Farmers' champion. (Elgin, Okla.) 1912-1922, 1913-05-22

close that gap yet: its too dangerous
with US on guard and only one side Of
tho coach exposed. That fellow was
trying US out while ago. and they've
Kept quiet ever since let drive at
him. They know the limits Of tho
safety zone. and will keep there until
Just tefore daylight That 10 when
they'll try to creep up upon N. Have
you got the timer"
She opened her watch. feeling for
tho hands with her fingers, wondering
vaguely at her own calmness. The
cool resourcefulness Of Hamlin was
like q tonic.
Tit IL . little after ono o'clock." I"
she said slowly. although am not
sure my watch II 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 10 With
mel Will you do exactly a. sayf"
She drew q swift breath. holding
her hand to her side.
oh. yes." her voice catching. what
what else can ! dot cannot stay
mere with those dead meni"
But ] want you to 70 because-
well. because you trust me-" he ureoA.
new trace Of tendernsss In his Low.
ered voice. "Because you know I
would give my life % defend you"
he was not sure, but he thouSht
ner face was suddenly uplifted. her
eyes seeking TO see h..e In the dark.
ness.
Il do" she answered Rrsvely. ~vou
must believe do; but I have never
been In such peril before. In such q
situation of horror. and I am all un.
nerved. There doesn't seem to be any.
thing left me but--to trust YOU"
THAT Is good: all I can ask. know
you are all right. but I want YOU Ia
Keep your nerve. We arc going to take
a big chance: we've cot to do it-o
single misplay, q slip of thu foot an
incautious breath may cost our lives.
Are you going to try TO get awayf
To eiude the Indians?"
Yes. and there is but ono poss,h,,.
ity OF successful creep the length of
the gully there. and 30 reach the river
Here Is Gonzales belt. Don't be
afraid OF It; It is not dead men Win
are going to hurt us. Swing the strsn
over your shoulder this way. and slip
the revolver into the holster. Thats
right; we'll carry as little as we can.
and leave our hands free" He heat.
tated. staring about in the darknesa
swiftly deciding what to take. am
you happen to know II either or ths
passengers carried any grubf~
"GruDf"
Plains term for food" impatientiy.
'rations: something for lunch On
route"
"Oh. yes. Mr.. Moylan did; said he
never took chances on having 70 no
hungry. II was In q nat lsathe,
pouch"
"Haversack. I have II That vtn
be enough to carry. with the canteen.
Now there Is only one thing moro b.
fore we leave. We must impress
those fellows with tho notion that ve
are wide-awake. and on guard yet 0ee
any movement out theref"
II am not sure" she ansver.A
doubtfully. There Is q black smudse
beyond that dead pony; lean forward
here and you can see what I mean
on the ground. IL imagined II moved
Just then" She pointed into the dark.
ness. 1T is the merest shadow. hut
seemed to wiggle along. and then
stop; It's still now"
Hamlin focused his keen eyes an
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 nervousiy with
both hands. holding her breath: the
the outline Of his face sil. |
against the sky. stared mo-
tionless into the night without Sud |
denly. not making sound. hs lifted |
the rife to his shoulder.