The Monmouth inquirer., 1924-05-01
Five Thousand in Gold


As the stage dropped into the creek
bottom Garry rode out of the mesquite
with his rifle leveled.
Hands up!" he snapped sternly.
And as he spoke closed in from the
rear and covered the passengers on
the roof-five Of them.
For bit it looked like fight. In
the moonlight we could plainly see
Tom Bannock, the driver, weighing
his chances. He had a reputation for
nerve and shooting ability, and it was
plain that he hated to knuckle under;
but he evidently decided that we
meant business, for at second sharp
command he dropped the reins and
his hands slowly went over his head.
The passengers were already reach
ing toward the sky.
Now" Garry directed curtly,
throw out that dust and bee quick
about It. We're In ahurry. No tricks
mind"
Bannock grumbled an oath or two
and stopped over to obey; Garry
watching him like o hawk as he
lowered his hands He lifted the
heavy sack and tumbled It on the
ground. and be was reaching for his
reins when there was a commotion
In the dark depths of the coach.
my Godi" woman's voice scream
cd out, they're robbing us!'
The next minute, In spite of my
gruff order to be still. slight little
figure. all handled In 8 dust coat.
scrambled out into the road.
It's question which Of us was
most surprised Garry, the driver. or
myself. For a second or two / think
we all forgot what we were doing;
then Garry recovered himself.
Madam" he said. in his most po-
lite manner. without taking his eyes
OF Bannock, who was showing dis
tinct uneasiness. Il must ask you not
to interfere. We don't rob ladies'.
and you are perfectly SAFE"
but the gold-qy sons gold" she
cried. turning her face toward my
partner. "You shan't touch itl"
Occupied as I was. could see her
only vaguely in the darkness, but ]
sensed that she was old and white
haired Something. Tdon't know what
hi her voaoe made me think OF my
own 1vng dead mother, and the
thought shook me clear down to my
spurs. For an instant ! nearly drop
ped my gun, but the slight Of one Of
the passengers steAithily reaching for
his revolver steadied me.
Madam" Garry began again. and
his voice was oddly soft, your son
does not
He never completed his sentence.
Out Of the tail OF my eye saw her
stooD and pick UP the canvas sack
Of dust - big load for woman like
her-ard stagger 10 the stage with
1t.
"There," she declared. as she push
ed 1t inside. "its safe how. You can
go on. driver. They won't shoot me.
and they can't get ut tAat gold unless
they DO"
Bannock chuckisd grimly, ct
sure looks like the joke was on you.
gents" he remarked facetiously,
splitting onto tho ramp OF the OF
wheeler.
Don't be so stlre about that" Carry
cat In crisply. ~We7l play our hands
as long as we hold the cards. my
friend. I won't shoot woman. Ban
mock: but will shoot you II that
sack Of dust is not back in the road
mighty soon. Get the point?"
Bannoek evidently did. for his grin
faded In q second. Garry's idea was a
winner. The woman, naturally.
would give up the gold to avoid
bioodshed: but II she baked - well
the driver stood to lose either way.
''Give Il 60 iem," Brannock growled,
looking over his shoulder at the little
lady. "Give It UP before they murder
me, ma'am."
They'd never DO I'll" she exclaim-
cd, with scornful look at us. It's
too cowardiys"
Don't ron believe II. Give 'em the
stuff, ] say" Brannock pleaded. He'd
baen IN a similar predicament more
than once before and he was nervy
enough to be scared, aitho knew
Garry was only hlufhns Hand It
over. d'yori heart"
Every we'll, them" she assented.
after little pause, Il will. Human
life 10 worth mora than gold. even If
my boy
Choking back something very much
Hike sob, she reached into the inner
darkness Of the coach, fumbled about
or what remembered this after.
ward seemed q pretty long time,
found the sack and laid 1t on the
ground. Then, after one whitening
glance at as, she climbed into her
seat.
you can go. Bannock," Garry direct
ed. I'VE have nc further need Cd you
tonight"
Sitting motioniess on our horses. we
watched the stage out OF sight beyond
the hill Then Garry swung down
n