Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-09-19


flung round like Wheel but the sounds were those
of top
Barger was steadied in his tracks for better marks
mansh1p. He had heard that succession OF metallic
snaps; he knew he had Van Buren, at his mercy.
Three of his shots remained unfired, and second
used pistol in his belt with more ammunition. The
fellow even smiled he aiming.
THERE thing to do-and Van did it. He
1eaped his bronco clean against the wall, then
spurred him straight for Barger. The shot that
split the air again splattered on the rocks. Be
fore the convict could make ready to avoid the
charge. Suvy. was almost upon him. He partially
fell and partially leaped little from the broncos
path; but was struck as the pony bounded by.
He yelled, for his leg trampled and hurt by the
pressure of SuvyS Shoe nevertheless he eaped to his
feet at and fired wildly at his
He emptied his gun, drew the other, and ram too
eager for his deed Of revenge to halt and take
and the blood flew back upon Van.
They were past the walls in the brlefest time and
Van attacked the slope. Barger came after, yelling
in rage. He tripped, and his hurt leg dropped him.
Already wearried and famished for drink Suvy
nevertheless to the needs of the moment with
strength incredible He scaled that sandy treacher
slope like engine built for the purpose. 1t was
love- pure love for the master his back that put
the mighty sinews in his body
Two shots and two bullets from below proclaimed
renewed activities where Barger
his feet; but the man had lost too much ground to
his advantage. He knew that Van Buren,,
with horse like that, could win the high ridge and
escape.
He ragged he cursed himself and his God for this
his second slip Then again he abruptly thought
of a chance whereby to redeem his calling failures.
His man the horse would be than hour in
reaching the river by the slopes on foot
could beat him there, and beat him across to the
farther side, from which to attack with surer aim
from the of willows by the ford The flood had
subsidized This Barger knew. The water was hardly
knee high on a man; and, better than ALL Van Buren,
would scarcely dream of such plan as being within
the range of possibilities.
Laboriously in fever of Impotence Barger made
shift after strenuous work to climb his barrier of
rock. Then up to the summit of the trail he sped,
and down the farther side.
MEANTIME, Van disguised with himself for rid
A'A ing away from fight could only look at his
useless gun and himself tr1e because of his
defenseessness. The skirmish had served to arouse
him. however, and for that he all but thankful to
the convict who had waited in the pass.
Then he wondered how it came that Matt could
have thus been lying in wait The fellow must have
been informed, to prepare elaborate trap. 1t
hardly seemed if plot against his life could
plain this trip that Beth had desired him take He
could hardly credit thing utterly despicable,
murderouS yet for what earthly had she sent
him the trip with letter the stage could have
carried?
The thing was preposterous! No woman on earth
could have sanctioned an alliance with Bargerl But
what of Bostwick the man who had spent portion
of his time with the liberated convicts? revenge
like this would appeal to him, would to him
singuary appropriate Beth could have lent her as
sistance to the plan without guilty knowledge of
outcome such as this and Bostwick-Beth knew that
Barger was Vans enemy: He had told her so him
self Facts facts Her letter to Glen revealed
her state of mind, and here this attack planned
attack, which proved conclusvely that Barger had
been prepared, beforehand, with knowledge of the
TRIP From HAVING been denresssd hefors Van was
made thoroughly angry. The whole thing was in
famous dastardly and Beth could not be acquitted!
Strangely enough, against the convict, Barger, the
horseman felt wrath. Barger had grievance
howsoever mistaken, which adequate He was
following his bent consistently. He had made his