Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1910-03-26

told US. II was dusk when he halted.
and the canyon was level with shad-
ow. On the Hill IN plain view stood a
roughly constructed cabin with a
wreath OF smoke curling up from its
lone chimney. Laramie waited with
Impotence for a light 70 show In the
windows. then tied his horse ana
scrambled down to a water hole near
by. An hour passed before a light
suddenly twinkled and became steady
against the hillside. Just lower than
the stars. Then Laramie walked
quickly up the hill. approaching the
cabin and Knocked sharply on the
door. Being a careful observer OF
border etiquette. he stepped swiftly TO
one side an the door. which sagged on
rav-hide hinges. scraped when
showed from within. Instantly the
opening was hot with the Kissing
breath OF three bullets
Laramie stepped into the doorway.
What dye meant" he demanded OF
the Mexican who stood facing him.
"Oh, II is YOU" responded the man
addressed. Has the Senior Laramie
no more sense than to come poundin'
round here this way7 once killed
a guy that done such fool trick ike
that"
Il know YOU did" returned Lara
mic placidly. And that's Just why
you didn't nail me You don't act sur
prised 20 see me. Manuel: was YOU
lookin' for me 90 call?'
The Mexican showed his yellow
teeth in a smile we have some
what you call good friends I'm re
town." he admitted. "an' they think
perhaps you come up here"
so" commented Laramie. cooly. 7
see you got my old pal Garcia with
you. What's become Of Victor?"
For reply Manuel stepped to the
window AID whistled softly. There
was an echo. then crunching steps on
the gravel and a man stood at the
door.
How are you. Victor" greeted
Laramie languidly.
How long did the good Senior Lara
ME wait down below" inquired Man
uel.
Il think bout one hour" replied Vic.
tor. with grin.
The fact that he had been watched
since his arrival did not seem TO agi-
tate Laramie's nerves. Il might have
knowcd &C." was his only remark His
thoughts immediately leaped 10 the
horse he had hidden In the brush II
he should set out OF the room alive.
what then?
What you come up here for?"
queried Manuel.
Laramie gazed at the speaker stead
lily. TN tell YOU he said at length.
Tn here as a United States deputy
and | want you fellows on a charge OF
destroying government timber. Jose Is
locked up safe and snug in Flagstaff
jail. and you chaps are goin' TO Join
him. Hold on minute" he cautioned
as Manuel moved restlessly. fore
you do anything rash. Remember you
amt bucking me alone. it's the nst OF
old Uncle Sam you'll be runnfn'
against. II don't get you there's lots
more where / come from and they
will"
A puzzled look crossed Manuers
face while Laramie was speaking. II
was plain that he had expected to be
charged with something entirely diff
ferent from the charge Laramie had
named
Government timber?" he repeated
oh. that Is annuzer thing. I
thought"
You thought was after you for
that Blue Moon business, didn't your"
Queried Laramie We'll, Amt. That
isn't any OF my affair"
So" said Manuel, shortly; but Il
might be someone else's AFFAIR, when
they get US locked ~ Why you be
one damn fool. Laramie? II you say
nothings, not go back to town but
come with us. we help make you
reech- You see that sack over there In
~ cornerf"
Laramie glanced at the spot indi.
Gated and nodded assent
There Is" pursued Manuel softly,
much gold In there Not only the
Blue Moon gold, but ozzers What you
nyf"
Laramie's reply was TO drop his
hands TO his sides. an open declare,
ton Of war, for in the merest fraction
Of . second they had produced two
gleamiuH guns with which ne cnvere6