CHAPTER XXIII.
A QUEER MISTAKE.
The aim of the would-be assassin was not good. His bullet flew wide of the mark.
Why?
The deep growl of a dog was the disturbing cause.
As Hank Jones pulled the trigger, a shaggy object bounded through the bushes full at the throat of the villainous murderer.
August recognized the peddler's dog. Man and dog rolled down the bank to the water's edge. In the struggle the disguised outlaw's beard was torn off, and Andrew Barkswell stood revealed.
"Curse you, I'll knife you for this!" grated the baffled villain.
The next instant a keen blade gleamed in the air, just as a voice called:
"Tige, come off."