The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1913-08-15
0oDU010w Dn ~ Ac.mcueo q CO

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 l let drive at
him.. They know the limits Of the
safety zone. and will keep there until
Just before daylight. That IL 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 q little after one o'clock. :
she said slowly. although l 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. Will you go with
me? Will you do exactly ~ I say?"
She drew a swift breath. holding
her hand to her side.
"Oh, yes" her voice catching. what
what else can l do? cannot stay
here with those dead men!"
But / want you to go because
well, you trust me-" he urged
q 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.
I do" she answered gravely, you
must believe I do; but l have never
been In such peril before. in such q
situation Of horror. and l am all un.
nerved. There doesn't seem to be any.
thing left me but-io trust YOU"
That Is good; all l can ask. | know
you are all right, but l want you to
Keep your nerve. We are going to take
q big chance; we've got to do ia
single misplay. q slip of the foot, an
lncautious breath may cost our lives"
Are YOU going to try to get away !
10 elude the Indians?"
Yes, and there is but one POSSIBLE.
ity OF successful creep the length OF
the gully there, and SO reach the river,
Here Is Gonzales belt. Don't be
afraid OF It; 1t is not dead men who
are going to hurt US. Swing the strap
over your shoulder this way, and sin
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. dc
you happen to know II either OF the
passengers carried any grub?"
"Grub?"
Plains term for food" impatiently
"rations; something for lunch er
route"
"oh. yes. Mr.. Moylan did: said he
never took chances ON having to &c
hungry. It was IN nat leathe,
pouch"
"Haversack. have it. That VII
be enough to carry, with the canteen
Now there Is only n thing more be
fore we leave. We must impress
those fellows with the notion that WI
are wide-awake, and OF guard yet. See
any movement out there?"
Il am not sure" she answeret
doubtfully. There is a black smudet
beyond that dead pony; lean forward
here and you a see what mean
on the ground. IL imagined 1t moved
just then" She pointed into the dark
ness. 1T Is the merest shadow. hu,
seemed to wiggle along, and Their
stop; It's still now"
Hamlin focussed his keen eyes 81
the spot indicated. shading them with
one hand.
"Slide back further on the seat" he
whispered softly. "and let me in mex
the window"
There was q moments silence, thu
only sound the wind. The girl grippet
the back Of the seat ~nervously Will
both hands. holding her breath: thu
Sergeant. the outline Of his face sil
houetted against the sky. stared mo
tionless into the night without. Sud
denly. not making a sound, he liftet
the rifle to his shoulder.
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