The St. Johns herald., 1921-08-11

WOuIU dSSuTeuly dTOuS6 LiA SuNptClOh that they had not perished in the flames. Indeed, that could be easily ascertained by a search of the debris, and the perturbed ranchman was far from being satisfied that Pancha alone knew of this secret trail. Why Macklin stated he had himself been up as far as the cave; and it was scarcely likely it had been entirely overlooked so long by these otherS-the Indians certainly must have secured every inch of these bluffs at one time or an- other. Something, for the moment, may have drawn aside suspicious of his escape, yet those devils would track him down. The conviction haunted him.
 He drew back just in time. There was the sharp crack of a rifle; bull let clipped the outer edge of the para pet, and a little puff of smoke curled up away to the left and vanished against the leaden sky. Shelby fell flat on his face and crept backward. seeking instinctively the protection of an Overhanging rock, his eyes instant ly marking that vague spiral of smoke. He had guessed right. Indian cunning had already learned the truth and had found means of approach unknown even to the Mexican girl. Somewhere in the security of those rocks, keen eyes were watching every movement, savagely eager to end all by some we'll directed shot. Yet, with the chug of the bullet, all depression left him. He knew now what he had to face; that narrow platform must be defended. for hours probably, revolvers pitted against rifles; himself alone against an unknown number of assailants. It meant caution as well as bravery, the quick wit of a white man outgeneral- ing savage treachery. Even as he rolled over, so as to cautiously lift his head, the "45' was jerked from It's holster and rested ready in his hand. He heard Olga at the cave entrance.
 "Stay back r' he ordered sternly. Don't venture out here yet"
 "But what Is 1t? I heard a shot"
 "Yes; they have found us all right. Hand me another gun; may need 1t. Did Macklin have one"
 "Yes; 1t is still at his belt"
 "Get it, and with whatever cart. ridges he may have. This is going to be fight at short range. How Is the fellow"
 Fl am sure he must be dying. Tom," she said breathlessly. "Hs scarcely breathes any more. Isn't there any way can help?"
 "Only by doing what I asked; get his gun. This is bound to be some fight. I don't know how many are out there; the bird who shot at me is be- hind that rock wonder; he's Indian all right; you can glimpse his scalplock just over the edge. If he would only shove his nut up about half an inch more I'd show him that a '45' ain't such a bad weapon, when you know how to use it."
 He advanced, his revolver barrel across the top, and lay motiOnless, sighting along the smooth steel.
 "Now, boy, you do that again. Can't make out exactly where have gone. can you? Well, you are going to find out in about a minute" His grip frightened. "AhI there you nreI"
 His finger pressed the trigger, send ing forth a squirt of flame. A brawny red arm was flung up, the hand grip ping at the rock for support; then a rifle went crashing down into the chasm and the next instant an Indian whirled head downward, the body striking a narrow ledge and bouncing off into space. Three shots answered the crack of the revolver, so swiftly as to seem echoes, the bullets striking the solid rock wall, one, crushed out of all shape, dropping directly in front of Olga, crouching in the entrance. Shelby laughed, but with syes stern and watchful.
 ''Three more located" he said pleas antly. "Seem to have us pretty we'll trapped. I'd like to know how they got up here without using the trail. I thought you were goin' after that ex- tra gun?"
 "I am, Tom, but I can't stay in there. I want to be out here with you"
 "Why I ain't in a mite O danger. little girl. Those reds can't shoot through this rock. All got to do is lie here quiet an take lem on the jump"
 "But suppose they rush in on youT "It don't hardly look reasonable. Still, O course, they might try it. If they got a white leader. Indians never would themselves; it's liable to cost