The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1912-12-05

sweeping the horizon. "Injuns?"
"Sure, plenty of signs. but haven't
seen any bucks myself. AS soon as
discovered what had happened at the
Crossing l struck out on to the pla-
teau, and came around that way to
warn those fellows at Low Water. But
when I got sight Of that station from
off the bluffs yonder it had been wiped
out Then thought about this stage
going west today, and came on to meet
you. Must have ridden hundred an
twenty miles since yesterday; the
mustang is all in"
Moylan stuck his head out the near
est window.
Look like they had much of fight
at the Crossing?" he asked.
'Not much; more like night raid;
two whites killed, and scalped. The
third man either was taken away, or
his body got burnt in the building.
Horses all gone"
what tribe?"
"Arapahoes, from the way they
scalpcd; that's what made it so seri-
ous-if those Northern Indians have
broken loose there is going to be war
this time for sure"
The men on the box looked at each
other questioningly.
81 don't see no use tryin' to go on,
Jake, do you?" asked the driver sober
ly. Even if we dc git through, thar
amt no bosses to be had"
The other shook his head, rubbing
his gun-stock.
Most likely those same red devils
are layin' for US now somewhar be-
tween yere an Low Water; whar the
trail runs in between them two big
rocks, most probable" he concluded.
Not havin' no ha'r to lose, I'm fer
goin' back"
With an oath of relief, the driver re.
leased his brake and skilfully swung
the leaders around, the coach groan-
ing as it took the sharp turn. The
man on the ground caught a swiftly
passing glimpse Of the young wom-
ans face within, and strobe hurriedly
forward as the coach started.
Hold on there, pardner," he COM
manded sternly, This poor bronze
won't travel another mile. There's
plenty of room for me inside, and I'll
turn the tired devil loose. Hold on,
l say!"
The driver once again slapped on
the brake, growing and reluctant, his
anxious eyes searching the trail in
both directions. Hamlin quietly I'M
cinched his saddle, fiinging it to the
coach roof; the bride followed. and
then, with a slap on the haunch Of the
released animal, he strobe to the stage
door, thrust his Henry rifle within,
and took the vacant seat beside Con-
zales. With a sudden crack of the
drivers whip the four horses leaped
forward, and the coach careened on
the slope of the trail, causing the pas.
sengers to clutch wildly to keep from
being precipitated into mass on the
floor. AS the traces Strengthened.
Miss Molly, clinging desperately to a
strap, caught her first fair glance at
the newcomer. His hat was tilted
back, the light revealing lines OF
WEAKNESS and coating of the gray,
powdery dust of the alkali desert, but
beneath it appeared the brown, sun
scorched skin, while the gray eyes
looking straight at her, were resolute
and smiling. His rough shirt, open at
the throat, might have been the prod
uct of any suffers counter; he wore
no jacket, and the broad yellow stripe
down the leg Of the faded blue trou-
sers alone proclaimed him soldier.
He smiled across at her, and she low
cred her eyes, while his glance wan
dered on toward the others.
Don't seem to be very crowded to-
day." he began, genially addressing
Moylan. "Not an extremely popular
route at present, I reckon. Mining.
pardner?"
"No; post-trader at Fort Marcy"
ooh, that's it," his eyebrows lifting
slightly. "This Indian business is a
bad job for you then" His eyes fell
on his seatmate. well, If this isn't
uLLl0 uOuAdlcS: OA Vo 6O| q 0OSA
ways from home"
"Si, senor!" returned the Mexican
brokenly. II tink not remem."
mo, I reckon not. I'm not one OF
your class; cards and never did
agree. shot up your game once down
at Union; night Hassinger was killed.
Remember now, don't your
Isl, senor," spreading his hands. 1T
was mos unfortunate"
'Would have been more 80, 1t the
boys had got hold Of you-Saint Anne!
but that fellow on the box is driving
some."
The thud Of the horses feet under
the lash, coupled with the reckless
lurching of the coach, ended all fur
Their attempt at conversation, and the
four passengers held on grimly, and
stared out Of the windows, as If ex
pecting every instant that some acci
dent would hurl them headlong. The
! frightened driver was apparently
sparing neither whip nor tongue, the
galloping teams jerking the stage aft
er them in q mad race up the trail
11.n,,in <hr,,at hia head ont of the