Part 36 (1/2)

”So far as I know the Indians are not on the warpath, Gilroy I ”

”You know they are on the warpath Didn't you have a mix-up with thely and willing toin with us on this deal,” went on Gilroy, his face darkening ”And you have got to surrender or take the consequences”

”What will the consequences be?”

”If you won't surrender we'll attack the fort immediately We know just hoeak you are, and let me tell you that we have a dozen or more dynah if ish”

”What good will it do you to capture the fort?”

”We know all about the money that is stored here, and ant every dollar of it”

”And if we surrender?”

”If you surrender you will be allowed toall of your sick with you, or leaving them here, in care of a doctor, if you prefer If you knohere your head is level you will surrender,” went on the desperado earnestly

”But if I am compelled to surrender, don't you know that our army will be after you, Gilroy?”

”Never mind, we'll take care of that part of it,” was the ansith a sickly grin ”Then you agree to surrender?”

”I can't do it until I have spoken with one of the leading Indian chiefs”

At this the desperado's face fell

”Will White Ox do?” he asked, after an aard pause

”Yes”

”All right; I'll bring hi in about half an hour”

This ended the interview, and turning his horse Matt Gilroy rode off and Captain Moore walked back to the fort

”A little ti officer's comment

It was fully an hour before Gilroy reappeared, accompanied by White Ox and an under-chief known as Little Wildcat

”Want to talk,” grunted White Ox, co up the hatchet, White Ox?” demanded the captain ”If not, let us sether”

”The pipe of peace is broken,” answered the old Indian ”The white man is not the red man's friend He ht for what is his own”