The Glasgow courier., 1916-12-15
CHAPTER XVI.
In the Shadow Of the Hills.

AAVuA INS "VVAStVuC tdHCu WI
lie picketed the roam pony Yuma
near Il, water hole in the desert.
F., After he had eaten he studied the
rough map that Overland had given
inim. There to the south was the des
ert town. He had passed that. as di
rected, skirting 1t widely. There to
she edst were the hills. Somewhere
Behind them were the hidden canyon
and Overland Red.
Stiff aud tired from his long ride.
he stretched himself for a short rest
He dOzed. Something touched his foot.
1t was the RATA with which he had
picketed the pony. He meant to trav
el again that night. He would sleep
a little while. The horse. circltng the
picket, would I've sure to awaken him
again:
He slept heavily. The Yuma colt
stood with rounded nostriis shifting tho
might air The pony faced In the di.
rection OF the distant town. She knew
chat another horse and rider were
coming toward her through the dark
ness. They were Tar OF. but coming.
For Z long tine she stood. tamping
fmpatlently at intervals. Finally she
grew rest1ve The oncoming horse had
stopped: The other animal. the man.
f1ad dismounted and was coming to-
ward her on foot. She could not see
through the starlit blanket Of night.
nut she knew
The man-thing drew a little nearer
The pony swerved as IL about to run.
hut hesltated, cars hattened. curious,
half beliigeren,.
That afternoen Siieut Saunders, rid:
ing along the border OF the desert
town, had seen a strange horse and
rider far out, away from the road and
evidently heading for the water hole
saunders rode into town. borrowed Il
pair Of teldglaSSes and rode out again.
He at once recognized the roam pony
as the Orc outlaw. But the rider: He
was not SO sure. He would investi-
gate.
The fact that he saw no glimmer of
fire as he uow approached the water
hole made him d"ubIy cautious. Near
or. he crouched behind a bush. He
threw IA pehi'ie at the pony. She cir
cied the picket. awakening Collie. who
spoke t" her saee'ily. Saunders crept
hack toward his horse. He knew that
voice. He would track the young rider
70 the range and hevond-to the gold
He rode back to town through the
rlight. entered the saloon and beckoncd
TO a helated ,ounyer.
Shlveriug ia the morung starlight,
Collie arose and saddicd the pony. He
rode ia the general direction of the
range.
Suddenly the shadows Of the hills
pushed back. Almost instantly he faced
the quick rise Of the range. Out Of the
silence came the siithering step of
some one walking in the sand. The
darkness seemed to expand
Overland Red stood before him, 81
lent. alert, anxious. You, Chico" he
asked
Sure. Hello, Red"
"Anyh"dy sec you come across yes
terday!"
Not that know Of l kept away
from the town"
"YOur ht,Ss shod:"
"Yes: all around Why"
'NOthin'. In suferim glad to see
YOU again. When we get on top OF the
bills you take the left trai, aud keep
on down. You can't miss the CANYON
I'll leave you here. got to stay here
n spell t" ser that nothin' else comes
up but the suu this morniu'."
"Ali right. Red. Your psrdner down
fhere:"
-'Yep. Whistle when you sc, up to
the meadow ia the canyon. Billy IL
he lookin' for you
ANY trouble lately:"
''NOpe. Bat Rilly's got Il hunch,
though He says he feels it IN the
air."
When Collie arrived at the Camp
Overland was there waiting Winthrop
and he greeted Collie cordially "Short
cut" explained Overland. jerking his
thumb over his shoulder. mo hoss
trail. though. Too steep"
Faint dawn lights were shifting
breakfast. AS the morning sunlight
spread to their camp Co,lie's natural |
'uriOsity ia regard /" Overland'> part.
her was satisfied. He saw u straight,
slender figure in Aannel shirt and khu-
ri. The gray eyes were peculiarly keel,
and humorous. Winthrop was not a
little like his sister Anne in psi>c and
colorlng The hands were nervously
slender and ar'st"cratic, albeit rough
ened and SCARED 10y toll. There was
4 suggestion Of dash and go about
Winthrop that appealed to Collie.
There's spare blankets In the tent.
Roll In for a snooze, Collie. Billy and
NELL pack your saddle and stuff up
here later"
Il guess l will. You might spong &c