The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-03-13
CHAPTER XII


 described it later, knocked silly for moment. When he regained his senses he found himself in the strong grasp of one of his enemies, galloping over the plans on the back of horse His captor. realizing this. and knowing also that he was far enough away from Ruth Randolph to prevent him from giving the girl aid, showed the young man from the horse and left him sitting in a rather awkward posi- ton on the ground.
 Phil stared stupidly at the disap- bearing horseman and then struggled to his feet He didn't know what to do next. There was little use in trudg- ing back to where he had left Ruth. He figured that by this time she had probably escaped her pursuers and was driving the car toward San Ma , rio. He started in that direction.
 About an hour later. as he was en- tering the outskirts of the town, the White Rider galloped up in a cloud of dust.
 Miss Randolph is waiting for you at the hotel in, San Mario" the mys- terious horseman told him. ''She had hands of your enemies. I appeared on the scene just in time. You should compel her to be more careful
 ''She Is safe then?" inquired Phil, anxiously
 "She is never safe while she is in this country came the answer. "An- other thing" the White Rider added, tell Miss Randolph that Julia Wells has the Wampum Belt and intends to put it is the bank vault at San Mario. That's al" Before PhilS could ask another question the man of mystery struck his horse with his quirt and dashed away.
 sI wonder who in the dickens this ,iY1 ir3 SIx ad hi as he tinued his journey. Hes the most helpful little fellow I've ever seen. He must be related to Santa Claus"
 Meanwhile, at the San Mario Hotel. a big business deal was being trans acted. Sheldon, representing the bank ing interests in the East. had succeed ed in securing half of Jim Loomis in terest in the Golden Pool. After ac- complaining this, the enterprising young man decided to hunt up Mis- Band olph and persuade her to give the Golden Pool to the Blue Hawks.
 But at that moment she was being addressed by both Gray Wolf and Standing Bear, who were pleading their cause for the ownership of the pool.
 ''If you will decide in favor of the Blue Hawks" Gray Wolf was saying, i've will convert the pool into cash and my tribe will become rich and happy"
 ''Gray wo1k is yvrong," interrupted Standing Bear. 'So much gold will bring sloth and corruption to the tribe and disaster to the country"
 "But if the while people owned the Golden Pool" retorted the chief of sbe Blue Hawks, they would turn It Into money just as we intend to do."
 Gray Wolf intends to sell the Golden Pool to a group of Eastern bankers" explained Standing Bear, turning to the girl "Only few men will benefit. Then gold will become to plentiful and the world will have to find a new standard of value. The rich will become poor and the poor will become paupers. All industry will stop. No one will have an incen- tive to work because too much gold will reduce the value of everything to nothing"
 The girl listened attentively to both chieftains as they pleaded with her. Then. turning to Standing Bear, she asked, 'eWhat would you do with the Golden Pool should I award it to your tribe?"
 "If you decide in favor of the Buff faloes" answered Standing Bear, 1 will give the gold to the government Then taxation will become unneces- sarv and poverty will be wiped out The government elected by the peo- nIa will use the vast golden treasure wisely and for the people. Our coun- trv will possess the greatest gold re- serve in the world and become hnan- ciaIIy invinctble.
 Ruth considered for a moment,then: ..1 carnot decide this question until l find The Wampum Belt and learn its secret by which I will be guided. she answered.
 Grav wolf left the room angrily. -O,tside he encountered Loomis ana told him what had occurred. stand ing Bear has a great influence over her." he said. 'I fear the Blue HAWKS have little chance
 -.-rben we must keep the girl from the Golden Canyon" Loomis replied If she fails to appear there in tune to render judgment, the Golden Pooi will be divided between the two tribes and we will receive one-han or the wealth at any rate. AS they were talking. Sheldon approached them. He. too, had interviewed the girl anu faiIed But the crafty Loomis then unfolded a plan whlch HIS Pai 'ii heartily approved Of.
 Joon,fs and Julia Wells departed for the hank nearby to deposit the Wam- ,,,, faa1t The bank was owned by D,n Murdock, who was also the pro ,,rietor of a gambling house, althoush few people in San Mario hIisM It. the Sacred Wampum bet nau oesh placed in a strong boN Tn llie Ai' Ioon,fs arew Murdock aside
 .T want to make you popositfon which should be worth your whlle, he fold him. "I want to keep Ruth Randolph here for 20 days No harm is to come to her. Just see 1ha1 sne does not escape. It means big money in your pocket" Although MuroocK didn't approve Of that kino ol ousi- as- +be color of Loomis money was 700 much for him. He agreed.
 Tn the meantime, Phil had arrived Tn town. and seeing Julia and Looms leave the bank it did not take hlrn long to understand the situation small cavalade of cowpunchers came riding town the main thorough1are 10