Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1885-09-30

But might they not be after Early
Joe? The idea seemed ridiculous, for
Walnut Bar lay a good hundred and
fifty miles to the north, according to
tho most definite statement that Joe
had given OF his wanderings. Never
theless Jim lay quiet on the very 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 IL.
Suddenly the leader stopped short
and held up his hand. They were not
so far away now and higgins heard
feminine voice.
what is it, Shadep"
There's some one hyer, a pcrspecter
most likely. There's only Their one
track; but there may be gang ov 'em,
an eff they've struck anything thew
won't take it kindly ter see US. It looks
ez though they he'd a mighty good
chance for big thing"
AS the man spoke he looked around
with keen eye, and his gaze lit upon the
little trail the two men could not help
leaving as they went in and out.
higgins was watching through chink
and saw that 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 . moments
notice.
"Hello, party, whar yer goinp" was
his salutation. 'Hain't got much ter
OH httN ax.fN IT, ~ -
awhile. 1t does me good ter see 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
little distance by the rest.
"Who are youp" 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 gamer You amt huntin'
ter strike pay gravel. What's yer name
an where yer fromp"
"My name is Shade Miller, and am
from Walnut Bar. Yonder woman is
my brothers wife an we're q 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 mo pulls together.
Drap itr
He wound up with a stern command.
and his revolver lay in line for Shade
Miller's head, just as that individuals
thumb forced back the hammer of his
carb;ne.
There was an exclamation from one
of the other men; shrill cry from the
woman, but Jim higgins never turned
his eye.
"You tech him." he shouted, IAN
I'll scoop Shade Miller sure. You hear
mep Let's talk it over"
Shades life hung by 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 little
bundle that rolled over and over and
then sprang up and showed itself to bs
a child.
Mammal" said the child, just as it
was snatched up, and then there was
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 up
and saw the face of the man that was
bending over him.
"Pugsey Millerv' he said at last.
That's my name, old man. didn't
60 out of the damp, and wasn't more
than half hurt. The boys were little
too previous. And here you've saved
my kid for me. Shake, pard! How
did you do itP"
II struck Their trail ov half-a-dozen
copper skins that knew he'd been up
ter some devilment, an follered on,
an wiped 'em out, an got Their boy.
Now, count my checks fur me. I'm
startin' over Their range"
But Early Joe didn't go. after all
lie revived again, grew strong, beard
how the little squad of Indians had
stolen Miller's child, probably through
the influence of a half-breed who
wanted revenge; how the little party
had followed on and lost the trail the
preceding day. and had almost given
up hope, and how the boy was making
much moan for him. And then Mrs.
Miller kissed him before them all, and
said he was the best man in the world,
if he had tried to kill her husband. and
that he should get well, or they would
all die there, waiting for him.
So they stayed there for while. and
the snow went of, and they found half
a-dozen colors in the first bank full of
gravel they seriously tested, and after
their claims were all staked off, part
went back to carry the news, while
Shade Miller stayed with Jim and Joe
to hold the fort.
And the foregoing is the true story Of
the circumstances which led to the
boom at higgins Bar; tho diggins,
after all, not being called after the
original finder.-M. Y. World.