The Coolidge examiner., 1931-01-23

them. He was covered by his own
rifle in the hands of Smith BereS
ford Unerringy he led them
through a maze of hiIltOps
"Quantrell must have left the
horses somewhere" O'Hara told his
partner. Juan says they came
down from the rim rock on foot.
Likely they left some one with the
mounts. Hadn't we better swing
around that way and see if he's
still there?"
Not bad idea, Old Top. He
cOnId give us the latest develop
menfs. 1t would he deuced awk
ward if we met lngram's men be
fore we did our own"
They skirted the edge of the
park Garcia pulled up to listen,
lifting hand for silence. Some
one was riding toward them. They
could hear the hOOfS of horses
striking rocks.
Riderless horses came over the
brow of hill Behind them rode
a single man. The man was Joe,
one of Steelman's cowboys. At
sight of Garcia and the others he
stopped and wheeled abruptly. driv-
ing in a spur for flight.
O'Hara called to him by name
Joe jerked his horse to its hind
feet, so sharply did he check it.
The Circle s O partners joined
nim. Joe made clear the situation
The boys are in the stable.
One of 'em is wounded bad. looked
like"
Has there been lot of shoot
ing?" Smith-Beresford asked.
Quite lot. Some one rode
away from the ranch hour an a
half ago. Gone for help. I'd say.
I'm mOvin the horses. Figured they
might come up 10 collect 'em soon
as they got around to it,"
The partners talked together and
afterward O'Hara gave Joe instruc-
tions. We'll leave Juan here with
you. Hold him till we see you
again. In about half an hour move
the horses 10 the south end of the
meadow, to the place where the
creek runs out We're going to try
TO follow the creek through the will
lows to the stable Well take a led
horse along for the wounded man.
If our plan works out we'll join you
as soon as we can"
What If I'm jumped by Ingram
or some one elSe?"
Then you'll have to look after
yourself. But don't think he can
get here before night"
The partners rode back to the
creek, by way of the park rim.
dropping down to the meadow land
over pine-clad hill Smith-Beres-
ford carried the rifle. O'Hara led
the extra horse. They moved 10
the creek. keeping on the far side
from the house and using the will
lows as screen.
Getting close to the stable"
Smith-Beresford whispered over his
shoulder To his friend: "There's a
sort of ford where the horses drink
just ahead. Think we'd better
splash over anC make a run for 2"
Might as WE'LL" O'Hara agreed.
The horses waded through the
little creek and climbed the slope
beyond They broke into a canter.
headed straight for the stable.
Quan;rell let out a yell of glee as
the two men swung to the ground.
made it, by cripes. you doggoned
old helIamilers"
OHara did not share his enthusi-
asm. He had come to get the raid
ers out of trouble if he could. but
he did not intend to condone their
offenSe.
"Who has been hurt?' he asked
coldly.
Amen is shot up right bad. I'm
carryin' one pill in my leg as a
souvenir. How did you find OUT
we was here?"
Met a Mexican you drove away"
O'Hara walked across to the
place where Owen lay on the hay
Can he ride?" he asked Texas Jim
The Lone Star state man
scratched his head. q dunno. Doub,
it. He's. a mighty sick man."
Apparently Owens ID been doz.
ing. He opened his eyes. "Sure
! could ride. if | was put on
horse" he said
Then we'd better get out before
Ingram's reinforcements arrive.
The rest of the horses are at the
entrance to the park. If we slip
around and keep the stable between
us and the house we might make
IT,"
Quantrell's eyes cleaned. you're
d-n shOutin'. O'Hara. You fellows
20. I'll stay an hold 'em back till
you cross the creek. Then I'll
light out after you"
That's good medicine" Texas
Jim agreed. "rll stay with Bob"
The deputy sheriff spoke up.
There's an old door boarded up
this side. If we break that down
we can slip out an not be seen at
all"
Five minutes later the door had
been knocked to pieces with an ak.
Owen was lifted in the saddle of
a horse. He clung to the pommel.
teeth clenched.
O'Hara turned to Quantrell
You take my horse. With that
hurt leg you can't make a run for
it if you have to. I'll stay with
Texas.
NO. sir" answered Ouantrell.