The Spectator., 1915-11-05

crossy That's where he aTtdgs ~ That other cross is the camp.
 She pointed away southwards.
 That's the line,' she continued
 Laura, where's the professor?"
 'I don't know" Laura replied He rode off some time ago; and he was go ing to meet MT. Quest.
 If only he were here!" Lenora nut tered, T feel sure Craig means ts escape. There he goes"
 They saw him ride off into the dark ness. Lenora ran to where her horse was tethered
 I'm going after him. she an 'nounced. Listen, Laura. If they as rive soon, send them after me"
 She galloped off while Laura was still undecided. Almost at that mo ment she heard from behind the wei come sound of horses feet in the oppo- site direction and Quest galloped up Laura laid her hand upon his rein.
 Don't get off," Laura continues quickly. Craig has escaped, riding towards the Mexican frontier. Lenora is following him. He's gone i'll that direction" she added pointing. When you come to the river you'll have to hunt for the bridge"
 Quest drowned as he gathered up his reins.
 T was afraid they'd try something of the sort" he muttered. Tell the others where I've gone, Laura" He galloped off into the darkness. Behind, there were some growls from the little group of cowboys, none of whom, however. attempted to inter fere with him. Long Jim stood uD and gazed sullenly southwards.
 "Cookie'll make the bridge all right he remarked. If the girl catches him, she cant do anything. And that guyll never make it. Whoop! Here comes the rest of them."
 The inspector. with the two depu- ties rode suddenly into the camp. The inspector paused to speak to Laura. Long Jim's eyes sparkled as he saw them approach.
 Its old Harris and fat Andy he NS II haNC ooAhS iuh Vs>~A them"
 The older of the two deputies sp preached them, frowning.
 Been at your games again, Long Jim?" he began. ''I hear you declined to hand over criminal who'd been sheltering on your ranch? You'll get into trouble before you've finished"
 Got the warrant" Jim asked.
 The deputy produced 1t. Long Jim looked at it curiously and handed 1t back.
 Guess the only thing you want, then, is the man.
 Better produce him quickly" the deputy advised,
 Jim turned away.
 Cant do it. He's beat it.
 You mean that you've let him gof' Let him go?' Jim repeated. "I ain't got no right to keep him. Hs | took the job on a moments notice and he left at a moments notice. There's some of your party after him. al | right"
 
 The hunted man turned round with little gasp. Before him was the rude mountain bridge, and on the | other side-freedom. Scarcely doz- en lengths away was Lenora, and close behind her came Quest Ke slackened speed as he walked his horse cautiously on to the planked bridge. Suddenly he gave little cry. The frail structure. unexpectedly in- secure, seemed to sway beneath his weight. Lenora, who was riding fast. was unable to stop herself. She came on to the bridge at half canter Craig, who mad reached the other side in safety. threw up his hands. Look out!" he cried. My God!" The bridge suddenly collapsed as though It had been made of paper | Lenora. grasping her horse. was | thrown into the stream. Quest. gal loping up. was only able to check him.