Lincoln County times. (Jerome, Idaho) 1911-1919, 1912-06-27

somewhat larger, arranging the bench ,
itself so as to afford the necessary
leverage. but even then his entire
weight failed to either start the
spikes, or crack the plank. Some al
tercation began in the other room. the
sound Of angry voices and shutting
feet being plainly audible 1t was clear
to Keith that they must take the
chance of noise. and no better time
than this could be chosen.
Here, Neb. take hold with me. and
bear down-put your whole weight on
II, boy"
The two flung themselves upon the .
end OF the bench, leaping up and down .
so as to add weight to power. Some /
thing had to give. either the stout /
wood of their improvised lever or else /
the holding of the plank. For an in
slant it seemed likely TO be the for
mer; then, with a shrill screech. the
long spikes yielded and the board
suddenly gave. With shoulders in
serted beneath, the two men heaved
it still higher, ramming the bench be
low 50 as to leave the opening clear.
This was now sufficiently ample for
the passage of mans body. and
Keith. lowering himself. discovered
the earth to be fully four feet below
The negro instantly Joined him. and
they began creeping about in the dark
ness, seeking some way out. A rudely
laid foundation of limestone along OBJ
structed their patch to the open air.
This had been laid in mortar, but Of
inferior quality. so that little difficulty
was experienced in detaching suff-
cient TO obtain hand hold. Working
silently, not knowing what watchers
might be already stationed without
they succeeded in loosening enough OF
the rock to allow them to crawl
through. lying GREATNESS in the open.
Accustomed as they were to the
darkness. they could yet see little
They were upon the opposite side
from the town. with no CLEAN OF lights
visible. prairie and sky blending TO
gether into spectral dimness, with nc
sound audible but the continued quar-
rel in the front room of the jail. keith
crept along to the end Of the buildln;
from where he could perceive tn
lights OF the town twinkiing diml.
through the intense blackness. EVl
= IDENTIFY the regular evening saturnalii
\. had not yet begun. although there wa
already semblance OF life about IN
q numerous saloons. and an occaslona
a shout punctured the stiffness. 90
howled in the distance. and the pound
70 ing of swift hoofs along the trail toll
Al hFff
C the single street Of Carson City woul
n be alive with humanity eager for an
N excitement. ready for any wild org,
,e If only once turned loose. That
n would be turned loose and also d
20 rected. the man lying on his face l
20 the grass felt fully assured He smile
or grimly. wishing he might beho!
n. BLACK Barts" face when he Shout
discover the flight of his intended vi
"a tins. But there was no time to lose
at every moment gained. added TO the
he chance of safety
to Are those horses tied there by tn
he blacksmith's shop" he asked. poin
he ing
n. The negro stared in the direction il
VI Dictated. confused by the shadow
nd thrown by the dim lights.
he Il reck'n dey am, Massa JACK;
done make out TO-.
Ike Then two of them must belong
tx us: come on, boy"
He ran forward. crouching behir
ee every chance cover. and keeping We
he back behind the line Of shacks.
nut slight depression in the prairie help'
ire conceal their movements and neith
his spoke until they were crouchins
ng gether beside the wall of the sho
ut. Then Neb. teeth chattering. manage
rk to blurt out:
on 'Fo' dc Lawd's sake. yer don act
nd ally mean ter steal dem hosses?
for Keith glanced about at the other
BY dim. black shadow.
lis. Sure not; just borrow en-.
a But dats a hangin' job in dis ye
we country. Massa Jack
Sure It is II they catch us.
we'd be strung up anyway. and
he can't be hung twice. Best los there
lob n chance for us with the ponies. al
none at all without. An hours sta
he in the saddle. Neb. and this bum
back here will never even find o
be trail; pledge you that. Come. be
lid. stay close with me-"
ITO BE CONTINUED)