The Valley of Gold

eets, alarming the village with their wild whoops. At twelve they scrambled into their grain wagon and tore

em ride into the barnyard. In the light of the moon the two men could see the

rses," said Easy. "He niver goes

then," whispered Ned. "We are in lu

ay, they arrived at

Clure's caboose. They carried planks, ropes, hammers and spikes, while Easy Murphy brought up the rear with his huge span of grays. The team was shrouded in great dark blanke

relsome men. A confusing dialogue of altercations was in progress. After a time the men settled into their bunks, where

ith a bow roof. At the tongue end was a door. In the other end near the roof was a tiny window, too small for the exit of a man's body. Andy and his men stole around to the rear of the caboose. Striking one end of the plank solidly into the ground, they placed the other against the middle of the door. Two men held

's heavy voice, disclosing in the angry vehemence of his curses a swift conclusion as to the identity of the assailants. Outside in the moonlight frolicked

whispered to Jean Benoit. "'Tis the hap

n and pulled out of the barnyard. Long before Smithers and his men could wake and realize what had happened

and stones to the fierce accompaniment of the pandemonium from within. Once a head unwisely pro

Ned. "We'll run them up on Bald Hill, wh

Cut was reached Easy

loud whisper to Ned, "or shall we bounce st

cky road," was Ne

a muffled whoopee as he swung the grays

urning up its human contents. The little bunkhouse became hideously vocal as execrations came forth, vengeful chorus from its tormented interior. Easy's eyes seemed to have unca

at length accomplished, winding u

y to look into from here," said Andy with a gr

Easy. "Rob wull be chargin' a nicke

darting mischief. "We are not going to leave

not going to leave them here, why u

den inspiration. He had tumbled to Ned's dark design. "Ye wull be afthur

boss!" cried Andy softly

g eggspress! Ha!" Jean forthwith "went up" v

ly hundreds of feet to the sandy shingle of the beach over a quarter of a mile away. Through a wide gap in the shore bluffs could be se

nhitched, the tongue of the caboose was roped high and locked firmly so that it c

u lads had better pull a watch on this thi

above the noise emanating from t

s Ned's low order. "Now, all

ng in its course like a drunken man, but heading straight for the water. In fearfully accelerated speed it shot over the short sand beach and crashed in the gleaming waves. Carried along by its great momentum it

the deed watched its flight in breathless interest. As it

e bed of the lake. Looking up the moonlit hill he could plainly see the group of men crowning its height and caught the cheer that swept down. No word, however, escaped him. Thoroughly sobered, the full signif

d Jean Benoit, shaking with laughter

r came the answer. I

s nothing else f

shes followed and then could be seen a stragglin

em have it,

een pairs of powerful lungs t

e have licked the whole gang without anybody gettin

ald Hill was bar