The Northern Pacific farmer. [volume] (Wadena, Minn.) 1878-1885, 1880-11-18

1Ounu nlNScN tAcIC stSttkl. "iIo HOW
in quite drowsy condition, and would
easily have fallen asleep on my pony's
back. By-and-by, us | became con-
vinced that the animal would
proceed as I wished, [ yielded to a
feeling of extreme lassitude and
slept.
How long l slept 1 could not tell. l
awoke with II start, and at once placed
my hand behind me to assure myself
that the rifle was still securely fastened
to my saddle I felt nothing! I looked
it was gone. The thrill of horror
that ut once ran through me again
gave me energy. l pulled the pony
stock still and meditated. Thoughts Of
lynch law flashed my mind. Had in
deed lost the gun? It would be said
that had stolen it-sold it. 1 would
certainly be arrested if [ returned with
out it, and he'd until news would be
known that the gun had been given
me. Apart from its pecuniary value,
it was hi ghly priced by the owner. To
what might his e-treme rage incite
his companions against me; a stranger
and friend]ess?
As we'll be hung for a sheep as a
lamb was Il thought that for a moment
fitted through my brain. Should I not
seize the pony and fly to another place?
Fatigued as I was, and come what
would, | must retrace my steps and
try to find the gun. The prairie grass,
trampled by my pony's feet, indicated
to me the course had taken. I turn
ed him back upon that path. Again
and again was I obliged to dismount
and drag my sore and wearied limbs
over the ground, which L carefully
scrutinize1, to be sure could make no
mistake. All the while Twas torment
ed by the thought that my .agonized
painstaking might be entirely useless,
that the gun might have been stolen
from behind me by some wanderer as I
slept. How could I know? I was but
q drowning man snatching at a straw
as stumbled onward. Itseemed ages
as [ searched. What time WAS passing?
Even if I found the owner with it at
the promised hour? Only by giving
it to him at that hour of entry for
the match could it prove as desired by
him: Or receive the $40 I SO longed
for.
With fevered brain and straining,
bloodshot eyes I continued the search,
impatient and patient at once Clouds
were gathering in the sky; into one Of
them the moon now passed, and the
light SO necessary to me was obscured.
[ remained motionless. Would I go
mad? My power for collected thought
seemed vanishing. Again the moon
came out clear and bright, and there,
close to my feet, shone something
metallic. TWAS the rifle. I had found
it!
I must place it before me as I rode
this time. With fragments of the
broken Irvine dangling from the saddle,
l fastened the breech to my left wrist,
and, remounting my horse, allowed
the gun to rest on my legs as l advanc-
ed. The jounce, jounce of the weapon
added to my discomfort; but, at least,
it was secure, and was kept awake.
But now where was I? recognized no
landmark. The aspect generally was
strange to me; [ seemed to have
neared the limit of the prairie; a line
of hills lay against the horizon, and,
beyond, the day was breaking.
With victory ready to my grasp,
was 7 lost? Suddenly / de-
serted in the distance what seemed a
human habitation. travelled toward
it, and was rejoiced to have it prove a
ranch. 1 reached it, and hallooed.
When / was within a few PAGES of
the house, a window in the second
story suddenly opened, and q rifle
barrel was protruded and aimed direct
ly at me. [ was thunderstruck at this
proceeding Had I come to the lair
of a desperate? But instatly I bethought
me Of the suspicious appearance l
presented, with my gun across my
knees, as if I were ready for action.
II have gone astray" I shouted.
Where is Denver"
There was silence-still the rifle was
pointed at mo-and then / heard a low
laugh. 1t was echoed by the silvery
tones of a pleasanter laugh-a woman's
laugh. I felt safe.
''Denver is two miles further east"
was now answered me, in Il rather juven-
lie voice.
So was not lost. I would triumph
in my mission. [ was within easy
reach of my destination With that
thought my overtasked energies assert
ed their weakness. I longed for mo-
mentary rest, at least. Could I obtain
it here? I fingered, despite the gun
which menaced me. If they wanted to
shoot they would have shot, reason
ed. BY the light, nov strengthening,
they must see that was not a ruffian.
! was right; the gun was soon with
drawn, and then reappeared at the
door of the house, in the hand of lad
Is years old, who laughingly approach
ed me, and said:
"Excuse me, stranger, but you are
rather All early visitor. see you're a