Argosy, Volume XXIII — Index Page, 1897 — page 31: what you’re looking at

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

A CAMPAIGN OF STRATEGY. 601 seemed so fortunate, was certain to lead them into trouble, and such unhap- pily proved to be the fact. CHAPTER VII.—THE CoLoRADO CROSSING. THE moment the full meaning of the glare to the northward broke upon Kingsford and Atwood, they spurred their ponies into a dead run, while Austin Gannet was not behind them. No time now to think of their animals. Even though they dropped dead from heat and exhaustion, they must not be spared. Not a word was spoken during that terrific ride through the hot sand which was flung in showers from the hoofs of their horses. The spurs were dug mercilessly into their sides, and the gallant creatures nobly re- sponded. 3 A little further, and the thrilling scene burst upon them. The building was wrapped in flames whose glare was reflected against the heavens and the trees and rocks among the foothills on the right. There remained the faint hope that Bozeman and the rest of the cowmen had arrived in time to be of use to the imperiled women, but the awful dread that they had not, held every lip mute. Onward thundered the tough little animals with a furious energy that re- quired no more cruel mangling of their flanks. Run, brave and intelligent brutes, for never was there greater need of haste. Austin Gannet had forged slightly ahead, for his mount was the best, and he was still going at headlong speed, when he reined up with a suddenness that threw his pony on his haunches. | Stop /”’ he commanded in such a sharp voice that the others obeyed, though neither saw the cause of the strange order. ‘“They’re coming this way,’’ he added: ‘‘ down with your critters and give ’em a volley !’’ For several minutes the flickering forms of horsemen had been visible, galloping back and forth, revealed in the illumination of the flames, and the keen vision of the leader showed him that several were riding hard to the southward—that is directly toward the three who had come to such an abrupt halt. ‘They're going for my ranch now,’’ grimly added Gannet ; ‘don’t miss, boys !”’ The well trained animals required but a few words and a slight kick against their front legs to understand what was wanted of them. Down they went on their knees, and then deftly turned on their sides, while their riders stretched themselves beside them, with Winchesters ready. ‘‘ What the blazes are you doing ?’’ angrily demanded Gannet of Atwood, who with incredible coolness was adjusting his camera and tripod. ‘‘ What a splendid picture it will make! It is finer than anything I’ve yet seen.’’ 3 And despite the disgust of his companions, he completed his preparations. The indignant cowman would probably have kicked over the apparatus, had not the owner, suspecting his purpose, remarked : sae) (E(0) COMME NOOO KS