The Prairie Detective: Secret Service Series No. 24 — page 117: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE PRAIRIE DETECTIVE, _ 115 much more than a hundred yards away. Robinson was lying flat upon the ground, and therefore was. hidden from sight. Hatfield was leading his horse, and examining the trailas he came along. As he approached, his form became more easily dis- tinguishable above the chaparral. ‘The upper part of his body was soon easily discernible, and Robin- son took deliberate aim at the extreme edge of the robber’s right shoulder. Then, as the exultant grin deepened upon his face, he calmly pressed his fore- finger to the trigger, and as the effect of his shot was seen, he rolled over on his back in a paroxysm of mirth. The bullet went straight to its mark. Hatfield was, of course, taken completely by surprise. He stag- gered back a step or two, and then fell heavily upon his side. His companions rushed eagerly forward, expecting to meet a foe. They had not gone many paces when they came face to face with Robinson himself, who, with an artfully simulated expression of concern, rose and came out to meet them, protesting loqua- ciously his innocence of any intention of harm. ‘Why, boys,’’ he ejaculated, in surprised tones; ‘ig it you? I heard your horses come pounding along up the hill, and thought you were some of those in- fernal hunters tracking me down. But I hope I didn’t hurt anybody.’” “T dunno,’’ responded one of the men. “Mister Hatfield is on his back down yonder, an’ I’m a leetle onsartin as to how he is jest now. But what in thun- der are ye doin’ roun’ yere?”’ “T was hunting for a young woman, about whom the chief has made all this disturbance. However, (ele) 0 See Se ease | comicbooks