The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1931-04-23
The Silver Creek Mystery

ley. Pausing for several moments, the
rider carefully scanned the surround
ing country and deciding that the way
was clear, he spurred his horses from
the trail and disappeared down the
canyon.
Satisfied that the trail was warm
now, Tracy leaped upon his pony. HIS
one purpose was to reach the old de-
serted cabin in Cedar Valley before
Knight got there. With swift strides
the pony swept towards the ranch
buildings. Tracy knew of cut which
would shorten the distance three miles.
The adventurer had bunch that the
mystery of the robbery would be
cleared by night. What other business
could Knight have in Cedar Valley?
Hammond was undoubtedly there also,
which made the odds two to one. Tracy
felt for his holster, remembering to
his dismay that he had left it at the
ranch. He was unarmed. There was
no time now to stop for a gun. Every
moment was precious.
Cutting into the hills mile from
the ranch buildings Tracy rode
straight west until he reached break
in the highlands. A quarter of mile
from the old cabin he left his pony
and proceeding on foot, he approached
the cabin from the rocky cliff which
overlooked the valley, keeping his
| eyes open for Hammond. 1t was we'll
that this care was taken for other
wise he would have run plumb into
trouble.
Instead of staying in the cabin,
Hammond was watching the valley
from the edge of the cliff above his
abode. Tracy's keen eyes sighted the
vigilant man through the thin shrub
berry. That meant that Knight had
not yet arrived. So much the better
for the well-conceived plan which had
formulated in Tracy's fertile brain.
With no more noise than a snake
would make, he crept upon the unsus-
pecting man until but thirty feet in
tervened. Lying fiat on the ground
his lariat was prepared for use. A
small pebble was thrown over the cliff
near the cabin. Hammond rose to
his knees, next instant he was jerked
fiat on his back as the lariat settled
about his shoulders, pinning his arms
tight to his side. His gun was
wrenched from his hand as Tracy
dragged him across the rocky ground.
In three minutes he had securely
bound and gagged his captive, leaving
him on the cliff.
"That takes care of Number One"
he muttered as he descended to the
cabin. "Now to get Number Two.
This will prove more difficult because
I need the evidence with this man. If
Knight falls for my scheme all is well.
If not may be up against something
I can't handle. Well try it anyway"
Scribbling a brief note on an old
piece of paper, Tracy placed it on a
chair before the door and stepped into
the open, concealing himself behind
the cabin. Ten minutes elapsed ere
his keen ears caught the sound of hoof
beats. Knight was coming. The noise
ceased and silence reigned. Knight
was approaching on foot.
Five minutes passed ere a light
squeak announced the opening of the
door. Peering through small crack,
Tracy saw Knight enter, gun thrust
forward. His eye caught sight of the
paper and he grasped it, reading Gag
erly.
"Take money with you; meet me
at Big Bend; danger" There was no
signature. Knight didn't need any.
Going Immediately to the old fireplace
he removed three stones and brought
forth a package which he crowded in
side his shirt. With quick nervous
steps he turned to leave the cabin.
The light of satisfaction flooding
his face, Tracy rose quietly to his
feet. His man, with the evidence, was
before him.
Knight paused for an instant on the
threshold, then walked rapidly toward
the horse. Swish! The lariat steeled