Part 69 (1/2)

”Oi wouldn't moind so much,” said the Irish lad, ruefully, ”av we could kick th' booket foighting fer our loives; but it is a bit harrud ter go under widout a chance to lift a hand”

”That's right,” cried Frank, as he strained fiercely at the cords which held his hands behind his back ”It is the death of a criminal, and I object to it”

The leader of the Black Caps rode close to the boys, leaned forward in his saddle, and hissed in Frank's ear:

”It's my turn now!”

”And you mean to murder us?” demanded Frank, passionately

”Not oin' ter put two revenues out o' ther way, that's all!”

”It'stone ”You knoe are not revenue spies! Men, we appeal to you We can prove that we are e claih theus a chance to prove our innocence?”

The leader laughed harshly

”It's ther same ol' whine,” he said ”Ther revenues alwus cry baby when they're caught You-uns can't fool us, an' we ain't got time ter waste with ye Git reddy, boys!”

About the boys' necks the fatal ropes were quickly adjusted

”Stop!” Frank commanded ”If you murder us, you will find you have not killed two friendless boys We have friends--powerful friends--ill follow this ate it You will be hunted down and punished for the criain the leader laughed

”Pore fool!” he sneered ”Do you-uns think ye're stronger an' more po'erful than ther United States Gover'ment? Huah! Ther United States loses her spies, an' she can't tell who disposed o' 'em We won't be worried by all yore friends”

Heover a lih to bear both lads

Hope was dying within Frank Merriwell's breast At last he had reached the end of his adventurous life, which had been short and turbulent Hetheainst the moonlit sky, and the only friend to be with him at the end was the faithful friend who ish in his veins The spring night had see of insects; but now there was a bitter chill in the air, and the white e, as of blood

The boy's nature rebelled against the thought of -ti-time of life He had enjoyed the beautiful world, and felt strong and brave to face anything that ht co to cause the stoutest heart to shake

Over the eastern ibbous her The heavens were full of stars, and every star see to witness the consuedy down there in that little valley, through which Lost Creek flowed on to its unknown destination

How still it was!

The silence was broken by a sound that made every black-hooded man start and listen

Sweet and ht, cale

Ta-ra-ta-ra-ta-ra-tar! Ta-ra-ta-ra-ta-ra-tar!

A fierce exclamation broke frorated: