The Connecticut labor news., 1921-02-25
Copyright. All Rights Reserved
CHAPTER xI-Continued.

-IS-
 ''It's all quite easy," Gardiner con- tinued. And if it should fail there are dozen other ways just as easy. But we won't let 1t fail: We mustn't let it 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 1t would make bad evil dence for you. I don't think it men, tions me at all. Besides, I know way through a pass in these mountains, and If 1t doesn't turn out right-why, I'm glad I 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 a wife and q fine farm down in Manitoba, and it would be inconvenient for you to slip away without notice. So I say that on your account we mustn't let 1t fail."
 "You didn't say nothin' about that before, I 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 go right. But, as I said. I'm going to stick with you and see that they do go right
 They rode along in silence in 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 Riles- Riles, who would only hoard it up, and who had plenty of money already? Not at all. Rifles might sue him for his share, if he wanted to-and could find him, to serve notice! On the oth- CT hand, Riles' slow wits had quick ened to the point of perceiving that there lay before him a chance of mak- Ing $2O,OOO, instead of $1O,OOO, if he only had the nerve to strike at the strategic moment. When he got the Harrises out of the shack, by hook or crook he would leave them and follow Gardiner. He was much more than Gardiner's match in strength and he had little fear of the revolver, prov1d- 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 red-handed with the loot. Then he would explain to Harris how he had discovered Gardiner's plot and frus- trated it. The idea grew upon Rifles, and he rode along in frame of mind bordering upon cheerfulness.
 It 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 a heavy clump of trees. A faint glimmer of light shone through 1t.
 That's the shack" he whispered. "They have a lantern there. We bet ter get off the road and tether our horses in this cOulee."
 They turned down narrow ravine with scarce room to walk single file between the branching trees. They tied the horses where the woods closed ali 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 a long. fading wedge from