Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1912-07-27


the party who was aware of its ex-
iStence- Then my work was cut out
for mel must take care of Dunn
There was brief time in which to
arrange the play, with both daylight
and Theilen already so close at hand.
Theileni Why, Of course, a report of
his approach would throw Dunn or
his guard, and l might inveigle the
fellow far enough back from the lines
to make an open attack possible. Here,
at least, was the only course which
seemed to promise success. / tore or
my jacket, turning it inside out to hide
the CLEAN of buttons; ripped off the in
sigma from the front of my SLOUGH hat
una pulled the wide brim low over my
eyes There would be nothing natty
about Theilen's trregulars. and the
color OF my clothes could not be easily
guessed at In the gloom. All else was
sheer luck and audac1ty. 1 was with
in i've feet OF the Fellow before he
even saw me. Before ne could draw
his weapon. 1 asked hurriedly:
lis this Captain DoddT'
"N-no; l am an officer of Johnston's
staff" peer1ng forward in a vain en-
deavor to decipher my face. who are
you! What do you wantY''
Il have been sent forward by Cap
tain Iheilen. He wants to know where
he is TO bring his men"
The lieutenant stiffened up. the
slight faItertng OF his voice vanished
in an effort at command.
"Oh. see. Well. l am technically
in command here. being of the regular
service. Where is IheilenI'
Back yonder on the creek. Hes
waitin for orders an q guide"
'Well. hurry back and bring him up
You know the way. don't YOUR
L stared off into the black night. as
though it hid thousand mysteries.
We'll. / don't exactly know" / con.
fessed unwilIingly. Il got here all
right because the firing from the house
sorter guided me. but them weeds is
mighty confusin.' an | reckon it will
take me right smart while to find my
way back again. You couldn't go
along. could your
There was nothing in the request to
arouse suspicion. yet he hesitated. ap-
parently at first inclined to refuse
perhaps considering such a service be-
meath his dignity.
Maybe il you got me as far the
head of that path l might make the
rest all right" l suggested doubtfuliy
1t was plain enough he would prefer
remaining where be was. but anxiety
to have these welcome re-enforcements
hurried forward caused him grudgtng-
Iy to consent
How large a force have your
"A few over hundred. | reckon"
well. come on; I'll show you to the
path You could follow that with your
eyes blindfolded."
had forgotten the way myself. or.
rather. the night confused me as TO
the points of compass. yet as he start
ed off to the right l followed. perfectly
satisfied so long as every step took us
farther away from the immediate
vicinity of the house We had trav-
ersed the orchard and were upon the
edge of the weed patch when be came
to sharp halt
Here's where the path begins lead
Ing down to The creek. It's not very
straight. but you can't lose ii. for the
growth is solid Cd both Sides
III all looks the same to me-" staring
beyond him. Where did you say the
entrance wasp
Right here in 'front.'" half angrily.
What is the matter with yonr eyes?
III lead you into it. and then. perhaps.
yon can follow your nose
He gripped my sleeve. forcing me
forward The next instant | had my
leg twined about his. l never had an
easier job at tanning man. and he
fore he got his scattered senses to-
gether ] pressed a revolver barrel
against his temple. threatening instant
death If he so much as moved. What
ever other ambitions Lieutenant Cal
vert Dunn may have possessed. depar
ture from life surely was not included.
and doubt If he winked an eyelash
while | stripped him of weapons and
tightly buckIed his waistbelt about his
arms. binding them helpIessly against
the body.
SORRY to be compelled to treat you
In this manner" l remarked cooIly.
but 1t seems TO be your luck TO get in
my way constantly. Besides. ! believe
you advocated hanging me only a few
hours ago
He recognized me then. and the sud
den gust of anger overcame his pru-
dence. yielding him voice he burst
forth into a volley of oaths-
stop thatp' the words Ike bullets.
the grip OF my hand shutting OF his
finger aud you either obey me or die
How many men are about this houseY'
He squirmed under the pressure of
the gun barrel. but comprehended the
necessity for an immediate answer.
About sixty"
"All Donald's guerrillasT'