The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1921-03-03
Copyright. All Rights Reserved
CHAPTER xI-continued.

But we won't let it fail. We mustn't
.et 1t fail, on your account"
"On my account? What more ac-
count mine than yours?"
"Well. you see, Harris no doubt,
has your letter slowed away some
where, and II would make bad evil
dence for you. | don't think ii men
tons me at all. Besides, know n way
through pass in these mountains.
and If it doesn't turn out right--why.
Pm glad | know the way. You see,
I've nothing to lose, and nobody to
worry over me. But it's different
with you, Hiram. You have wife and
fine farm down in Manitoba, and it
would be inconvenient for you TO slip
away without notice So | say that
on your account we mustn't let il fail"
'You didn't say nothin' about that
before. | notice." said Rifles.
"YOu mustn't expect me to do your
private thinking as well as that of the
firm" Gardiner retorted. "You had
the facts--why didn't you patch them
together for yourself? You're in
mess now If things don't 20 right.
But, rs / said, I'm going to stick with
you and see that they do go right"
They rode along. in silence I'm the
gathering darkness. Had they been
able to read each others minds they
would have been astonished at the CO.
Incidence of thought. Gardiner was
planning TO make away with the mon
ey when he got out of the building.
Why should he divide with Rifles
Rifles. who would only hoard il up.
and who had plenty of money already?
Not Mt all. Rifles might sue him for
his share, if he wanted to-and could
find him, TO serve notice! On the 9th
er hand, Riles slow wits had quick
ened to the point Of perceiving that
there lay before him a chance of max
ing $4,000 instead of $4,000, If he
only had the nerve TO strike at the
strategic moment When he got the
HarrseS out Of the shack, by hook or
crook he would leave them and follow
Gardiner. He was much more than
Gardeners match i'm strength and he
had little fear of the revolver, prOvid-
ed he could take his adversary una
wares. If the worst came TO the worst.
and he could not give the HarriSes the
slip, he would take them with him, and
they would all come upon Gardiner
ced-handed with the loot. Then he
would explain to Harris how he had
discovered GARDENERS plot and frus-
rated il. The idea grew upon
Rifles, and he rode along in frame of
mind bordering upon cheerfulness.
1t was now quite dark, and the
horses picked their steps carefully
along the hill side trails. At last Gar
diner drew up and pointed TO heavy
clump of trees A faint glimmer Of
light shone through 1t.
That's the shack" he whispered.
They have n lantern there. We bet
ter get off the road and tether our
horses I'm this coulee."
They turned down a narrow ravine
with scarce room TO walk single file
between the branching trees. They
tied the horses where the woods closed
all about them, and there seemed no
chance of discovery.
Quietly, now" said Gardiner, as
they stole toward the old building.
Things seem to be working out as we
planned. but we must make sure Of
every detail, so that we can change
the attack If necessary"
The two men stole up the rough
road leading TO the hut. The glow Of
the lantern came from the building
shining in long, fading wedge from
the sashless window, but seemed
strangely obscure about the door. AS
they approached this mystery was re-
vealed; blanket was seen to hang
over the doorway.
that's a good sign" whispered
Gardner. "One, or both of them, are
sleeping. That's why they feel the
cold. If they had stayed awake they
would have built fire and perhaps
walked about outside"
They paused for moment to listen.
The night was moonless and starry,
except where bank of clouds came
drifting up from the southwest. A
hOiSt DiCN1C, VI ooitt ihOuh-
tain snow, gently stirred the trees
about them. But from the shanty no
sound could be discerned. They ap-
preached nearer, and still nearer.
"Now, you go to the door, and TIL
take the window" Gardiner ordered.
"Shove the blanket aside a little and
size up the situation before you speak.
We must make sure they're there. and
there alone"
Gardiner waited until he saw Rifles
fumbling carefully with the blanket
that hung I'm the doorway. Then he
darted quickly to the window.
While Allan sat in the little cabin he
gradually became oppressed with a
,ense Of great loneliness. From time
time he looked at the face of his
coping father, and suddenly the
,owledCe struck him like knife that
vas the face OF an old man. Allan
SEQ plainly the deepening fur
.trOng. still handsome face.