The Red Cloud chief., 1921-03-17
-Not on wstch-no; some one m,snt 7

ANot on watch-no; some one might
be passing out; they come and CO."
"Of course, we run that risk. The
falling water makes noise enough to
prevent our being heard. yet l think 1t
may be best to use a scouting party.
The only way we can trap those fell
lows into fight IL through surprise.
II they become alarmed they'll scatter
and find a way out before we can
strike blow. Isn't that your idea,
captain2"
"Yes, sir; we've got to get in be-
hind and cut them off,"
IL presume there Is q back door to
this Hole. somewhere. senorita?"
"Yes, senior: way down yonder. but
Get can only be made on foot"
"Then we've got the villains, II we
only move secretly enough. Take a
dozen men, and come along with me.
captain. Dismount them. Senorlta, II
will be best for you to show us the
way"
They disappeared into the curtain OF
falling snow. and cautiously advanced
beneath the veil OF overlooking water
The outlines Of the log house could be
plainly dscerned the storm suddenly
ceasing The door stood open, smoke
arose from the chimney, but no one
was visible outside. The dull glow OF
nm expiring fire appeared on the
ground In front. but no guard was
squatted about It. Evidently the fell
lows had retired to shelter. The ma
jOr grasped all this In a glance, but
what interested him most was the
sound OF steady firing some distance
away.
"They have either all gone inside"
he whispered to Pancha, crouching
beside him, "out Of the storm, or else
they are over there where the fight
ing Is. You hear those rifies2"
"Yes, senW"
"YOu don't suppose some other outfit
had got In here ahead Of us. do your"
he asked anxiously.
mo, senor." earnestly grasping his
arm. "Eet Is not that. I know; they
fight up the canyon. Listen, Get Is over
there the sound. They try to capture
Senior Shelby; II we go quick we save
them; we wait, maybe all be dead.
Now we get all In the rocks, SO none
get away"
II see." He looked ut her keenly
then stepped back to where the men
were clustered. captain, scatter
these lads out about that house there
move quickly, and see that no one gets
away. Stiles, run back and have the
squadron move forward. Bring up
your horses"
The men dashed forward In q half.
circle, the major. with Pamela at his
| shoulder advancing close behind them
his objective the open door. No soon
er had they broken cover when the
alarm sounded; n muflled voice yelled
| excltedly; rifle or two cracked; q
soldier running rapidly, plunged for
ward on his face. and lay still. Their
white and red surged crOwdinl
through the door. surprised, trapped
crazy to escape. Only one among
them dared the venture In face OF
those leveled carbines. A tall. gaun
white renegade, with red whlskers
and one arm In a sling, his unlnjuret
hand gripping revolver, leaped from
the front step In a reckless endeavOl
to get out OF sight around the corner
of the cabin. The major flung up hi!
arm and fired, the fellow whirlin!
about In his stride and stumbling as h,
fell. lie got upon one knee again, ant
the ".45" spat twice viciously before
trooper sent bullet crashing int
his brain. Hays felt the zipp of Leaf
past his face. but stood erect. unhurt
Behind him Pamela uttered startle,
sob and sank slowly onto the snow
He sprang back and caught her, hold
Ing her head up on his knee, his eye