New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1881-03-30

uA8uy p11AcO ~ Vic OWuoI. 10 Wu8I
might his.extreme rage incite his COM
panioIs aA:akinst me, . stranger and
friendless?
As well be hung for sheep as a lamb,
was thought that for moment fitted
through my brain. Should I not seize
the pony and fly to another placer Fa-
tigued as I was, and come what would,
I must retrace my steps and try to find
the gun. The prairie grass, trampled
by my pony's feet, indicated to me the
course I had taken. I turned him back
upon that path. Again and again was
I obliged to dismount and drag my sore
and wearied limbs over the ground,
which I carefully scrutinized, to be sure
I could make no mistake. All the while
I was tormented 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 slept. How could know? I was
but q drowning man snatching at straw
as stumbled onward. It seemed ages
as searched. What time was passing2
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 I
receive the $40 I 80 longed for.
With fevered brain and straining,
bloodshot eyes 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.
I remained motionless. Would I go
mad? Ny power for collected thought
seemed vanishing. Again the moon
came out clear and bright. and there,
close to my feet, shone something
metallic. It was the rifle. I had
found it.!
Unjust place it before me as rode
this time. With fragments Of the
broken Irvine dangling from the saddle,
fastened the breech to my left wrist,
and, remounting my horse, allowed the
gun to rest on my legs as I advanced
The jounce, jounce Of the weapon added
to my discomfort but, at least, it was
secure, and I was kept awake. But now
where was I? I recognized no land
mark. The aspect generally was strange
o. me; I seemed to have neared the
limit Of the prairie line of hills lay
against the horizon, and, beyond, the
day was breaking. With victory ready
to my grasp, was I lost? Suddenly I
deserted in the distance what seemed q
human habitation. I Travelled toward it,
and was rejoiced to have Improve ranch.
I reached it, and hallooed. When I was
within few PAGES Of the house, a win
dow In the second story suddenly opened,
and ride-barrel was protruded and
aimed directly at me. was thunder
struck at this proceeding. Had I come
to the lair Of desperado?- But instant
" I bethought me Of the suspicious ap-
pearance I presented, with my gun
across my knees, as if I were ready for
action.
II have gone astrayl" I shouted.
"Where is Denver?"
There was silence the rifle was
pointed at me-and then I heard low
laugh. It was echoed by the silvery
tones Of pleasanter laugh-a woman's
laugh. felt safe.
"Denver is two miles further east, "
was now answered me, in q rather juven-
lie voice.
So I was not lost. / would triumph
in my mission. Twas within easy reach
Of my destination. With that thought
my overtasked energies asserted their
weakness. I longed for a momentary
rest, at least. Could I obtain it here j?
I fingered, despite the gun which men
aoed me. If they wanted to shoot they
would have shot, reasoned. By the
Light, now strengthening, they must see
that I was not ruffan. I was right !;
the gun was soon withdrawn, and then
reappeared at the door Of the house, in
the hand Of lad 10 years old, who
laughingly approached me, and said:
Excuse me, stranger, but you are
rather an early visitor. Isee you're .
gentleman. Fathers away, and the
women folks are easy scared. Thought
it best to be on the safe side"
It'd like little refreshment," was
ell I said in response.
I was really in a fainting condition, as
pale as death. The lad Instantly took
pity on my plight, helped me to alight,
and led me to seat in the portioo Of the
house, to pillar Of which he tied my
horse. He entered, and returned with
glass Of wine, which gave me life. at
once, and I told him Of the loss Of my
rifle. I was in the midst Of the nara
ton when beautiful face appeared,
timidly, at the door, and hand out
stretched to the lad . sandwich, which
he gave to me. ate and told my story
Is the reader has it, gaining another
listener in the person Of q charming girl
Of 16.
Il was now 6 o'clock: I had txo
hours in which to travel two miles, but
] thought / had best Get about il. The
mustang was . tired e myself. He