The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1882-01-28

and was waving his broad hat IN recognition {;
while the women were now so close that he could
see one of them was smiling, yet looking some
what confused; close enough to recognize her
dark, resolute eye, and the clear though bronzed
cheek-close enough to see and know her to be
Annie Tate!
His first feeling was one of embarrassment,
instantly succeeded by conviction that the visit
heralded some serious revelation; and in this he
was not entirely mistaken. AS the wagon drew
up to where the explorers were gathered the
utmost surprise was exhibited by the party at
seeing first Jose then Annie leap from the vehicle
and shake hands with Gerald, as with an old
friend All looked at him for an explanation of
which, truth to say, he was as much in need as
any of them Pulling himself together, Gerald
introduced Annie and Jose to his comrades and
then the former, like the fearless huntress she
looked and really was, in her turn unfalteringly
introduced her companions, who were, she said
Mr. Jonathan SAMMY and lady from Blue Creek
Yes; Mr. SAMMY had concluded to leave his loca-
tion and hearing of their party as being on the
prospect in Socorro County, had also concluded
to Join them. That is So"
Mr.. SAMMY at this left the wagon, as did his
better-half, and each of them shook hands all
round With every desire to be friendly with
those who were friends of Gerald Elkley-who
was certainly looked upon as in some respects the
leader of the expedition to i've them well
come it was nevertheless impossible not to feel
that they were intruders, poachers in a sense,
| and that their arrival was anything but welcome.
They might have tolerated Annie, who was young
and handsome; but Mr.. Jonathan SAMMY was a
buckskin-clad, tobacco-chewing drover in appear
ance; while his lady, Mrs. SAMMY, was hard
featured. -followerish sort of woman, in no
degree attractive.
"I am afraid we have not arranged for water
supply sufficient to include any strangers, Mr..
Elkley," said one of the party, deeming this the
most polite way of introducing an objection to
their presence; "you know we are on short allow
ance as it is"
"That don't signify an item, Cunnel said Mr..
SAMMY. 1--WE have full cask in the wagon;
and reckon we know how to provide ourselves
in the Wilderness as well as any people in these
diggin's."
'Mr. Elkley, and you gentlemen" interposed
Annie, Il have travelled under the escort of Mr.
SAMMY and his lady, on purpose to join you. l
don't estimate you will find any gold or silver;
but we may be of some help for all that, We
Mr.. Elkley." she said with an abrupt change Of
tone, you have known me- and 1 hope you can
trust me. Believe me when I say that the trea-
ures have not brought here; and that my
friends from Blue Creek are honest and true
friends, who have come at my desire"
There W sometime ne girls earneStness
which carr el ear.ierioa to her listeners. They
were all ung ne and easly impressed by
such girl, 60 that 49, p ious spokesman de-
clared that they were welcome, and should be so,
as long as they chose to stay.
The reply to this was practical, but prosaic
"Then" returned the girl, "we had better see
after our fixings for the night
An immediate offer Of help was made; and
supper being announced, an invitation to join in
the meal was given and accepted; Annie being
at once recognized as a kind of prairie belle, and
every one being anxious to help, or at anyrate to
converse with her.
Jose, who smiled his approval at the turn
events had taken, followed in silence until he
found himself by the side of Gerald. 'Let me
tell you something Senor Elkley," said he in a
hurried whisper. II suppose senorita Annie
not like to tell everybody. Come behind this
wagon"
OCidlo ooSy anu Stcppci W d Spub WHERE
the Mexican and he were hidden from the re- |
mainder of the party.
"Now you sabe very well, continued Jose in |
the same hurried whisper ("you sabe" being |
commonly used in the Territory for "you know |
Senorita Annie no good friend with Senor Sy |
Tate He hate her, and much 'fraid of her
She hate him, but not 'fraid of him one bit l
think he let Inj uns kill her mother and rob the
ranch. He save Annie because she his sons
papoose Old Pablo tell her all about it when
he get drunk; and so she hate Sy Tate. Eaa
bastante, that quite enough. After you gone,
two three doggarned desperadoes come in, so
did them loafng Iniuns; and all have secret
talk with Sy Tate. Not in the shanty; not in
doors-nO! He been white Injun, and too cum
ming for that; but Annie guess, and me guess
too, there mucho mischief going on I bet my
sweet life If you not have gone early that
day, and me not have driven so fast, you never
get out of the canon at all. Some of these seal
lywags up at creek before l get back from Three
Waters. SenOrita Annie tell me all about them,
and see lot more come in day or two. Well,
Senor, know one desperate very well-Squint-
ing Bill, of Deadmans Ranch, where the muir
ders was-and make him drunk. You never
see one man drink so much whisky before him
drunk, as Dick and then he not say much
and so cute, not dare to ask him much but
he tell me something. But SenOrita Annie!-