Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1888-05-19
COONEY.

Inc Hl0 COl0raQ0' lS Small river
which forms the southern extremity of
the salty, sandy reach lying between what
was Kings ranch and the City Of Browns
Vile
To the north a far reaching waste
dazzled the eyes with the wilderness of its
crystallized sands, while vast prairies OF
mesquite grass, dotted at intervals with
clusters of stunted trees, skirted its
southern banks To the west the horizon
was cut by the black line of the Guada-
lupe mountains.
The sun was yet two hours high, and
the Brownsville road, after it had cut its
way through the northern bank OF the
river, seemed to form long winding
trail, which lost itself in the hazy white
ness Of the desert.
The Colorado" was at its lowest stage
and fordable.
Five specks were approaching from the
north, five black moving spots In the vast
eXpanse.
They were i've herders or Rio Grande
men well mounted and armed, riding at
the fastest road pace to which their beasts
could be urged. As they neared the river
four stopped, while one rode to the edge
of the bank. The latter scanned up and
down for few seconds and inspected the
tracks at the ford; appearing satisfied
with the outlook, he returned to his COM
panions.
Three Mexicans and two Americans
formed the company, but they were all
accoutered alike.
Anything in sights'' asked one Of the
Americans from the returning Mexican.
''No, captain, answered the Mexican,
81 saw no fresh tracks at the fordn
The Rangers must have struck for the
Laredo road" said the captain, ''and we
will have time to cross the Rio Grande.
No doubt Cooney gave us away to them.
As he expected us to run to the north, he
started the Rangers on the wrong trail"
The five men were cattle runners and
prairie pirates, running to and fro from
either side of the Rio Grande. They Inn
mediately moved on, and were soon across
the river.
"Push up" said the captain, at 10
nearly night, and we must camp at the
Wells, 30 as to be able to cross the Rio
Grsnde early in the morning"
The horses, as IL refreshed by travelling
on the soft, matted grass, accelerated
their pace, and when the Wells were
reached there was still enough Light to
allow the mel to FIX their camp for the
night.
The Wells, as they were called, was
Doggy pond in the midst Of a bunch Of
mesquite timber. The herders had dug
around the stagnant water several wells
for the use of their stock. 1t was some
what out of the way from the main road,
and frequented only by herders and
roaming, lawless riders.
The hobbled horses were turned loose
for the night, and fire was made,
around which the men stretched them
selves, munching some jerked beef and
some cold tortilIas.
Some time had elapsed, and the night
was well on when the sudden yelping OF
the coyotes Of the surrounding timber
aroused the men. 1t indicated that either
the coyotes were on a chase of some de-
fenseless animal or that human being
was passing through the prairie, but be-
fore the campers could prepare them
selves rider was on them, his horse an
syvering the neighing OF the hobbled ami
mails. All OF the five campers were up In
an instant, each with his revolver In
hand.
No lighting, boysr' hailed the new
conner. "It's l, Cooneyl tracked you
to the river and / knew could evertake
you NJ the Wells
.'Ah! my MANI answered the captain,
''you were always mighty good on trail,
but You may have struck a wrong scent.
Glad TO see you back again. Dismount
and hobble out your horse
Cooney did rs directed, and joining the
group lie squatted before the fire in the
place made vacant for him.
Have you brought your rations with
youf" asked the captain Of Cooney.
The company had all turned their eyes
on Cooney, who answered uneasily: "No,
eat at the ranch of Los Animas, and rs
was anxious to oyertake you all, left my
rations, so as not to overload my horse"
did you see Mclean and his rangers,'
asked the captain In o whining soft voice.
Il struck the ranch after they had left"
answered Cooney.
lyon iier' yelled the captain as he
Strengthened himself, revolver In hand,
which he leveled at Cooney, adding: "You
are now on scout for them, expecting to
betray u.s.
The whole company rose up, five re-
volyers glisiening on Cooney
The fire, which had been kept mp in o
bright blaze, illuminated the whole scene.
Cooney raised himself, his hands hanging
by his side; he knew that the least move
ment would send five bullets through him.
Now, Cooney," said the captain, mo
more lying; you have betrayed US and you
are now on an errand of treachery. Hold
up your handsl"
Cooney held up his hands.
Boys added the captain, "cover him
with yonr barrels while / tie him.