The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-09-08
CHAPTER XVII.
In the Shadow of the Hills.


 from the Moonstone ranch Col
 lie picketed the roan pony Yuma
 near water hole in the desert ' After he had eaten he studied the rough, map that Overland had given him. There to the south was the des- ert town. He had passed that, as di- rected, skirting it widely. There to the east were the hills. Somewhere behind them were the hidden canyon and Overland Red.
 Stiff and tired from his long ride, he stretched himself for short rest. He dozed Something touched his foot. It was the riata with which he had picketed the pony. He meant to trav el again that night. He would sleep little while. The horse, circling the picket, would be sure to awaken him again.
 J He slept heavily. The Yuma colt stood with rounded nostl;ls sniffing the night air. The pony faced in the di- rection of the distant town. She knew that another horse and rider were coming toward her through the dark ness. They were far off. but coming.
 For long time she stood, stamping impatiently at intervals. Finally ,she grew restive. The oncoming horse alad stopped. The other animal, the man. had dismohnted and was coming to- ward her on foot. She could not see through the starlit blanket of night. but she knew, 6s
 The man-thing, drew little nearer The pony sweryed as if about to run, but hesitated, ears fattened, curious, half belligerent
 That afternoon Silent Saunders, rid ing along the border of the desert town, had seen strange horse and rider far out, away from the road and evidently heading for the water hole. Saunders rode into town, borrowed q pair of fieldglasses and rode out again. He at once recognized the roan pony as the Gro outlaw But the rider? He was not so sure. He would investi- gate. TV
 The fact that he saw no glimmer of fire as he now Approached the water hole made him doubly cautious. Near CT, he crouched behind bush. He threw>a pebble at the pony. She cir cled the picket, awakening Collie, who spoke to her sleepi1y. Saunders crept back toward his horse He knew that voice. HeIwould track the young rider to the range and beyond-to the gold He rode back to town through the night, entered the saloon and beckoned to belated lounger. r.>
 Shivering in the morning starlight, Collie arose and saddled the pony. He rode in the general direction of the range.
 Suddenly the shadows of the hills pushed back. Almost instantly he faced the quick rise of the range. tOut of the silence came the slithering step of some one walking in the sand. The darkness seemed to expand Overland Red stood before him, si lent, alert, anxious. You, Chico?" he l asked f Sure Hello; Red"
 Anybody see you come across yes terday?'
 Not that know of. I kept away | from the town" :. Your hoss shod?
 "Yes; all around. Why?" I ''Nothin'. I'm sufferin' glad to sex you again. When we get on top of the hills you take the left trail and keeI on down. You can't miss the canyon I'll leave you here. got to stay hert . spell to see that nothin' else come, up but the sun this mornin'." "All right, Red. Your pardner dowr therew
 | Yep. Whistle when you get up tt the meadow in the canyon. Billy I be lookin' for you"
 l "Any trouble lately?"
 "Nope. But Bifiy's got a hunch though. He says he feels it in th' air."
 | When Collie arrived at the camr Overland was there waiting. Winthrop and he greeted Collie cordially. "Shor cut' explained Overland, jerking hi. thumb over his shoulder. 'rNo hos. 1 trail, though. Too steep" l Faint dawn lights were shiftins along the canyon walls as they ha( breakfast. As the morning sunligh spread to their camp Co1lie's natura curiosity in regard to, Overland's part ner was satisfied. He saw a straight slender figure in flannel shirt and kha Xii. The gray eyes were peculiarly keeI and humorous. Winthrop was not , I little like his sister Anne in poise ant coloring. The hands were nervousl, slender and aristocratfc, albeit rough ened and scared by toll. There wa a suggestion of dash and go abou Winthrop that appealed to Collie.
 "There's spare blankets in the tent Roll in for a snooze, Collie. Billy ant nell pack your saddle and stuff III here later"
 T guess I will You might spong Yuma's back little, Red She brought me close to 2G0 miles in tn, last three days"
 Sure, Bo! I'll brush her teeth ant manierre her toe nails if you say tn