The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1890-04-12
with some difHculty the man was awak-

With some difficulty the man was awak
ened.
The two then entered the small ten
and explained their visit. Mr.. Whit,
knew the paymaster well. and after pre-
senting his draft for the amount O
money necessary to pay of the men, hi
said:
81 would like to get it now and star
back for the camp before daylight NJ
one has seen me enter your camp, and |
is not necessary that they should. Man,
of the men know the object Of my visit
here, and they might take it into thei
heads to relieve me of the money ON tn,
way back
sYes, yes, you're quite right" replied
the paymaster. ''Quite right. Some o
the men are not very honest looking
No, sir, not honest looking, and nigh
add-not safe looking. You're quite
right. Mr.. White"
They entered the baggage ear OF the
train, and were locked in. The money
was then counted out and put In two
saddlebags, which were slung over the
backs Of the two horses.
1t was not quite four o'clock in the
morning when every thing was ready
and the return journey begun. The
camp was still quiet when the two
horsemen stole quietly away from it.
For two hours they rodo along in 81
lence, and then, having reached safe
place between the two camps of laborers
Mr.. White dismounted, and tied his
horse to small tree. Allie and his
father were used to camping out, and
they were not long in starting fire and
preparing their breakfast. The two
horses we're allowed to eat the tall grass
around, while Echo gulped down some OF
the bread and meat thrown to him.
Their long ride had wearied them
somewhat, and both felt sleepy. Echo
squatted down by the side of his young
master, and closed his eyes. Mr.. White
lighted his pipe, and smoked away in
silence. The smoke curled up from the
smouldering fire, and made signal that
could be seen for some distance.
Suddenly, Allie jumped up and list
ened. Echo also pricked up his ears
and showed signs of interest.
"Some one is coming along the trail,
father. hear the tramp of hoofs."
"You do?" queried Mr.. White, throw
ing down his pipe.
1t was clear, cold morning, with q
threatening bank of clouds rising in the
West, and sounds could be heard = long
distance of.
You're right, Allie, some one is
coming" said Mr.. White, after q few
moments, s'We must strike away from
the trail, until they pass"
The fire was quickly covered up with
some dirt, and every thing packed for
quick start. Leading their horses by
the brides, the two then walked rapidly
into the bushes.
They had not proceeded far when the
sound Of voices could be heard.
They must be somewhar roun' here.r
. rough voice said. THAT smoke
warn't far OF. 'Tain't likely they've
got far"
ut pears ter me that 1t was farther
along than this" said another.
"Twsrn't long in disappearin' any
way" remarked third.
Then there was scufHing of feet in
the bushes, as If the men were dis
and searching for something.
Allie and his father continued to move
away, parting the bushes carefully, and
as little noise as possible. The
men seemed to be working along in the
opposite direction. When they were
about far enough away to proceed with
put fear OF attracting attention, loud
shout greeted their ears.
Hello, here y'are, boys. I've found
4"
''They have discovered our fire"
whispered Allie to his father, as he
heard the shout.
"Yes, and we must be hurrying of
low. Mount, and ride rapidly due
lorth."
Their trail was plain enough to the
who now began to pursue
hem rapidly. The two horses were
'artly recovered from their WEAKNESS.
md they hurried along at quick pace.
But 1t was soon evident to the two riders |
hat they were no match for the strong.
powerful torses OF their pursuers, who
aimed perceptibly upon them. Sud-
lenly, one of the highwsymen caught |
light of Allie, and with . shout to his |
he dashed through the |
'ushes at reckless pace.
A rife shot, and the whistle of . bullet
'etween the two riders. intfmated what |
hey might expect from their enemies.
1T Is life or death with US, Allie,
aid Mr.. White to his son, as he rode up
his side. Urge your pony on to the
est of his speed. and then he prepared
Or . desperate fight. When they are
lose enough we viii dismount, and hide
ehind some rock and use our rifles"
But stand against the outlaws was
OF very encouraging. There were five
them, and all bold, desperate men,
ccustomed to meet danger. They rode
heir horses with the wild recklessness
Western deaneradoc9