Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1911-12-21
CHAPTER xIx.-contlnusd.

CHAPTER Xlx.-contlnued
This gave me inspiration, and be-
fore the speakers sullen growl had
wholly ceased was again upon hands
and knees, silently cropping my way
along the bank toward the rear OF the
hut. 1t proved to be tiny structure,
containing but a single room-prob-
ably a mere flsherman's shack, with.
out windows, but possessing door
at either end. Meeting no opposition
crept within, where | felt some
what safer from observation, and then
peered warily forth into the darkness
extending between It and the river.
The picketrope stretched from one
corner Of the hut, where 1t seemed to
be secured around the end Of q pro.
jecting log, out into the night, evi.
IDENTIFY finding its other terminus at
big tree whose spreading top | could
dimly perceive Swallowed against the
sky. Along 1t were tethered the
horses, few impatiently champing
their bits and pounding with their
hoofs on the trampled ground, but the
majority resting quietly, their heads
hanging sleepily down. The one near
est me appeared finely proportioned
animal of a dark color, and was
equipped with both saddle and bride.
OF the soldier in charge ! could dis
tinguish nothing-doubtless he was
lounging on his back, half asleep upon
some soft patch of grass.
turned when 1t suddenly occurred
to me that the deserted hut might
contain something ! could use to ad-
vantage-a frearm, perhaps, or even
a stray box Of matches. | felt about
me cautiously, creeping along the
hard earthen floor until l had nearly
reached the opposite entrance. The
light from the fire without leaped up,
and its glow revealed a saddle, with
leather holster attached, hanging to
Q nail just within the doorway. NOV.
ing noiselessly ! managed to extract q
revolver. but could discover no cart
ridges.
was yet fumbling in the holster
pocket when the lieutenant rose from
his seat without, knocked the ashes
from his pipe, yawned sleepily, stand.
ing directly between me and the IRE,
apd then, turning sharply. walked
SLOWLY into the open door of the hut
! Sprang to my feet, or he would Ger.
tainly have stepped upon me. and be-
fore he could realize the situation l
had him by the collar. with the cold
muzZle Of my stolen revolver pressed
hard against his cheek.
"A single word or sound, and
6rel" said sternly.
have no recollection Of ever see
ing any one more completely as
founded. He gasped like a fish newly
landed, and l doubt II he could have
made utterance even had he dared.
"Come in a little farther" COM
handed. Nov look here, Lieutenant,
you do exactly as ! tell you and you
win get out of this affair with q whole |
akin; otherwise-well. I'm playing |
this game to the limit. Now answer
me: How many men have you mount
Cd this side the ford2"
He glared at me sullenly, and
drew back the hammer with an omin-
GUS click. cycling him Aercely.
Well" | said shortly. do you
choose to answer, or def"
Two"
-on the other bank2"
None"
Lieutenant" said, speaking low.
but in q tone which left no doubt a. to
my exact meaning. Il am an escaped
prisoner, and shall not hesitate to XIII
rather than be rscaptured. Il is your
life or mine tonight and I naturally
prefer my own; but I'll give you one
chance. and only ons-obey my orders
and Win leave you here unhurt; dis
obey. and your lie e not worth the
snap Of q finger. Move back now un-
till you face the door, and don't forget
NO pistol & within an inch of your
ear. and this ID q hair trigger. What
= your sergeantiS name?"
HlndloyF
Order him 70 take ten men on foot
ons hundred yards west on TIE pike.
lnl Wait further Orde1."2
endlsy." ~ osilsd oat. hlb VOlcs
- IA Win rags - b Dzte Ne
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