The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1920-10-14

kA~H~ 1919
1 was countin' on this for our com
missary department. Come on, Jim;
time Is money just now"
The door was unlocked, and In less
than ten minutes they emerged once
more into the open bearing their spoils
-Wescott, a slab of bacon and a small
frying pan; Brennan a paper sack OF
cornmeal, with a couple Of specimens
Of canned goods. He had also resur-
rected a gunny sack somewhere, IN
which the things were carefully
wrapped, and made secure for trans.
%pOrtatiOn.
Didn't feel no terbacco, did yer,
jim" the marshal questioned solic-
itously. II reckon not, though; Oh
Beecher never would leave nuthin'
like that lynn round. Well, Lord! we
ought ter be thankful fer what we've
got. Now, If we can only get away
with them hosses."
They wormed their way forward to
the edge Of the road through a fringe
of bushes, Westcott laden with the bun
die. Except for the sound Of distant
voices and an occasional loud laugh,
the night was still. They could almost
hear their own breathing, and the
crackle Of a dry twig underfoot
sounded to strained nerves like the
report Of a gun. Crouching at the
edge Of the road they could see
fairly we'll what vas before them, as
revealed by the lights shining forth
though the dingy windows Of the
saloon. A hum Of voices echoed out
into the night, but the platform in
front of the door was deserted. Oc-
casionally some wanderer either en-
tered or departed, merging into the
crowd within or disappearing through
the darkness without. To the left of
the building, largely within It's shadow,
stretched the hitch rail to which were
fastened fully a dozen cow-ponies, most
Of them revealed only by their restless
movements, although the few nearest
the door were plainly enough visible
in the reflection of light. Brennan's
hand closed heavily On the arm Of the
other.
well pick out the two critters far
thest from the light" he muttered,
IAN trust ter luck. Well have to lead
'em a ways afore we mount. Shall we
try it now?"
"The sooner the better"
"That's me. Blamed If 1 thought I'd
be a boss thief, but when a Teller as
sociates with Bill Lacy there's no
KNOWN what he will come to. We
better try the other side O. the road,
jim"
They were in the flicker Of light for
scarcely an instant, merely two dart
ing shadows, vanishing once more
swiftly and silently into the gloom.
Nor were they much longer in releas-
ing the two cow-ponies. WestcOtt tied
his bundle to the cantle Of the saddle
and then, bride reins in hand, the do
Gle animals following their new mas
ters without resistance, the men led
them over the smooth turf well back
from the range of light. They were a
quarter Of a mile from the Red Dog
before Brennan, slightly in advance,
ventured to enter the road.
ITS safe enough now, Jim, an we
don't wanter lose no time. Ever
crossed Shoshone?"
"No."
"Well, It's a little. bit O. HI after
sunup, an Wen have a twenty-mile
ride before we strike water. Well
start SLOW"
They swung into saddle, the road be-
fore them a mere black ribbon revealed
only by the CLEAN of a few far
off stars peering through riffs in the
clouds. Brennan rode slightly In ad-
vance, trusting his mount largely to
pick out the way, yet leaning forward
eagerly scanning every shadow and
listening for the slightest warning
There was some movement to the left,
where the hotel trail led down the
bank, and instantly both men drew
up their ponies and remained intent
and rigid. Brennan's hand rested on
the butt of his revolver, but for the
moment neither could determine what
was moving in the intense b~lackness Of
the hillside. Then something spectral
advanced into the starlight Of the road
and confronted them.
as that you, Mr.. Cassidy" asked a
woman's voice softly.
(To be COntinued)