Sunset Ranch: A Story of a Boy's Adventures in the West — page 266: what you’re looking at

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

254 Sunset Ranch. “Then go it at your best pace, for, when I’ve counted ten, I’m going to shoot, and, if you're within range, down you go. One!” “See hyar, young feller “But I give ye my word Loree!” Then the giant lurched forward and began to cover ground as though he were a prize sprinter in a college athletic contest. When Karl said “ten” he sent a bullet after the roaring vidette, just as he promised. Doubtless, it sung close to his ears, for he bellowed louder than ever. Since the thing was done, and the camp must presently learn the truth, Karl knew there was no longer any virtue in trying to steal along. Haste was of prime importance now. So he urged Polly’s pony on, keeping a close lookout for the dead tree that marked the entrance to the little valley. Perhaps he had been wiser had he made a pris- oner of the vidette, and left the fellow bound and gagged upon the spot; but a lack of cord and the time to accomplish such a task had deterred him. Besides, the giant was hardly the man with whom — a stripling like Karl cared to dally any length of time. By a quick movement, he might knock the gun from the cowboy’s hand, and then it would be all up with the youngster. _ surely, the place where the horses had been left must be somewhere near. Karl’s heart began to grow cold with serious ap- prehension. After all he had done, could it be pos- sible he would slip up now? Soon the enraged bush rangers would be scour- ing the vicinity in search of him, posted by the giant vidette’s report. ConniclooOolkks.€©