Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1880-12-25


felt even ecstatic as we logged on.
Ward at the easy trot into which nv
pony had fallen after his first burst OF
speed. The atmosphere was delight.
full; gentle breeze famed my cheek
| experienced a sense O.. freedom, of in
dependence, of lordliness, as l look ed
about me over the vast plain.
My pony showed no sign Of weari-
ness when we must have advanced
full twenty miles, maintaining an easy
pace.
1t was not until lights cleaned in
the distance that re dropped into a
walk, and as we drew near them he
again voluntarily broke into a gallop.
We reached our destination about
eleven o'clock, having travelled thirty
five rather than thirty miles, in five
/ hours.
soon found my employers partner,
! although he had to be vigorously shak-
Ell before he could be awakened-I
fancy whiskey had something to do
with his profound slumbers stated
my business, and presented a written
missive.
| obtained the rifle, a breech-loader
| Of magnificent construction, valued at
5000. | secured as well, some refresh
mcnts for myself and horse and after
an hours delay started on my return
trip.
My mustang appeared to think he
had done his duty for the night, and
found it difficult to urge him from the
camp.
At the expiration of my two miles
indeed, when my hand relaxed it's pull
on the rein-his head would slowly
turn to the camp, and but for watch
fulness on my part | would have found
myself there again.
was now in quite drowsy condi-
ton, and would easily have fallen fast
asleep on my pony's back
By-and-by, as became convinced
that the animal would proceed as l
wished I yielded to feeling Of ex-
treme ]assitude and slept.
How long l slept I could not tell. |
awOlle with start, and at once placed
llyAs. lnly hand IA behind mlff mlff to assure myself
to my saddle.
I felt nothing l looked; it was
gone.
The thrill of horror that at once ran
through me again gave me energy.
pulled the pony stock still and
meditated.
Thoughts of lynch law flashed
through my. mind. Had l indeed lost
the gun? 1t would be said that / had
stolen it-sold it. | would be certain
" arrested if | returned without it,
and held until news would be received
from the camp. 1t would be known
that the gun had been given me.
Apart from its pecuniary value it was
highly priced by the owner. TO what
might his extreme rage incite his
companions against me, stranger ana
! friendless.
AS well be hung for sheep as a
lamb was thought that for moment
;. fitted through my brain. Should l
not seize the pony and flee to another
place.
Fatigued as | was, and come what
would | must retrace my steps anC
try and find the gun.
The prairie grass trampled by my
pony's feet indicated the course l hat
taken. l turned him back upon tina
path.
Again and again | was obliged t
: di~mount and drag my sore and wear,
limbs over the ground, which car.
fully scrutinized, TO be sure | coul
make no mistake.
{ All the while | was tormented b
: the thought that my agonized pains
7 taking might be entirely useless; tn;
. the gun might have been stolen frol
; behind me by some wanderer as
{ slept.
How could | know | was but
drowning man snatching at straw ;
: stumbled onward.
. 1t seemed ages As Searched. VIII
/ time was passing Even II four
the rifle could reach the owner WI
le it at the promised houro Only by 81
: ing it to him at the hour OF entry /
lie the match, could it prove as desired
~ him, or | receive the ten dollars l
lie longed for.
lie With feverish brain and strainir
d. bloodshot eyes, l continued the scare
~ impatient and patient at once.
III Clouds were gathering in the ST
into one Of them the moon now pass'
of and the light SO necessary TO me
ut obscured.
by remained motionless. Would
made Ny power for collected thous
ass seems vanishing.
di- Again the moon came out clear q
hit bright, and there, close to my Il
IA made shine something metallic.