JESSE JAMES' DESPERATE LEAP.
Not a man moved.
Every rifle was turned on the prostrate man.
The captain peered suspiciously at the form of the great desperado for a moment, then nodded his satisfaction.
"Cease firing!" he commanded.
Placing a whistle to his lips the officer blew a short, shrill blast. Two troopers in response, came dashing up on their ponies, saluted and sat at attention awaiting their leader's commands.
"Boys, we have got him at last," he said, addressing the two troopers. "That's Jesse James over there on his back. Sorry we had to kill him. But it's my opinion he's safer that way. I knew we should get him in time. Outlaws may fool posses indefinitely, but when it comes to beating the United States Cavalry, that's different. Young man," he continued, "let this be an object lesson to you in persistance. Four times within the past twenty-four hours I am free to confess we have been outwitted by the world's greatest desperado, but each time we came back stronger than ever and as full of fight. You see the result. We have done our full duty."
"Yes, but what shall we do with the body, bury it or roll it into the gully somewhere hereabouts?" asked the Lieutenant, stepping over toward the body of the outlaw, then turning back.