Page:Hendryx--Connie Morgan with the Mounted.djvu/275

Rh been reluctant to comply with the order leaped to recover his rifle, and as he did so Connie's carbine cracked loud and sharp and the rifle with its stock shattered went spinning into the snow. The man started backward with a cry and after one frightened look towards the cabin hastily joined his companions. Thirty yards away they paused. "Keep going!" yelled the boy. "Keep going 'til you hear a shot." And the four turned dejectedly.

"W'ere's the grub?" one of them called.

"You can come back for that after I've got your rifles in the cabin."

On and on the men tramped pausing every now and then to listen. But not until they were half-way to the edge of the bowl did Connie fire. Jumping down from his bench he threw open the door and carried the weapons to the cabin. He presently emerged with a light kettle and some dried fish which he carried to the spot where the men had left the rifles. Motioning them in, he once more barred the door and ten minutes later was greeted by an angry howl.

"Hey, this here's dog feed!" "I know," answered Connie from his loophole.