The copper era and Morenci leader., 1912-06-07

of bushes somewhat to the rear of the silent. desolate-appearing cabin, and lay down fiat behind pile of saddles. from which position they could plain ly discern the rear door. There was no movement, no evidence anywhere that living soul was about the place. Keith could barely distinguish that it was Brfstoe lying next to him.
 Had their camp over there in the sorner of the corral when was here before" he said in a whisper. Where do you suppose they can be now?"
 The wary scout lifted his head, snif1ing into the darkness like point Ar dog.
 West O ther cabin thar. out O ther wind. most likely. I smell tobacco"
 Even as the words left his lips man came sauntering slowly around the eastern corner his outlines barely visible, but the red glow of a pipe bowl showing plainly. He stopped, df- rectly facing them, yawning sleepily, and then turned the other corner. Another moment and they distinctly heard a voice:
 Hustle up thar now, Manuel, an turn out; it's your watch; wake up, dam yer-maybe thatll bring yet ter life"
 The remedy applied to the sleeper must have been efficacious. as, an in- stant later, another figure slouched into view, the new arrival rubbing his eyes with one hand, the other clutching short-barrelled gun. From the high peak of his hat it was evil dent this new guard was a Mexican. He walked to the corner, glanced along the east side wall toward the front of the cabin, and then, apparent ly satisfied the coast was clear, start ed toward the stream, shuf1ing along within a foot of where Keith lay flat on the ground moment later the men heard him splashing softly in the wa ter, and Keith rolled over, his lips at Bristoe's ear
 Slip down there, Ben," he whis- pered, and quiet that fellow I'll find out how many are on the west side. Do the job without any noise"
 He waited until the scout had dis appeared like snake, not even a rustling leaf telling of his passage, and then silently crept forward him self, yet with less caution, until he was able to peer about the corner of the cabin and dimly distinguish the blanketed forms of several men lying close in against the side wall. They rested so nearly together 1t was diffi- cult to separate them in that dark ness, stars giving the only light, but he finally determined their number at five. Five; the Mexican would make six, and there would surely be another guard posted out in the front-seven. But there were eight horses down there in the corral. Then the eighth man-Hawley, without doubt must be in the cabin. At the thought Keith's teeth clinched, and he had to struggle to control his passion. But no; that would never do; he must dis. cover first exactly where the girl was located; after that they would attend to the CUTS Before creeping back to the others, he made quick examina tion along the rear of the cabin, but could find no visible point of weak ness. He tried to recall from memory the nature of the lock on that back door, but could remember nothing ex- cept an ordinary wooden latch. If he could insert knife into the crack that might very easily be dislodged. He drew his hunting knife for the at tempt, and, first glancing about, per ceived a man creeping toward him. It proved to be Bristoe.
 Fixed the greaser all right, cap, and reckon he'll be quiet for an hour or two. Look whar he slashed me: struck a pack O playin' keerds, CT Ia a got my ticket" The front of his blouse was cut wide open. and Keith thought he perceived stain of blood
 "Pricked you as it was, didn't he?" |
 Opened the skin. Thought the cusa had given up, an got careless Whats round to the west?"
 Keith's lips closed, his hand shut ting hard on the knife.
 Five, and another out in front; that leaves the eighth man inside Bring our fellows up closer, and post them where they can cover those fei [ lows asleep, while I make an effort at breaking in here."
 Bristoe crawled back like a snail, and confident the others would do their part, Keith thrust his knife blade deeE into the narrow crack and began prob ing after the latch. In spite of all eau ton this effort caused a slight noise and suddenly he started back at the sound of a woman's voice:
 What do you want? I am armed. and will fire through the door If you do not go away!"
 His heart leaping with exultation. | Keith put his lips close to the crack. |
 Hope" he exclaimed as loudly aa he dared This is Keith; open the i door,"
 He could hear a little smothered cry break from her lips. and then the sound of bar being hastily removed 1