The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-04-04
A FIR, INTER- INCIDENT.
What was bound by Body of Texas
Rangers at the Wells.

WHO
To the north far-reaching waste dazzled
the eyes with the whiteness of its crystal
,ized sands, while vast prairies of mesquite
grass, dotted at intervals with clusters of
stunted trees, slzirted its southern banks
To the west the horizon was cut by the black
line of the Guadalupe mountains.
The sun was vet two hours high, and the
brownsville road, after it had cut its way
through the northern bank of the river
seemed to form a long winding trail which
lost itself in the haZy whiteness 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 five 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 companions.
Three Mexicans and two Americans
formed the company, but they were all ac-
Coutred alike.
Anything in sight?" asked one of the
Americans from the returning Mexican.
"No, Captain" answered the Mexican;
81 saw no fresh tracks at the ford"
"The rangers must have struck for the
Laredo road, said the Captain, land 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 start
ed 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 i'm
mediately moved on, and were soon across
the river.
'Prsh up" said the Captain, ''it is nearly
night, and we must camp at the Wells, so as
to be able to cross the Rio Grande early in
the morning."
on the soft, matted grass. accelerated their
pace, and when the Wells were reached
there was still enough light to allow the men
to fix their camp for the night.
The Wells, as they were called, was a
boggy pond in the midst of bunch of
mesquite timber The herdels had dug
around the stagnant water several wells for
the use of their stock. 1t was somewhat
out of the way, from the main road, and
frequented only by herders and roaming,
Iawless riders.
The hobbled horses were turned loose for
the night and a fire was made, around
which the men stretched themselves,
munching some jerked beef and some cold
tortillas.
Some time had elapsed, and the night was
we'll on when the sudden yelping of the
coyotes of the surrounding timber aroused
the men. 1t indicated that either the Co
votes were on a chase of some defenceless
animal or that human being was passing
through the prairie; but before the campers
could prepare themselves a rider was on
them, his horse answering the neighing of
the hobbled animals All of the five
campers were up in an instant, each with
his revolver in hand.
mo, fighting, boys" hailed the new
conner.
ats l, Cooneyl l tracked you to the
river, and knew l could overtake you at
the Wells"
"Ah! my manm 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 as directed, and joining the
group he suuatted before the fire in the
place made Yacant for him.
Have you brought your rations with
your asked the Captain of Cooney.
The company had all turned their eyes on
Cooney, who answered uneaslly:
"No, eat at the ranch of Los Animas,
and as | was anxious to overtake you all,
left my rations, so as not to overload my
horse"
did you see Mclean and his RangersW
asked the Captain, in a whining soft voice.
II struck the ranch after they had left, y
answered Cooney.
"You lie!n yelled the Captain. as he
Strengthened himself, revolver in hand,
which he levelled at Cooney. adding: You
are now on scout for them, expecting to
betray US"
The whole company rose up, five revolv-
ers glistening on COoney.
The fire, which had been kept up in a
bright blaze, Illuminated the whole scene.
Cooney raised himself, his hands hanging
by his side; he knew thai the least move
ment would send five bullets through him.
Now, Cooney.n said the Captain. mo
more lying; you have betrayed us and you
are now on an errand of treachery. Hold up
your hands!h
Cooney held up his hands
Boys added the Captain, "cover him
with your barrels while tie him."
The Captain went to his saddle, and I'M
tying his lariat, he stepped behind CoOney,
whose hands he took down and fastened Sc
curely behind his back. Then facing Coo
ney, he said
Now, Cooney, let us hear what you
have to say. Your hours are short, I'M
less you can show us that you are straight.
nave mourning 10 say. duSWeTeu
Cooney, looking fearlessly at his confeder-
ates. You have seen me face death often
enough to know that L am not afraid to
die g"
The other American interrupted him
None of your tongue, Cooney; we all
know how slippery you are. Come to the
point. How comes it that, instead of your
meeting us at Los Auimas, the Rangers
were there waiting for us! IL 1T hadn't
been for Pedro Concha, we would have been
trapped. He met us some two miles beyond,
and he said you were there also"
Answer that!" yelled the American.
Pedro lied answered Cooney.
well, we will search you" said the Cap
tain. ''The proofs must be on you, either
In money or in papers,
While talking, Cooney had gradually
slipped his right hand through the knotted
lariat, and he had succeeded in disentang-
ling it, unseen by the rest; with his elbows
he had slipped his revolver scabbard close
% his hand
As the Captain stepped toward Cooney,
the latter, quick as fash, drew his pistol
on him, and at its report the Captain sank
TO the ground with a yell, Cooney's bullet
crashing through his head.
Before Cooney could move his hand from
Its aim he was covered 10y the pistols OF
the remaining four men, and he fell
pierced by four bullets, on the corpse of the
Captain.
The four freebooters did not remain to
dispose of the bodies nor even to look at