The Argosy, Vol. 76, No. 3 — page 68: what you’re looking at

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

538 created a sensation. ‘“ Bremerton’s horse has come back, and—”’ “Never you mind,” cut in O’Hara in his softest tones; “ it’s my“business, and not yours, and I’ll be seeing to it. Go to the bunk-house and get Collins’s Winchester. Fetch it to the corral after makin’ sure there are loads in it.”’ 66 Why—” “Don’t shilly-shally. This is no time for whys. On the jump now.” O’Hara thrust his head through the opening that led to the ore-loft and shouted for Giles. The battery man came bounding up the steps. “Giles, I’m called away,” said O’Hara, “ and until I come back you'll be doin’ the amalgamating along with the rest of it.” “ Sure.” “There’s a cracked shoe in No. I battery. Keep your eye on it.” “T will.” O’Hara’s_ struck another match, trailed it over his pipe-bowl, and jumped from the ore platform. ‘The pipe was going under forced draft as he hurried in the direction of the corral. Bremerton’s horse, still restive, stood with the looped reins thrown over a corral-post. The saddle swung underneath, the stirrups resting on the ground. “Not so bad maybe,” muttered O’Hara. ‘“ The saddle turned with him, and it’s possible he’s had no more than a spill. Whoa, Basham!.” he added, stepping to the horse and be- ginning to readjust the riding-gear. By the time King reached the corral. O’Hara had the reins off the post afi was mounted and waiting.™ ~“Tt’s loaded,” the little expert Aut- tered, handing the gun to O’ Hara. “ Good enough!” “You’re—you're not going alone to’ look for Bremerton? ”’ “Not? Watch me! Keep a still tongue between your teeth, King, and look after the work. Pll be back when I get here.” He dug in with his heels. The ex- THE ARGOSY. cited horse snorted and reared, and then was off like an arrow along the trail. King watched the long body humped over the saddle-horn until horse and rider had vanished over the rise.” The mill began to pound, and the pounding gradually merged into a long, continuous roar. The expert tossed his hands helplessly and appre- hensively, and turned back toward the office. “It’s the beginning of the end,” he muttered, “but hanged if I stay here while some one else comes to take Bremerton’s place! I’ve had enough of this, goodness knows!” _ O’Hara’s thoughts were busy. It was clear Bremerton had not gone far before the saddle turned with him— the riderless horse had been too quick in getting back to the mine. No doubt it was this side of the cafion that Bremerton had taken his fall. ‘As soon as he was over the side of -the hill O’Hara pulled the horse down -to a slower pace. His eyes focused on the trail and keenly watched it as he proceeded. The dust was fetlock deep and he knew it would show signs. He found what he was looking for near the place where the trail forked. The marks were as clear as words in an open book. First, there was a clutter of hoof- prints. Running through them was a broad streak as though a heavy bag had been dragged at the end of a rope. Then, too, the horse pricked ‘up its ears and seemed to have fears in that particular place. O’Hara’s face hard- ened “ Begorry,” he murmured, “ it’s worse than I thought. Lee was thrown and dragged straight into the swale if the marks don’t lie, and this mount I’m on is the one that snaked him along. How did he get loose? And if he got loose and is all right, why don’t I meet him? I wonder if I’m going to see something in that swale that I don’t want to see?” The horse trembled and did not COMicdoo S CO@