The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1915-05-22
COPCRK<4T 1915 81 OTtS W&OoO

pointed
I'VE want that man." he announced. This
Inspector French from New York. am Sanford
Quest"
There was tense silence. Craig covered mis-
face with his hands. then suddenly looked up.
II won't come he cried norcely. You've hound
ed me all round the world : am innocent l won't
come
Quest shrugged mis- shoulders. He took step
forward. out Long Jim. though oy accident. ssun-
tered in the way.
Got a warrant" ne asked tersely.
I'VE don't It, Quest replied. Hes our
man, right enough
Right this minute mes cook drawled Long
Jim. and amt exactly particular about going
hungry just to please a bunch OF strangers Cut
it short mister Ii you amt got warrant. you
amt got this man.
An right Quest agreed. The inspector here
and will soon to that. Well ride back to the
township. With your permission the ladies and our
elderly friend will remain for a rest"
You're welcome to anything we've got except
cook Jim replied, turning away.
Darkness came early and the little company grew
closer and closer to the camp fire. where Craig
had once more taken up his violin.
Don't seem to cotton to US. these boys" Laura
remarked.
They don't like U.s." Lenora replied, because
they think after Craig. l wonder what
Long Jim has been whispering to him. and what
that paper is he has been showing Craig Do you
know how far from the Mexican border"
Not more than five or six miles. / believe"
Laura replied
Lenora softly to her feet and strolled to
the back of the range wagon. In a few moments
she reappeared, carrying a piece Of paper in her
hand. She stopped down.
"Craig's saddng up she whispered. Lock
what he dropped.
She held out the paper. on which traced a
roughly drawn map.
That lines the river that marks the Mexican
border" she explained. You where Long J.m's
put the cross? That's where the bridge is. That
other is the camp"
She pointed away southwards
That's the line" she continued Laura, where's
the professor?'
Il don't know" Laura replied. He rode OF some
time ago. said he going Mr.. Quest
IF only he here!" Lenora muttered Il feel
Craig means to escape. There he goes
They him ride OFF into the darkness. Lenora
to where her horse tethered.
I'm going after him. she announced. Listen,
Laura. II they arrive soon send them after me. .
She galloped off while Laura still unde-
cided. Almost at that moment she heard from be-
hind the welcome 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 continued quickly. Craig
has escaped riding towards the Mexican frontier.
Lenora is following him. He's gone in that direc-
tion,' she added, pointing. When you to
the river you'll have to hunt tor the bridge -
Quest frowned as he gathered up his reins. :
Il was afraid they'd try something of the sort"
he muttered. Tell the others where I've gone,
Laura"
He gaoped of into the darkness. Behind. there
were groWis from the little group COW.
boys. none OF whom, however, attempted to inter-
fere with MIN. Long Jim stood up and gazeo
sullenly southwards
"Cooke'l make the bridge all right he re-
marked IF the girl catches him, she can't do any.
thing. And that last guyl never make it. Whoop!
Here come the rest OF them
The inspector with the two deputies rode sud.
denly into the camp The inspector paused to
speak to Laura Long Jims eyes sparkled he
saw them approach.
Its OLD Harris and fat Andy" he whispered.
We'll have some fun with them"
The older OF the two deputies approached them.
frowning
Been at your games again, Long JIM" he be-
gan. Il hear you declined to hand over criminal
who'd been shelterng your ranch: YouIl get
into trouble before you've finished"
Got the warrant" Jim asked.
The deputy produced it. Long Jim looked at It
curiously and handed 1t back
Guess the only other thing you want. then, is
the man.
Better produce him quickly" the deputy ad-
vised.
jim turned away
Cant do it. He's beat it."
You mean that you've let him CO.,
Let MIN go?" Jim repeated. L amt got no
right to keep him. He took the job on moments
notice and he left at moments notice There 3
some of your party after him, all right
The hunted man TUNED around with little gasp.
Before him was the rude mountain bridge, and on
the other side-freedon. Scarcely dozen lengths
away was Lenora, and close behind her Quest.
He slackened speed walked his horse eau
tiously on to the planked bridge. Suddenly he
gave little cry. The frail structure UNEXPECTEDLY
insecure, seemed to sway beneath his weight. Ie-
nora, who had been riding fast was unable to stop
herself She came to the bridge at a half canter.
Craig who had reached the other side in safety.
threw up his hands.
Look OUT" he cried. My Cod"
The bridge suddenly collapsed as though IL
mad been made of paper. Lenora. grasping her
horse was thrown into the stream Quest galop-
ing up. was only able to check himself just in time.
He flung himself from his horse and plunged into
the stream 1t several moments before he was
able to reach Lenora. From the opposite bank
Craig watched them, glancing twice at the
bridge. One of the wooden pillars had been sawn
completely through.
Are you hurt. dear?" Quest gasped. he drew
Lenora to the bank