The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1912-04-12

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 a.
tercation began in the other room. the
sound OF angry voices and stunning
feet being plainly sudfble. II was clear
to Keith that they must take the
chance OF a noise. and no better time
than this could be chosen.
Here. Nsb, take hold with me. and
bear down-put your whole weight On
it. 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 1t 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 hsaved
1t still higher, ramming the bench be.
low SC as to leave the opening clear.
This was now sufficiently ample for
the passage of a 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 rudeiy
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 dificulty
was experienced IN d~etaching sufN'
ctent TO obtain hand hold. Working
silently, not knowing what watchers
might be already stationed without,
they succeeded in loosening enough Of
the o C to allow them to crawl
through, lying breathless in the open.
Accustomed as they were 10 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 no
sound audible but the continued quar-
rel in the front of the jail. Keith
crept along to the end of the building
from where he could perceive the
lights Of the town twinkling dimly
through the intense blackness. Evi-
IDENTIFY the regular evening saturnalia
had not yet begun, although there was
already semblance of life about the
saloons, and an occasional
shout punctured the stiffness. A dog
howled in the distance, and the pound
ing Of swift hoofs along the trail told
OF fresh arrivals. An hour later and
the single street of Carson City would
be alive with humanity, eager for any
excitement, ready for any wild orgy,
II only once turned loose. That 1t
would be turned loose, and also d.
rected, the man lying on his face in
the grass felt fully assured. He smiled
grimly. wishing he might behold
BLACK Bart's" face when he should
discover the fight Of his intended vic
tins. But there was no time to lose;
every moment gained. added to their
chance Of safety.
Are those horses tied there by the
blacksmith's shop?" he asked, point
ing.
The negro stared In the direction In
dicated, confused by the shadows
by the dim lights.
Il reck'n dey am. Massa Jack;
done make out fo'."
Then two Of them must belong 70
US; come on, boy"
He ran forward, crouching behind
every chance cover. and keeping well
back behind the line Of shacks. A
slight depression in the prairie helped
conceal their movements. and neither
spoke until they were crouching to-
gether beside the wall of the shop.
Then Neb, teeth chattering, managed
to blurt out:
"Fo' de Lawd's sake, yer don't actu-
ally near ter steal dem hosses!"
Keith glanced about at the others
dim. black shadow.
Sure not; just borrow EN-"
But dat's a hangin' Job in dis yers
Massa Jack"
Sure 1t liz II they catch us. But
be strung up anyway, and we
can't be hung twice. Best es there n
a chance for US with the ponies. and
rone at all without. An hours start
In the saddle, Neb. and this bunch
back here will never ever find our
trail; | pledge you that. Come, bog,
stay close with me-"