The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1883-09-08
THE Log WAY.

In the winter Of 1880, Ralph Sheppard
was foreman of logging gang in North
ern Michigan, and. as Luck would
have it, his own townsman and worst
enemy, Deane Page, was foreman of
similar gang in similar lumber camp
three miles away.
Both men worked for The same com.
pany, and on pay days-once month
were forced to meet when they went to
the general Office at Sank Rapids, to
draw the rations and money for their en-
ployes. At these meetings each man
was distinctly courteous, as distinctly
cool, and most plainly antagonistic.
Naturally enough there was-or per-
haps had been-a woman in the case. In
a word, Ralph had wooed and won the
belle of Rivertewn. where they both
lived, thereby defeating his rival ,Deane,
and mourning his bitter enmity.
This animosity, far from being singu
lar, might, and doubtless would, have
died d natural death in the course of
time, had not Page, with fnesse of
hatred, at several times made unpleasant
remarks with regard to Mrs. Sheppard,
the result of which was at first angry
words, and later angry blows, between
the men.
Three times already the two had
fought, and at the time of our story it
was whispered among the lumbermen
that duel, pure and simple, with axes.
or knives, or rifles, would doubtless re-
suit before the winter was over if the
contestants met too often; and because
of this, it must have been ill-luck alone
that cast the lot of the married man,
with wife AID child to support, SO near
that of his deadly enemy for the eight
long months that go to make Michigan
winter.
Notwithstanding this unpleasant, and
even dangerous state of affairs, however,
neither foreman would leave his work.
but each adopted system of watchfuI-
ness rendered necessary by the threats of
the other. and both went armed.
It is but fair to say that no murder
was in the heart of Sheppard. Indeed,
knowing how great prize the other had
lost in the true, sweet wife he had won,
but it was his duty to care for himself,
and SO, with determination not to be
caught mapping, and to strike first, if
striking was to be done. he performed
his daily duties.
AS the winter grew, he became aware
that his life was constantly in danger.
Twice he had been fired at in the woods,
once bear trap was set in the very path
he must travel, and once he received q
heavy blow in dark thicket, that all
but Drained him.
One day In the timber, Zack Brown an
old chopper, called Sheppard one side.
yell do we'll to keep about with the
men, boss. said he, quietly. "I've had
my eye ont for some time back, aud
there's that in the air abroad that's bad
for ye."
Ralph smiled.
''Zack, thank you for the hint" he
returned; "but am not as good as the
next man?"
Eyes, and better, if the next mans the
foreman at Camp Number Two. But
the panther may kill the bear if he hides
long enough, and jumps right. A shot
in the daytime is worth two in the
night"
II see, " responded the foreman. "And
you honestly believe that there is danger
for me?"
"I know it." concluded the old man.
''I can not tell you why. but wink's as
good as nod"
Feeling that his employe had strong
cause for the warning, Sheppard was
eguided by it, and for several days re-
manned near the choppers, and out OF
the heavy timber. During this time
nothing new occurred,