St. Landry democrat. (Opelousas, La.) 1878-1894, 1884-07-26
THE TRAINED HORSE.
A Detectives story.


United States, is about fifteen miles,
across a rolling prairie. and the road
runs very near east and west. Half
way between the two towns tue road is
touched by q point where a heavy
growth of pine trees sweep away to the
northward into d dark, dense forest. In
the spring of 1912 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
aud then returned. At all events ne
was never heard of more in that dis
trict.
About a month after that q
man from st. Louise left Boone
vile for ClayVille. He was also
on horseback, and started off well
and hearty; but he never reported
himself at the p'ace 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 a 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
body to search. Of course attention
was turned to the wood and the search
was extended for miles and miles, but
without success.
IS On the 4th of August a young man,
who gave his name at ClaYvllie as
Michael Dupont, of New Orleans, left
the place for Booneton. He was on
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 I
arrived at Clayyille, and put up at the
village inn. / was on the track of two
Eogues who had robbed the bank in
jackson; and had not been at the inn
an hour before I made myself sure that
the men / sought had passed that way
only three days before. And then l
heard this other story of the travellers
who had so n1ysteriously disappeared
from the road that lay before me.
When 1 had gone some five or six
miles the next morning, noticed that
my horse began to falter, and in a little
while afterward he came to a walk and
seemed to be in greatpa!n. Imagining
that he would soon fall. slipped from
the saddle and led him out upon the
grass at the side of the road. AS stood
thus, wondering what in the world
should dc, saw a man coming toward
me from the direction of Booneton. He
was seated on a powerful black horse,
without any saddle, and his only bride
was piece Of rope passed around the
animals nose He was simple-look-
ing fellow, dressed in an ordinary farm
ing garb. and behind him were what
appeared to be some empty bags. As
he came near to where stood, / saw
him gather his halter, as though, he
meant to put his horse into run.
Hello" / cried. Stop amoment. +"
The fellow seemed to consider upon
iE and finally turned his horses head
toward me and soon dismounted by my
side.
s.pve heer' good deal bout this
road, y he said, cycling me from top to
foe. ''and / like to be keerful. Met
with fall. eh, stranger?''
s.Not exactly fall" I said. '.My
horse seems to have given in.
The fellow walked around my culver.
ING beast, and when he came back he
nut his hand upon the animals throat
and gave sharp punch. The horse
started back with a grunt, and direct
AZ began TO heaye and SLAYER at the
mouth.
1.You don't belong to these parcs,
stranger" he said eyelng me again.
mo. II told him.
Il thought not, he added. Il guess
Tour boss has been eatin' devils tail"
asked him what that was. !.
SKA kiRd o. poison he answered
1