The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1925-10-23

Joe explained ior him: ."He never
saw the fellows before and he don't
seem to remember much about
them. That's natural enough. Your
moneys gone clean, kid, and a vel?
won't get YOU anything. The crooks
are organized and if you set up a
holler they'll get all of us. They'll
alibi anybody You accuse-it's no
trick to abb pal"
Isn't it?' The question was ut
tered unexpectedly; it came from the
front of the tent and startled the
occupants ta:reof, who turned to be-
hold stranger just entering their
premises. He was an elderly man !;
he possessed a quick, shrewd eye !;
he had poked the tent flap aside with
the barrel -of a Colts revolver.
Through tho door-opcning could be
seen other faces and the bodies, OF
other men ..Ylo bad likewise stolen
up unheard. During the moment of
amazement following his first words
these other men crowded in behind
him.
Maybe it'll be more Of a trick
than you figure on The strangers
gray mustache lifted in grin that
was not at all friendly.
What the blazes-:' Joe Nc
Caskey exploded.
Go easy" the intruder cautioned
him. We've been laying around.
waiting Tor your pal. to get back"
With a movement of the revolver
muzzle he indicated Phillips. Now
then, stretch! On your toes and
reach high You there, get up!" He
addressed himself to Jim, who rose
from bis bed and thrust his hands
over his bandaged head. That's
nice! the stranger nodded APPROX
ingly. Nov. don't startle me; don't
make any quick moves or ! may
tremble this gun off-she's easy on
the trigger" To his friends he
called, Come in, gentlemen they're
gentle" !.
There were four Of The latter; they
appeared to be substantial men, men
of determination. All were armed.
Pierce Phillips an,azement gave
way to indignation. what is this.
an arrest or a hold.up?" he in
quired.
"This>is an outraged" Jim Nc
Caskey complained. I'm Just get
ting over one stick-up. I'm a sick
man."
Sure" his brother exclaimed
furiously. YOU'RE a pack of fools!
What d'yon want, anyhow"
I'VE want you to shut up! See
that you do" The old mans eve,
snapped. If you've got to say
something, tell us low there happens
to be trail OF rice from this mans
cachc'-hc indicated one of his
companions-"right up to your tent"
The McCaskeys exchanged glances.
Phillips turned startled face upon
them.
For few moments nothing was
said. and meanwhile the search of
the tent went ON. When Pierce
could no longer remain silent he
broke OUT:
There's some. mistake. These
boys packed this grub from ,Dyea
and I helped with some Of it,
Aren't you partners" some one
inquired.
Joe McCaskey answered this ques-
ton. INC. He landed broke. We
felt sorry for him and took him in"
/. Joe was, interrupted by an exclam-
alton from one of the searchers.
Here i isw said the man. He had
,inearthed bullying canvas sack
which he flung down for inspection.
There's my mark, w. H. land
there's the rip. ! knew we had 'em
right"
After = brief examination The
leader of the posse turned to Mis-
prisoners, whose hands were SIN
held high. saying: M
Anything you can think Of in 33Iie
way of explanations you'd better
save for the miners meeting. It's
waitin' TO welcome YOU. Wei, put
a guard over this plumber till the
rest of it. is identified. Now. then.
fall in line and don't crowd. After
you. gentlemen"
Ito be continued)