and
crossed to the bar. | reached II and
leaned against It. quite unobserved.
Big Mike was In the center of the
open place behind the bar, taking
change from the money drawer. His
back was turned to me. as / called
out to him in my loudest voice. A i
desperate bravado possessed me, and
I spoke in stern command.
1--WE come again for that $3.50;
hand It overt"
Sudden silence fell. Big Mike
vhirled and faced me.
why, you damned little fool" he
roared. Il told you not to come here
again. I'll bore"
He had whirled. and would have
reached under the bar. but he was
startled from his purpose by a great
crash. By common instinct all
turned to look in the direction Of
the sound.
We heard and saw a rain of splin-
tered glass from a window set high
in the back wall of the saloon. made
thus aloft in order to clear a low out
house in the rear. Through the shat
tered window frame leaned the lank
body of Moses. and in his hands two
forty-fours circled slowly.
up with your hands. Big Mike!"
came the ringing cry. and the saloon
keepers arms shot upward.
up with your hands-you-and
you-and you! I've got my eye on
you,''
Every man stood with hands held
high.
Remember. I've got my eyes on
you!" repeated the ominous voice;
and every man in the room believed
with all his heart that he was the
one to whom Moses particularly spoke