The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1932-11-04
CHAPTER XIV-Continued

1--WE fixed II, wills an l did-that
was to come for help If he got caught.
He was at the other end of the park
lookin' up brands when | heard the
shootin'. l Lit out. Get help to him
quick"
The message given, Phil tainted.
BY the bedside of the wounded boy
they held hurried council Doctor
Sanders had to be brought and posse
10 be raised. But it was essential that
help be got to Wilson Mccain without
delay. Many valuable hours would be
lost before Dominick Rafferty, could
be reached to guide an armed party
into the hills.
IF l only knew the way" Stone
lamented. "But I'd never find the
place"
Instantly Julia caught his meaning.
You'd go alone-if you could?" she
cried. "Then I'll take you. I've been
there"
She had flashed from despair to
sparkling life. Her tortured soul
craved the chance to do something for
the man she loved beleaguered In the
hills.
You wouldn't be afraid to go with
me?"
mo"
"Then Wen start right now"
To make sure, Stone questioned Phil
as to the exact location of the hidden
valley In relation to Guadaloup canyon.
For there was chance that Julia's
memory might fail at the critical mo-
ment.
Ann started for the Circle Cross and
Doctor Sanders at the same time Julia
and Stone took the trail in the opposite
direction. 1t had been Pills own re-
quest that Ethel stay with him as
nurse until the doctor came.
The parting between Ann and her
Texan was not dramatic.
You'll be careful, won't you? she
asked.
His brown hand met hers in strong
grip. 81 sure will"
I'm look after him." Julia prom
ised.
"And Wen take care of Phil" Ann
said. "Good luck"
Driven by her fears, Julia would
have set too fast pace if Stone had
not moderated it.
What do you think? Will we get
there in timer" she asked.
That's a question l can't answer,
Miss Julia. I'll say this: wills Nc
Cam is sure enough fightin' buck
aroo. If they didn't get him at the
first jump he's liable to stand 'em Off
quite while. You never can tell"
IF he only hadn't gone-if he'd
waited and taken posse" she cried
III say Amen p to that" he agreed.
But don't you worry. We're liable to
find him kickin' real lively. Wills is
six-foot of wildcat an he'll take a
lot of killing. If he's had half chance
for getaway I'll put my money on
him. He's a better man than Carl
Gitner any day of the week."
1t was two hours past noon when they
reached Guadaloup canyon.
mot far now" the Texan told Julia
cheerfully, glancing at the sun. "We'd
ought to be there before dark"
What's your planY she asked.
Haven't any. Well have to go up
the gulch. If we get in well see what
develops"
81 was thinking that maybe could
ride on and ask to see Mr.. Gitner. If
he knew a posse was on the way he
wouldn't dare to do anything" With
question she voiced another thought
in her mind. quaveringly: "Do you
think Jas is with him?"
Now. don't you worry about that
either. We don't know thing about
1t. Like as not he isn't"
Il thought If could get to talk with
Jas"
We'll see how that works out. l
don't reckon you'll get a chance. This
is mighty serious business. 1t wouldn't
surprise me if the rustlers had Lit out
for Mexico. Now they've been located
they won't stick around long, for they
know they'd be smoked out soon as a
posse can get to EN-"
The directions given by Phil. to-
gether with Julia's recollection of the
country, guided them straight to the
gulch up which the trail to Dunwig's
ranch led. They fell into single file.
Julia thought she ought to go first be-
cause she was woman and would NOT
be attacked. but the Texan absolutely
refused to consider such an arrange
ment.
You're goin' up into the park only
because I'm scared to leave you alone
down here" he told her with smile.
do you reckon can hide behind you
an hold my haid up afterwardT
They travelled the whole length of
the gulch unchallenged. passed through
the narrow exit. and entered the grassy
valley beyond.
Looks like the birds have flown. :"
Stone suggested after a long look
around.
Even as he spoke there came the
sound of shot, and after it a rafting
vOlley of them.
Julia, mucn excited. pointed to a
small puff of smoke in the upper end
of the park. Look Look !" she cried.
"You wait nere." Stone ordered as he
gave his horse the spur and galloped
forward.
After moment of indeAsion the girl
followed.
CHAPTER XIV