The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 94: what you’re looking at

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

478 HE WHO LAUGHED LAST. an awkward bow. He sat down on the edge of the nearest chair, as if afraid he was taking too much liberty. A few minutes sufficed to put him at his ease, however, when he explained his business. “You see, I heard tell,’ he began, ‘“‘ that the new road is going to cut purty close to Rattlesnake Gorge, where I own a piece of land. Do you reckon it'll make it worth more than it is now?” Oakman assured him it undoubtedly would. ‘The delight of Mr. Perkins, at hearing this, was childish in its exuberance. Felix Tucker was irrepressible. ‘The opportunity to make an impression could not be missed. " Yes,’’ he said, as if resuming an interrupted yarn, ‘‘it was last summer, as I was riding through Wolf Gulch, looking for a place to put up for the night, that Cinch Wadders and one of his gang leaped out from behind a rock, shouting ‘Hands up!’ ‘They had the drop on me, and I lost no time reaching for the stars, but all the same I taught ’em a trick. Like a flash I snatched my revolver from my belt and let fly with two chambers. I think Cinch jumped three feet in the air, while his companion, with a howl of pain made off at headlong speed with Cinch at his heels ‘Did you kill’em both?’’ gasped the amazed Mr. Perkins, with open mouth and protruding eyes. ‘I’m afraid I didn’t, ’cause I’ve heard that Cinch and his gang are still in these parts.’’ Mr. Perkins sighed. ‘‘ What a pity !”’ The conversation continued until a late hour, then we four sought our beds and dreamed of Cinch Wadders and his gang. At the end of the week Felix Tucker had become such a bore that we decided to teach hima lesson. One morning, I overheard him tell Mr. Cut- tle that he was going back that day into the mountains ona prospecting tour, and did not expect to return until late at night. He intended to go on foot because a great part of the way was too rough for a horse to travel. I proposed to my friends that we should hold him up and put him in such a ridiculous plight that he would be glad to cease his intolerable bragging, My suggestion was eagerly accepted, and the simple plan of procedure ar- ranged, Several times during the day Oakman complained of an attack of rheu- matism, and towards evening he seemed so much worse that we advised him not to go with us. Oakman showed keen disappointment, but reluctantly consented to stay behind. As we three were about to start, Olcott said in an undertone, ‘* Poor Ford looks so bad I believe I'll keep him company.’’ ~ Do so,’’ I replied, ‘‘ Matt and I can manage Tucker.’ | Not quite an hour later Felix Tucker was striding along the old Black- foot Trail on his return to the Grizzly Bear. ~ Hands up!’’ suddenly sounded from the depths of the woods on his right. He stopped instantly and his hands were promptly elevated. Gentlemen,’’ he said in a faltering voice, as he saw two dim figures ap- proaching, ‘‘ take all I have, but please don’t kill me!’ Eomichook =|