The Green Forest tribune., 1915-06-25


 cross? That's where CSe br.dga ,. mat other cross Is the camp
 She pointed away southwards. That's the line,' she continued. Laura, where's the professor?'
 | don know, Laura replied He rode oil some time ago; and he was go- nlg to meet MT Quest.
 IT only he were here!" Lenora nut tered. I feel sure Craig means to escape. There he goes. They saw Rim ride off into the dark l ness. Lenora ran to where her horse l was tethered.
 I'm going after him, she an hoanced. Listen, Laura. If they ar rive soon, send them after me.
 She galloped of while Laura was still undecided Almost at that mo ment shs heard from behind the well. come sound of horses feet in the oppo- ske direction and Quest galfoped up. Laura laid her hand upon his rein.
 Don't get off, Laura continued, quickly. Craig has escaped, riding towards the Mexican frontier. Lenora. is following him. He's gone in that direction" she added pointing. When you come to the river yoan have to hunt for the bridge"
 Quest frowned as he gathered UD his reins.
 T was afraid they'd try something of the sort" he muttered. Fell 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 up, and gazed sullenly southwards.
 "Cookie'll make the bridge all right he remarked. If the girl catches him, she can't do anything. And that guy'lt 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.
 "It's old Harris and fat Andy he whispered. Well have some fun with them"
 The older of the two deputies ap- preached them, frowning.
 Been at your games again, Long Jim?" he began. 'I hear you declined to hand over a 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 It. Long Jim looked at 1t curiously and handed it 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 go?' "Let him go?" Jim repeated. "l ain't got no right to keep him. He took the jot on moments notice and he left at moments notice. There, some of youIvl,gXrty 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 a dog. en lengths away was Lenora, and close behind her came Quest. He 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 had reached the other side in safety, threw up his hands.
 Look out!' he cried. My God!"
 The bridge suddenly collapsed as though 1t had been made of paper. Lenora, grasping her horse, was thrown into the stream. Quest, gal loping up. was only able to check him.