The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1921-06-29

before venturing to lead the way, and,
in this manner, the little party finally
crept in behind the crest of land over
looking the valley Of the Cottonwood.
1t had been the plan to drop silent
~ over the edge of the bank, ana
work their way along, so as to at
tack the outlaws from the rear, thus
rendering the escape of any impOs-
sible. But once there on the ground
the slope was found to be far too
abrupt for this purpose, and the idea
had to be abandoned The only other
procedure was to creep along under
the protection Of the ridge, trusting
to swiftncss OF attack. The sergeant
crept forward, inch by inch, watchful
Of everything in front. He never
glanced back. but his carbine was
flung forward, cooked and ready. 1t
was fifty yards to where the gnarled
cedar prOtruded above the bank. but
no sign of any movement greeted him
until he had nearly reached that point.
Then. suddenly, with no warning of
any kind Il red, bloated face showed
itself up above the edge Of the bank.
The startled eyes looked directly in
to the muZzle Of the carbine.
"Stop right there buddy!" said the
sergeant sternly. "Now lads, over
you go!'
They took the leap recklessly, some
rolling down the steep slope, others
finding some sort of fOothOld and rush.
ing fiercely forward. The guard was
taken by complete surprise, helpless
most of them before they could even
reach their feet or grasp their wea.
pons. Shaunessy backed his prisoner
down to where the others stood sullen-
ly. and surveyed the scene.
Five; that's the whole bunch" he
said with satisfaction. "A very good
Job. Now, Gates, go up there and wig
wag the major"
Ten minutes later the advance files
Of the squadron topped the edge of the
bluff and began to slowly move down
The steep trail. Hays expressed his APP
prOval.
Exceedingly we'll DONE. sergeant;
got the whole outfit, | see. Have your
men bring up your horses. The girl
the valley, so we will move right along.
Quietly, men, and keep your distance.
Unsling carbines Forward!"
They moved steadily at walk, the
troopers eagerly peering ahead, yet
cautiously refining back their mounts.
There was scarcely a tinkling of ac-
| coutrements as the long column of
norsemen slowly advanced down the
crooked trail toward the snow covered
valley far below. Pancha, riding be-
the curtain to where the Cottonwood
plunged over the rock precipice into
the deeper gorge beyond. TO her up
lifted hand Of warning the column
halted, the Mexican girl leaning over
to explain the situation ahead
"Eet Is vera steep grade" she said
IAN a sharp turn at the bottom, where
The trail runs under the falls. On the
other side is log house, and they al.
Ways keep guard there, senor."
sand beyond?"
"rhe valley is open."
He tried to see through the snow
JsiaalIs, hut with little success.
"How heavy 10 the guard2"
| THAT cannot tell, senor There
We're but two men there, when l come
out. But the log hut is saloon, and
many may be there now. Eet is best
to use utmost caution"
mo one is likely to be between this
point and that?"
Not 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 think II
may be best to use scouting party
The only way we can trap those fel.
lows into fight is through surprise
II they become alarmed they'll scatter
and find way out before we can
strike blow. Isn't that your idea
captaini"
YES, sir; we've got to get in be.
hind and cut them off"
II presume there is back door to
this Hole, somewhere, senorita?"
YES. senior; way down yonder, but
eet can only be made on foot"
Then we've got the villains, II We
only move secretly enough. Take q
dozen men, and come along with me
captain. Dismount them. Senorita, 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 b,
plainly discerned, the storm suddenl,
ceasing. The door stood open, smok,
arose from the chimney, but no on,
was visible outside. The dull glow O
an expiring fire appeared on tn,
l