The Forrest City times., 1891-02-13
A CLOSE CALL.


 partner bought large quantities of wool. usually made the purchases, and at times was obliged to travel far into the Sierra Nevadas. taking with me several thousand dollars upon each trip. To carry this sum used pair of saddle hostlers with a receptacle for the money and n place or pair of pistols. The latter were necessary; for much Of my way lay amid the wild and rugged mountain s far from the main highways. When l halted at the wayside hotels l was obliged to carry the money to the ta- ble ewlth me and keepit in my room at night; for few of the stopping places had any secure safes or vaults. Pa per money was tgenerally accepted by the owners of wool, so the great CT part oi the money was in gold. Two attempts had been made to rob me, and I had become warry and suspicious; yet the profits we made were SO good that was unwilling to give up the trips.
 One day we received telegram that read: Secure all the wool you can, it is sure to advance in price.' < That means q hard trip for me-" said glancing at tho yellow slip. r'but the sooner am off the more wool l can get. "
 The telegram reached us at ! in the afternoon. At 6 the next morn ing wus on the road, and had near ly four thousands dollars in gold coin.
 For the first three days Igradunlly nscended the mountains, and by midday of the fourth had reached the summit. This did not mean a rapid descent upon the opposite slope. but journey fer several days over ridges rising from this central plateau. Some of these were dense- wooded with pine, spruce, and fir, while others were more open, and contained fine pastures for focks and herds.
 l was dcsirous of reaching one man. who kept his sheep during the summer upon n high and rugged range some miles from my usual route. halted for dinner at small public house lately built to ac- commodate teamsters engaged in hauling lumber from n new w-mll. The surroundings were not inviting. but was accustomed to the poor :. est accommodations while upon these mountain trips. While u half breed Indian was caring for my horse l inquired of. the landlord if he could direct me to Fuckers sheep camp.
 ''Yes," was the reply, ..but it's n hard place to find, Ut the same time giving me the direction as nearly as possible.
 shook my head as he ended. say ing: Il could never find the place in years time. Is there no one here acquainted with the route who can go with mel''
 He hestated moment. and then said: There's Bill, the halt breed: he knows the trail as we'll as old Ruck. CT himself. reckon you can get Bill to go."
 Bill was promptly interviewed. "lou pay mesa and take my horse and go" was the brief but satisfac- tory reply.
 The required sum was promised, and he ut onco prepared to accom- pany me. The moment dinner was eaten VIC set on. Instead Of being sullen and morose like most half breeds. my guide was talkatlve and intelligent fellow. and gave me much information about the sur rounding region.
 Upon reaching Fuckers camp we found the owner absent, and it took us an hour or moro to fiEd him and the hand of sheep he was herding. He dctnincd us longer to tell about the bears and panthers that annoy cd his sheep than tho time consumed in bargaining for his wool and mak- ing the necessary arrangements for shipping it to us When We got back to the public house is was too late to go further that night, unless travelled after dark, and to this objected on account ot the gold.
 The landlord said he could give me a straw-bed, ad,ling: You see, the place is new. and We have noth- ing berter for ourselves" ] was willing to take the bed, and so turned my horse over to the half breed to take care of for the night Just before supper two mere trav- ellers rode up and desired to stop.
 Rooms are pretty scarce, as YOU see, but we can teed you as we'll us not" said the host. The men. like myself, were not par ticular as to beds, so remained for the night. They were rather talka- 1 tive. and l overheard them ask the { landlord my name and business. Nv ! suspicious were easily. aroused, and 1 noticed that they seemed interested in me and the holsters ! guarded so closely As we left the dtninr.room one of them said Mighty kesrlnl of yer holsters. stranger. YOU must hnwa st r,,.E tt ~tai sn ho I,.w.~,.,sa9ss