The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1890-02-13

horses were allowed to eat the tall gras
around, while Echo gulped down some o
the bread and meat thrown TO him.
Their long ride had wearied then
somewhat. and both felt sleepy. Ech,
squatted down by the side Of his youn,
master, and closed his eyes. Mr.. Whit'
lighted his pipe. and smoked away II
silence. The smoke cnrled up from tn,
smonldering fire. and made signal tina
could be seen for some distance.
Suddenly. Allie jumped up and list
ened. Echo also pricked up his ear
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.
It was clear. cold morning. with d
threatening bank OF clouds rising in the
| West, and sounds could be heard long
distance off,
You're right. Allie. some one il
coming" said Mr.. White, after few
| moments. I'VE must strike away from
the trail, until they pass
The fire was quickly covered up with
some dirt, and every thing packed for a
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 he heard.
"They must be somewhat roun' here, .
. rough voice said. THAT smoke
warn't far of. 'Tain't likely they've
got far
1T pears ter me that it was farthel
along than this" said another.
Twarn't long in disappearin' any
way" remarked third.
Then there was scuffiing Of feet in
the bushes. as il the men were dis
mounting and searching for something.
Allie and his father continued to move
away. parting the bushes carefully, and
making 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
| out fear OF attracting attention, loud
shout greeted their ears.
Hello, here y'are, boys. I've found
it."
"They have discovered our fire.
whispered Allie to his father, as he
heard the shout.
Yes, and we must be hurrying OF
now. Mount and ride rapidly due
north"
Their trail was plain enough to the
highwaymen, who now began to pursue
them rapidly. The two horses were
partly recovered from their WEAKNESS,
and they hurried along at quick pace.
But it was soon evident to the two riders
that they were no match for the strong,
powerful Horses of their pursners, who
gained perceptibly upon them. Sud-
denly, one Of the highwaymen caught
sight Of Allie, and with shout to his
companions he dashed through the
bushes at reckless pace.
A rife shot, and the whistle of bullet
between the two riders. intimated what
they might expect from their enemies
1T is life or death with us, Allie, /"
said Mr.. White to his son. as he rode up
to his side. Urge your pony on to the
best of his speed. and then he prepared
for desperate fight. When they are
close enough we will dismount, and hide
behind some rock and use our rifles"
But stand against the outlaws was
not very encouraging. There were five
of them, and all bold, desperate men,
accustomed to meet danger. They rode
their horses with the wild recklessness
Of Western desperadoes.
The cracking of the rifles soon became
frequent; but owing to the rough, un-
even nature OF the country the bullets
fell wide their mark.
I'VE can not escape much longer,
father" said Allie breathlessly, the
whistling of the bullets around his
head making him feel uncomfortable.
'But-why. father. it is showing"
The two looked up at the clouds,
which were now dark and threatening.
The wind increased, and was blowing in
cold. biting blasts from the northwest
Snow was already floating in the air,
with the prospect Of . heavy snowstorm
to follow.
a storm is upon u.s. said Mr.. White,
anxiously, land, fear, regular bliz-
zard.'
In few minutes the snowflakes fell
in clouds, binding horsemen and riders.
1t shut out the whole landscape from
their view, their enemies included. The
horses. unable to trot gany longer, now
walked slowly forward, stumbling and
sliding along at every step. Echo
whined and looked appealingly at Allie
| I'VE have escaped from our enemies,
thank God" said Allie. looking behind
him. They can not see to follow US
now"
"Yes. but we have another danger, "
replied his father. These billiards. are
terrible things. We are now travelling
we will come out to the camp
The storm increased in fury. The
wind chilled the riders through, and
made their teeth chatter. The snow
piled up in drifts with astonishing ra
pidity. Their pathway was blocked, and
to proceed seemed impossible.
Bronco finally stumbled, breaking his
leg in the fall. The poor animal whin
MED and neighed, but there was no heir
for him. Mr.. White dismounted, and
examined the beast, but Bronco's day o.
usefulness was over.
I'VE must leave him, Allie," he sale
with slight culver in his voice. "Yo,
get on my horse, and will walk for /
distance"
/ There was no other alternatives; bu
Allie dropped two or three tears owe
the body of his suffering pet before h,
could leave him.
The journey was now doubly difficult
The two took turns in walking an,
riding. Echo scrambled along by tn,
side OF his master, nearly blinded b,
the snow.
It seemed like an age to Allie as the
struggled through the binding. driftin
snow. Then came another catastrophe
The horse, tired and exhausted, refuses
to go any further. No amount of coax
ing and whipping would make him move
He was finally abandoned, and Allie. hi
father, and Echo were left to continu
the march.
l