The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1884-07-04
THE TRAINED HORSE,
A Detectives Story,


A Detectives Story.
From Clayville to Booneton. in the
United States, is about fifteen miles,
across rolling prairie, and the road
runs very near east and west Halt
way between the two towns the road is
touched by point where heavy
growth of pine trees sweep away to the
northward into a dark. dense forest. In
the spring of 1912 a man left Clayville
in the morning, bound for Booneton.
His name was registered at the inn as
Richard Bizbee, of New York, and he
was supposed to have money with
him. He left Clayville upon horseback
In fine health and spirits, but he was
never seen in Booneton. Perhaps he
had, unnoticed, gone part of the way
and then returned. At all events he
was never heard of more in that dis
trict. .--. rf.-.., .t,.
About month after that q
man from ST. Louise left Boone
willie for Clayville. He was also
on horseback, and started off well
and hearty; but he never reported
himself at the place of his destination.
Within fortnight after this second dis
appearance two more travellers were
missed. What did it mean? The road
between the two towns was direct, and
not even by-way was there to lead
any one astray; so that to wander from
the true path was impossible, During
the month of July three travellers were
missed. and the people turned out in 8
body to search. OF course attention
was turned 10 the wood, and the search
was extended for miles and miles, but
without success.
On the 4th of August young man,
who gave his name at Clayville as
Michael Dupont. of New Orleans, left
the place for Booneton. He was oh
horseback, and when he was told of the
dangers of the road he only laughed at
them. He said he had good horse
and good weapons, and he was not
afraid. But Michael Dupont never
reached Booneton.
1t was on the 10Th of August that
arrived at Clayville. and put up at the
village inn. / was on the track of two
rogues who had robbed the bank in
jackson; and had not been at the inn
ali hour before made myself sure that
the men l sought had passed that way
only three days before. And then
heard this other story of the traveller:
who had so mysteriously disappeared
from the road that lay before me.
When l had gone some five or si'
miles the next morning. l noticed tina
nv horse began to falter, and in q LITTLE
while afterward he came to a walk an,
seemed to be in great pain 1maginin!
that he would soon fall, l slipped from
the saddle and led him out upon thu
grass at the side of the road. As 1 stOot
thus, wondering what in the world
should do, saw man coming towart
me from the direction of Booneton. HI
was seated on powerful black horse
without any saddle, and his only bridl
was piece of rope passed around tn
animals nose. He was simple-iook
ing fellow, dressed in an ordinary farm
ING gar5. and behind him were wha
appeared to pe some empty bags. A
he came near to where l stood, l say
him gather his halter, as though b
meant to put his horse into run.
Hello" l cried. Stop a moment.
The fellow seemed to consider upo
it and finally turned his horses hea
toward me and soon dismounted by m
side. .aE r-.=.
1--WE heer' good deal bout tn
road" he said, cycling me from top
toe, "and l like to be keerful. Nj
with fall, Ell, stranger?"
Not exactly fall" 1 said. IN
horse seems to have given in"
The fellow walked around my 9uive
ing beast, and when he came back
put his hand upon the animals thro'
and gave sharp punch. The hor:
started back with a grunt, and direc
~ began TO heaye and SLAYER at tt
mouth.
"You don't belong to these part
stranger" he said eyelng me again.
30 '.No,'I told him.
II thought not, he added. 81 que
Your boss has been eatin' devils tail.
l asked him what that was.
'.It's kind o. poison" he answers
.'that bosses pick up hereabouts. He'll I
well enough by tomorrow or next da
at the farthest."
IF that's the case" / said, ''pe
haps you IL let me bargain for yours.
4 never owned anything yet that
wouldn't sell if man wanted it more
did, he replied. @
.3Well," said, ''and may ask VIII
price you set on your beast?"
jest seventy dollars
l had expected to hear him say
hundred. l took him at his offer in
moment.
The bargain was made; counted o
seven ten dollar pieces. put my sadd
and bride upon the new horse and tn
mounted.
, Perhaps" said the fellow, as he ga
the sick horse another punch in the q
let, IF / should meet YOU in Boonet'
Sone o these days We might like to chan
back again Pr
/ told him we'd see about that, a
then, bidding him good morning,
started off.
i had certainly got a splendid hor.
He stepped as lightly and gracefully
a dancing master. and bore me as cas-
as though ] had.been in a carriage.
q little while l touched him with I
whip and he pranced gayly. 1 patti
him on the neck and told him that
aiked him. We were now just at