Farmers' champion. (Elgin, Okla.) 1912-1922, 1913-06-12

6Om0x0 ~ 00WO Win toAS OD8SoOO
haASias over me-"
"You must ten ne all about u"
Her head lifted suddenly - che
gased out across the river. shading
hsr eyes. why. what are thossf"
she exclaimed eagerly. there. moving
on the blufRs opposite?"
His glance swept 70 the northward.
and he wsS - Instantly the soldier
again. Far away on the upper plateau.
clearly outlined against the blue OF
the distant sky. appeared q number OF
dark figures. For o moment he be-
lieved them buffaloes. but In another
instant decided instead they we're
horssmen riding two by two.
Get down lower. Miss Mcdonald"
hs commanded. "Now We can ses.
and not b eeen. They must be
cavslrymsn, the way they ride. but We
can take no chances"
They watched the black specks pass
east to where the blum circled in to-
ward the river. It was from there
those distant riders flrst observed the
dim spiral Of smoke still curling up
from the burning stage. for they
halted. punching together. and then
disappeared slowly down q cash In
the side Of the hill. Emerging on the
lower nat they turned In the direction
Of the fre. spurring their horses into
q swift trot There was no longer
any doubt Of their being troopers. and
Hamlin stood upright on the sand
hummock waving his hat. They were
gathered about the fire. q few dis
mounted beside the dead bodies. be-
fore his signal was observed. Then .
field glass flashed In the sunlight. and
three or four Of the party rode down
to the bank Of the river. One Of
these. the glasses still held In his
hand. his horses. hoofs In the wator.
shouted across the stream.
who are you over theref"
white people," answered Hamlin.
using his hands for . trumpet I'VE
escaped from the stage last night.
am q sergeant, Seventh Cavalry. and
the lady with me IL the daughter Of
Major Mcdonald at Fort Devers."
How did you get acrossr'
"Waded In the dark; there II good
bottom. Send . man over with .
couple Of horses"
The of1cer turned and spoke to the
others grouped beside him; then rails
ed his voice again.
Are you sure there u NO quick
sandf"
None to hurt: come straight over
the end Of that sand spit. and then
swsrve about dosen feet to the right
to keep out Of hole. The water won't
20 70 horses belly. Try II. WATSON,
you ought to know me-"
You're Brick Hamlin, amt your
"A good guess. Sam: come on"
Two troopers left their saddles. and
the third man, the one answering the
last hall. gathered the rsins In one
hand. and spurrsd his horse confident
~ into the brown water. Following
the Sergeant's shouted directions. the
three animals plungsA forwar' and
oame dripping up the low sand bank.
Tho rider. . sallow-faced man clad In
rough corduroy, patched and color.
less. leaned over and held out his
hand.
"Dern yer O. skim" hs said solemn.
". but with . twinkle In his eyes.
"ye're sure got the luck Of Il Amt
see 70 afore fer two years."
That's right, Sam: down ON the
Cowskin. wasn't ~ Who's over
therf"
"Lsftsnant 0askins. an some O. the
Fourth Cavalry. scoutiu' out O. Dodge:
ben plum TO ther mountings. an goin'
homo ag'in. Whut the hell (bsggin'
yer pardin. MANI has happened
yeref"
"I'u explain when We get across, +"
and Hamlin swung the haversack to
his shoulder. and turned TO the girl
"This u Sam Wasscn. Miss McDon-
aid, Q scout I have been out with b.
fore: let me help you into the saddle. I"