Gunnison news-champion., 1921-03-11

.stay saeki" He ordsrsd stsrnly.
damea Indeed. that could be easily
ascertained by search of the debris,
and the perturted ranchman was far
from being satisfied that Pancha
alone knew OF this secret trail. Why.
Mackiin stated he had himself been up
as far as the cave and II was scarcely
likely II had been entirely overlooked
30 long by these others-the Indians
certainly mus, have secured every
Inch Of these bluffs at one time or an
other. Something. for the moment,
may have drawn aside suspicious Of
MS 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 rife: a bul.
let Clipped the outer edge Of the para.
pet. and little pun OF smoke curIed
up away TO the left and vanished
against the leaden sky. Shelby fell
nat on his face and crept backward,
seeking instlnctively the protection VI
an overhanging rock. his eyes instant.
~ marking THAT vague spiral OF smoke.
lie had guessed right. lndinn 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,
sayageiy eager to end all 10y solrle we'll
directed shot. Yet. with the chug Of
the bullet. all depression left him. He
knew now what he had 10 face: that
narrow platform must be defended, for
hours probably. revolvers pitted
against rifles: himself alone against
al unknown number OF assailants. II
meant caution as well as bravery. the
quick wit Of white man ouigenerai-
Ing savage treacbery. Even as he
rolled over, so as 10 cautiously lift his
head. the AS" was jerked from Its
holster and rested ready In his hand.
He heard Olga AT the cave entrance.
Stay back I" he ordered sternly.
Don't venture out here yet"
But what is II? heard q shot,
Yes; they have found us all right.
Hand me another gun; ! may need It
Did Macklin have one?"
Yes; II is stili at his belt"
Get II. and with whateye- cart
ridges he may have. This is going to
be fight at short range. How is the
fellowf"
IL am sure he must be dying.
Tom" she said breathlessIy. "He
scarcely breathes any more. Isn't there
any way ] can heip:"
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 yonder: he's Indian all
right; you can glimpse his scalpIock
Just over the edge. II he would only
shove his nut up about half an inch
more I'd show him that As amt
such bad Teapon. 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 I have gone,
can youf Well. you are going to find
out In about 4 minute" His grip
dghtened. -Ah! there you arer-
His finger pressed the trigger. send
ing forth = squirt of'dame A brawny
red arm was flung up, the hand grip
ping At the rock for support: then
ri6e went crashing down into the
chasm and the next instant an Indian
whirled head downward. the body
striking a narrow ledge and bouncink
on Into space. Three shots answered
the crack Of the revolver. 50 swiftly n
to seem echoes. the bullets striking
the solid rock wall. one. crushed out Of
an shape, dropping directly In front
Of 0lgn. erouchlng In tie entrance.
Shelby laughed. but with eyes stern
and watchful
Three more located.. ~ MD pieas.
anfiy. '1eem TO have - pestiy wen
s14pped. n NE to kutW ~ theU
ept ~ hers without usi1g the tzail.
tAosxAf Jos rafs soin' aftsf that =
fCnn&aunaA Nexe WaesrA