A lariat was thrown over a low limb of each of the trees. Then, with
slightly trembling hands the gambler adjusted a over the neck of each
bound boy.
CHAPTER XXII
TOM AND HARRY VANISH
"How d'ye like that, Rafe?" queried Jeff Moore, as Jim Duff stepped back
and viewed the young engineers with a diabolical smile before giving the
fatal signal.
"I don't like it," muttered Bodson.
"No more do I."
"Shall we stop it?"
"Yes. I'm sick of Jim Duff. This night has turned me against the
smooth-tongued coward."
"Get busy, then, Rafe!"
"Shall we stand the crowd off and set the boys free?"
"Pump both of your shooting-irons loose into the air--I'll do the rest,"
replied Moore.
Cr-r-r-rack! Pointing his weapons skyward, Bodson had quickly obeyed
Moore's command.
"Now, what--" began one of the raiders, wheeling instantly.
"Rafe's going to give 'em a proper send off," grinned one of Duff's men.
"No!" shouted the other. "That's a bluff. He and Jeff are trying to
queer the whole game.
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