The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1885-07-09

But might they not be after Early
Joep The idea seemed ridiculous, for
Walnut Bar lay a good hundred and
fifty miles to the north, according to
the most definite statement that Joe
had given of his wanderings. Never
theless Jim lay quiet on the gerry slim
chance that they might go by, following
the trail they had found on the other
side of the valley. The retreat under
the rock was fairly well concealed and
could not well be seen until the party
was directly opposite to it.
Suddenly the leader stopped short
and held up his hand. They were not
so far away now and higgins heard a
feminine voice.
what is it, Shade?"
There's SEINE one hyer, a perspecter
most likely. There's only Their one
track; but there may be a gang ov 'em,
an eff they've struck anything they
won't take it kindly ter see us. 1t looks
ez though they he'd a mighty good
chance for a big thing"
As the man spoke he looked around
with keen eye, aud his gaze lit upon the
little trail the two men could not help
leaving as they went in and out.
higgins was watching through a chink
and saw hat discovery was certain.
Without waiting he stepped out. his
hand appraised in token of amity. though
he had loosened his heavy revolver and
was ready to draw at a moments
notice.
Hello, party, whar yer goin?" was
his salutation. !'Hain't got much ter
offer. but can't yer turn in an stop
awhile. 1t does me good ter see a face
agin'. I've been ALFRED lonesome, an
theirs room enough for all"
The leader had dropped his carbine
into the hollow of his arm, and now he
advanced with quick steps, followed at
a little distance by the rest.
s.Who are you?' he asked sharply.
higgins are my name. an I'm layin'
off hyer till the snow goes. Then I'm
goin' ter see how she pans out. What's
your leetle gamep You amt huntin'
ter strike pay gravel: What's yer name
an where yer fromP"
ssMy name is Shade Miller, and l am
from Walnut Bar. Yonder woman is
nv brothers. wife AN we're a huntin'
-
A cry from the woman broke in upon
his explanation, and higgins gave a
quick glance down the valley. Early
Joe was approaching with slow, weary
steps.
.'Yonder is my pard," said Jim,
briskly. Him an me pulls together.
Drap it"
He wound up with a stern command,
and his revolver lay in line for Shade
Miller's head, Just as hat individuals
thumb forced back the hammer of his
carb:ne.
There was an exclamation from one
Of the other men; a shrill cry from the
woman, but Jim higgins turned
his eye.
..You tech him." he shouted, ..an'
I'll scoop Shade Miller sure. You hear
mep Let's talk it over"
Shades life hung by a thread just
then, for with another scream the wo-
man sprang forward.
higgins did not shoot. An instant
later he saw the change in Shade
Miller's face and knew that he was safe.
He turned and looked southwark, just
in time to see Early Joe stumble and
fall, dropping from his arms a little
bundle that rolled V and over and
then sprang up and showed itself to be
a child.
Mammal" said the child, just as ii
was snatched up, and then there was 6
singular hurrah, and doubtless Early
Joseph was in no immediate danger
from that crowd.
Early Joseph was pretty hard hit
but it was not altogether the WOUND
and loss of blood that made him grow
white again to the lips as he looked W
and saw the face of the man that wa
bending over him.
"Pugsey Miller!!" he said at last.
That's my name, old man. Ididn'
90 out of the damp, and 1 wasn't NOR,
than half hurt. The boys were a little
too previous. And here you've savet
my kid for me. Shake, pard! How
did you do it?"
Il struck ther trail ov half-a-dozer
copper skins that 1 knew he'd been VI
ter some devilment, an l follered on
an wiped EN- out, an got ther boy
Now, count my checks fur me. In
s%tartin' over ther range"
But Early Joe didn't go, after all
He revived again, grew strong, hear
how the little squad of Indians hat
!, stolen Miller's child, probably through
the influence of a half-breed VIII
t wanted revenge; how the little part
had followed on and lost the trail tn
5 preceding day, and had almost give
up hope, and how the boy was maxim,
) much moan for him. And then Mrs
Miller kissed him before them all, an
: said he was the best man in the world
2 if he had tried to kill her husband, an
' that he should get well, or they woul
, all die there, waiting for him.
So they stayed there for a while an
, the sno went off, and they found hall
5 a-dozen colors in the first bank full c
gravel they seriously tested, and afte
their claims were all staked off, pal
: went back to carry the news, Will
Shade Miller stayed with Jim and 10
to hold the fort.
, And the foregoing is the true story {
|, the circumstances which led to tn
boom at higgins Bar; the diggin.
t after all, lot being called after til
e original finder.-N. Y. World.
:. FASHION NOTES.
, Some Fashionable lnteliigence from tn