Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1913-06-05

lose your nerve! They'll not try to
close that gap yet; it's too dangerous
with us on guard and only one side OF
the coach exposed. That fellow was
trying US out a while ago, and they've
kept quiet ever since let drive at
him. They know the limits of the
safety zone, and will keep there until
just before daylight. That is when
they'll try to creep up upon US. Have
you got the timer"
She opened her watch, feeling for
the hands with her fingers, wondering
vaguely at her own calmness. The
cool resourcefulness OF Hamlin was
like a tonic.
Tit is a little after one o'clock"
she said slowly, although am not
sure my watch is exactly right"
Near enough; there are signs of
daylight at four-three hours left;
that ought to be sufficient. but with no
darkness to spare. VIII you go with
me? viii you do exactly as l say?"
She drew a swift breath, holding
her hand to her siee.
oh, yes" her voice catching, what
what else can | do? cannot stay
here with those dead men!"
But | want you to 60 because
well, because you trust me-" he urged,
a new trace of tenderness in his low
cred voice. Because you know
would give my life to defend YOU"
He was not sure, but he thought
her face was suddenly uplifted, her
eyes seeking TO see him in the dark
ness. .
Il do" she answered gravely, you
must believe ! do; but have never
been in such peril before, In such a
situation of horror. and am all un-
nerved. There doesn't seem to be any.
thing left me but-7to trust YOU"
That is good; all can ask. know
you are all right, but l want you to
keep your nerve. We are going to take
a big chance; we've got to do it-a
single misplay, slip of the foot an
incautious breath may cost our lives"
Are you going to try to get away +?
To elude the Indians?"
Yes, and there is but one POSSIBLE.
lily Of successful creep the length of
the gully there, and so reach the river.
Here Is Gonzales belt. Don't be
afraid of IL; it is not dead men who
are going to hurt US. Swing the strar
over your shoulder this way, and SIP
the revolver into the holster. That's
right; We'll carry as little as We can,
and leave our hands free" He hest.
tated, staring about in the darkness.
swiftly deciding what to take. DO
b5ess ssssfsten y 49, n either of the
passengers carried any grub?"
"Grub?"
Plains term for food" impatiently.
"rations; something for lunch en-
route"
"oh, yes. Mr.. Moylan did; said he
never took chances on having to go
hungry. 1t was in a fat leather
pouch"
"Haversack. l have It, That will
be enough to carry. with the canteen.
Now there is only one thing more be-
fore we leave. We must impress
those fellows with the notion that we
are wide-awake. and on guard yet. See
any movement out there"
| Il am not sure" she answered
doubtfully. There is a black smudee
beyond that dead pony; lean forward
here and you can see what | mean
on the ground. II imagined 1t moved
just then" She pointed into the dark.
ness. 1T is the merest shadow, but
seemed to wiggle along, and then
stop; it's still now"
Hamlin focused his keen eyes on
the spot indicated, shading them with
one hand.
"Slide back further on the seat" he
whispered softly. "and let me In next
the window"
There was moments silence, the
only sound the wind. The girl gripped
the back of the seat nervously with
both hands. holding her breath; the
Sergeant, the outline of his face sill
houetted against the sky, stared mo
tlonless into the night without. Sud
denly. not making sound, he lifted
the rifle to his shoulder.