Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-03-13

| the bandits. and the gold was heavy
on Bob. But they slid and ran a
thousand yards down the painless
Sln, clutching at briar and stone I'M
III they came to a narrow ledge that
belted the heights.
me ledge was clear to view from
above, and below was a sheer drop of
z,OO0 feet. They had to push their
way along it until they could reach
the brush again.
Jose was cursing picturesquely as
he lead the way.
Shots suddenly sputtered from the
cliff top over them.
Make quick!" commanded Jose.
he glided along the foot wide ridge
ike snake. Bob followed.
Bob Is Injured.
me shots kept on chugging into
the rocks below, and swishing through
the underbrush above.
they reached the end of the ledge.
1t led into a path sheltered by fallen
tree trunks and bushes. Jose plunged
into the shelter then turned suddenly
and stopped.
He had heard the crack of the dry
branches as Bob's body rolled off the
tip of the ledge
Without an. instant's hesitation. he
dived after the body. He caught H..
His feet dug into soft dirt and an
chored him. Bleeding from face and
arms and bruised of body. he picked
his master up and started on down.
They were out of sight of the rifles
now, but the voices of the pursuing
bandits could be plainly heard. They
We're coming nearer and nearer.
Better drop me, boy, and run; I'm
no good, the gold doesn't matter"
gasped Bob
Damn soon not" replied Jose.
Jose's Clever Coup.
In a thicket denser than the rest he
laid down his precious burden. With
flying fingers he unlaced Bob's shoes
and pulled them off He tore his own
grimy footgear away and put on the
shoes of his master.
Il come back" he said. and van
ished into the wilderness. Bobs last
conscious thought was godspeed to
the brave fellow who was risking his
life for him.
Jose was careful to conceal himself
now, but not careful to conceal his
footprints. He dug the unaccustomed
boots deep into the sand. He reeled,
and plunged and slid down the cliff
until he reached the desert level
There he began to skirt the cliff.
Now and then shots battered about
him. The bandits were getting near
err He was becoming exhausted.
hole, he fell and lay there painting,
helpless.
The bandits came up Black Sam
rbaz CT ouar tho Yorocfrata
laundering curses, picturesque,
whole hearted. came from his lips,
and were taken by his men.
Not thing on him; he threw the
stuff away" snorted one.
Threw nothing; look at them
shoes" said Sanchez. The COLDS on
the other man. He threw the other
man away and took his shoes Hang
him!" 80.
Saved just in Time.
This was not a curse; it was 4
command
Jose was draooed down the path to
the main road. where the only trees
grew.
Never mind; Just tie him up and
take a few shots at his dirty heart-,f
he don't tell where Melville is, or
dered Sanchez.
Where's Bob?" they asked Jose as
they tied him to a tree, Say quick:
get shot"
Get shot" said Jose
But around bend of the road there
sounded unexpectedly the beat of
hoofs. And an instant later wheeled
into view Ramon Ferrera, the rich
planter, miner ard magistrate, with
his bodyguard.
Jose. silent until now resigned 10
death let out a sudden yell One
spitefu shot blaZed at him, but the
bandits scurried for cover like vul-
lures scared.
Senior Ferrera with his own hands
cut Joses bonds The servant WAS
trying to tell them something but
they could not understand before he
tainted.
The poor Mexican lay on one OF the
great beds of the Ferrera villa when
Bob was brought in. Bob had been
picked up by a party Of prospectors
who heard his groans. The gold was
safe.
Carmen Ferrera parted her nurs-
ng art in the m ddle and gave one !
share to the master, one 10 Jose.
But Jose's wound healed very SLOW
v. and when he was strong enough To |
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