The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-10-16

The old mans time was occupied almost en-
tirely in cutting up aud getting in wood, and
In building generous fires Herewith. lie
seemed always cold, save when Summer was AT
its hight; he lowered over the Goals during
the bright Spring DAYS when life out of doors
was a delight. He was fretful, eXacting and
suspicious; as he looked into the blaze he
seemed 30 see tragedy enacted there and all his
intimates concerned therein. His love for his
children had largely taken the form of watch
fulness; bis own record was stainless and he
desired theirs 10 be; his manner TO his son was
therefore more severe than afcctiOuate
This son, whose name was Dan, was in no
sense celebrated for either his beauty or his
learning. His lower teeth showed slightly
from a recurring lip his nose was large and his
legs were very long Still, there was r light
in his eye that was not displeasing; and after
one had become accustomed TO his peculiarities
he would perhaps perceive less OF his ungainli-
ness. lie was unsurpassed in the saddle, and
has wild dashes over the hills and parks as he
looked after his fathers herd, earned for him
the title OF " Hurricane Dan" But 10 the keen
observer his wild rides and runs were neither
the cause nor the result Of liChtness OF heart
nor happiness Of mind, for there dwelt upon
his face a shade Of intense restlessness alter
mating with g gloomy sadness that suggested
the puquiet disposition 10 be the result Of some
secret sorrow, or, darker yet, some concealed
crime.
Dan was 20 years OF age. and this uneasy
spirit had been observable IN him for more than
year. Ne one bad ever seen him under the
Influence of liqusT, and he only went to town
once in two weeks But when he did go TO
town-dark suspieion-he disappeared utterly
for two or three days. And the story came 10
his father that upon one of these disappearance
he had been seen flying out Of town in the di-
rection opposite his fathers rancho, his saddle
strings well hung with packages and a small
sack Of -four across his broncho's back
He had upon that occasion come home more
restless and nervous than usual; aud when his
father told him OF what be had heard, and in
timated darkly as to the place OF his visit. he
had bsckened and lowered, and in fierce
voice that was new 10 bis father, had said:
You let them as tells evil on me prove it,
father,
Then he had stormed ont OF the house.
Elamming the door after him. and was soon
after upon his horse, speeding away like the
Wild wind for which his comrades had named
him.
And his father had remained trembling In
his chair before the fire, shivering in spite
Of the generous warmth, and muttering inco-
hereutiy TO himself Presently his mutterings
became more distinct, and took form in com
planning words
It's al goin' the same way Let family
Ct started 70 siidin' down hill and il never
stops tai every member gifts 10 the bottom.
Dams goin' jest like Melissa. Lord Chill
oren's jest nothin' but worry 10 bring an old
man IN sorTeT to his grave. talked to Melissa
Enc watched over her, and I've done the same
Tor Dan, and its all the same Old story"
Now the suspicion that had entered Sanders's
mind was one that parent might well shrink
81 before casting upOn a child For about
year ponies and cattle had been disappearing
from the vicinity, but none OF the Sanders
brand had been lost. Dan insisted that this
. VI sGr 80 Ere e.
cause be DAM rode the range so thoroughly
and was always on tho lookout He contended
that even upon has periodical disappearance
De was often skiTiing his range looking out
Tor and driving back estrays. And since some
Of the nelghbors had noticed him when he re-
appeared after bis strange visits intent upon
gathering and driving stock his story seemed
plausible. Still there were many who SUSPECTED
him Of being one Of q gang Of thieves that GER
taiuiy existed al no great distance off Ger
tainlyY We'll, experience has taught mankind
that The continued loss Of Vaiuables must in
the main, be accounted for by the presence Of
Thieves. II was evident that the band was
operating near, and both David Sanders and
Ms nelghbOrs suspected Dan Of belonging 10 n
10 be cure the suspected one never seemed 70
nave much money ahead, but If he were clever
ne could easily manage 10 appear poor. The
nelghbors had limited their fears 10 the father.
and the father, without making confession of
agreement had silently acquiesced in their in
sihuatipns. when alone be muttered and
Threatened gloomily:
Yes, ycs; he was carryin' that grub 10 some
lhieFes den. Little thort I'd live TO raise q
oarter ike Melissa aud then a son 20 turn out
Ike Dan. Bat if he's proved thief-let-let
him s1Der; il for nothin' else, for disgracin'
Is oid father, that's tried 70 raise him right"
Then DC covered over his FIRE, groaning, grumb-
ling and shiveriHg.
il the evening han rama ia lss e. al,
dark anc troubled; he seemed to wish 70 speak
- BE father as he stood al the freside shading
nae eyes with his well-Worn hat Presently he
SAID hOarSely: "They's sOmethin' I'd like "a
say % you, father, If ! warn't afeard you'd be
hSt1 On me. don't feel that Pm 70 blame,
but won't speak, less you'll listen 70 rcas0n.'i
The father lifted his thin, wrinkled hand
and shook IL waTningly as be said:
~ you've ben doin' anything You orten TO
90, Dan, or anything I've told you not 10 do
you needn't be lOOkiu' for no soft coddlin' from
ne. I've told you that II you disobeyed me,
70 take yer steers and ponies away from you,
every one Of EN-"
But I've Erut my steers and monica o,e,
again, lOOkiu' after yours"
NO dihrnnce. Where you ben goiu' once ia
two weeks On Saturday -
Dan looked into the FIRE long minute. then
squared round, faced his father, and said half
defaHty:
And where does your gal liver"
Aeb1e she lives down on the Muddy"
Aha mebbe shes gang o horse and COW
thleYes, said the father sneerngly.
Dan Tor an instant labored Ia q Wordless
passion. Hot replies struggled for utteranee.
but be repTessed them. Perhaps the thought
that his iatAer had grounds for his suspicion
helped him 70 maintain self control For a
moment lie glowered az the fire, then. without
looking at ms father, nc strobe away TO bed.
IN tue morning he hastily cooked breakfast
EDa having eaten few mouthfuIs, drew on
he chapaTejos and spurs
Which way You goiu' 10 ride 2" asked his
father
lm goin' TO see my girl, and fyou want to
90 long you can. Then you'll sec whether Won
or 70 take my ponies and steers that you give
me, back again. And Of course il Won want Ia
you can. Will you ROT"
Saddle op," said the old man.
Ibey rode through many q mile Of grease
brush and buckhOrn cactus park, then through
little groups Of low hills covered with cedara1d
pinon. Dan was leading the way 70 a part of the
country that was then wild aud unfregncnted
Suddenly they encountered two angry looking
nelebJors well mounted and heavily armed
HE men locked surprised 10 see David Sanders
- la iEon bone in company with his son.
Look hero, old man." said one of them
boldly you're in with him, and you're
playiu' us"
No he Amt" said Dan doggedly. "He's
tuck notion | blong 10 a gang O. thieves and
ID taxa him along 10 show him tho gang.
ana IL yo1 fellers wants TO loller, why they amt
no strings holdin' you back