d
speed for the few trees that grew in the bend of the river. Even as
Constable Williams was taking aim, the man covered fell to a bullet
from the stable. The other, apparently beyond the angle of the
Indian's range, seemed certain to escape. The Policeman rested his
rifle on the window sill. But Murphy gave a joyous whoop and started
for the door.

"Glory be, I see some one to foight at last!"

Williams was forced to drop his rifle and catch the excited Irishman in
his arms. And the bohunk disappeared into the dimness of the morning.

The Indian, having freed the stable of lurkers, returned to the
kitchen. But not for long. A burst of rifle fire in a new direction
sent him hastily out again beside the trestle. The men who had retired
from the stable before his rifle had discovered a way to the river
bottom in the rear and were now from below potting at the recumbent
contractor through the sleepers.

Daylight had come suddenly, as it does in the West. The glare of the
sun was rising above the trees, and over the snap of the rifles rang
the songs of birds. The shack stood fully exposed in the open, while
the attackers slunk in the protection of the trees.

As the Indian ran for his old place beside the grade at the end of the
trestle bullets whistled about him. Peering over the edge, he saw a
bohunk kneeling below, taking careful aim through the sleepers at the
outstretched form of the contractor. A bullet from the Indian's rifle
caught him full in the neck, and his companions hauled his limp body
back under the bank. Thereafter they fired with greater circumspection
and poorer aim.

Mahon set his mind seriously now to the problem that faced them. To
lie there seemed fruitless; to attack supreme folly. Yet, in the way
of the Police, he did not lose hope. Had there been no helpless girl
to consider! And that, combined with a growing hunger, brought his
mind round again to Helen. Strange how far away she seemed, how much a
part of another life! And yet she was only three miles distant. She
would be worrying, wondering. If the bohunks should decide to explore
the village now! He fought his fears with a memory of Helen's
competence to protect herself. She could outshoot any bohunk.

A volley of curses from Torrance directed Mahon's eyes to the trestle.
The bohunks had attacked at last! The contractor was struggling madly
with two of them! Mahon searched anxiously for the Indian, but he was
f