Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1891-12-26


dazzled the eyes with the whiteness of its
crystallized sands. while vnst prairies OF
mesquite grass, dotted at intervals with
clusters Of stunted trees, skirted its
southern banks. To the west the horizon
was cut by the black line of the Guada-
lupe mountains
The sun was yet two hours high, and
the Brownsville road, after il had cut its
way through the northern bank of the
river, seemed to form n long winding
trail, which lost itself In the hazy white
ness of the desert.
The Colorado" was at its lowest stage
and fOrdable
Five specks we're approaching from the
north, i've black moving spots Ia the vast
expanse.
They were five hertlers or Rio Grande
men well mounted and armed, riding at
the fastest road pace To which their beasts
could he urged. As they neared the river
four stopped, while one rode to the edge
OF the hank. 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 COM
panions.
Three Mexicans and two Americans
formed the company, but they were all
accoutered alike.
Anything In sightr' asked one Of the
Americans from the returning Mexican.
mo, 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 10 run to the north, he
started the Rangers ON the wrong trail. ["
The Ave men were cattle runners and
prairie pirates, running To and fro from
either side of the Rio Grande. They i'm
medistely moved oh, and were soon across
the river
Push mp" said the captain, ''it is
nearly night, and we must camp at the
Wells, so Ne to he able TO cross the Rio
Grande early in the morning"
The horses, as IL refreshed by travelling
on the soft, matted grass, accelerated
their pace. and when the Wells were
reached there was still enough light to
allow the men To iix their camp for the
night.
The Wells, as they were called, was n
boagy pond in The midst Of bunch OF
mesquite timber. The herders had dug
around the stagnant water several wells
for the use Of their stock. IL was some
what ont of the way from the main road,
and frequented otiy BY herders and
roaming, lawless riders.
The hobhled horses were turned loose
for the night, and fire was made,
around whlcn the men stretched them.
selves, munchng some jerked beef and
some cold tortilias.
Some time had elapsed, and the night
was well on when the sudden yelping OF
the coyotes Of the surrounding timber
aroused the men IL indicated that either
the coyotes were on chase of some de
fenseless animal or that human being
was passing through the prairie, but be
fore the campers could prepare them
selves a rider was on them, his horse an.
swering the neighing OF the hobbled anil
mails. All OF the five campers were up in
an instant, each with his revolver In
hand
mo fighting, boysr' hailed the new
conner '.it's |, Cooneyi tracked you
10 the river and knew could oyertake
you nj the Nells.f
'tAhl my manr' answered the captain
s'you were always mighty good ON trail
but you may have struck a wrong scent
Glad to see you back again. Dismouni
and hobble out your horse
Coaney did as directed, and joining tho
group he squatted before the fire in the
place made vacant for him.
Have you brought your rations will
your asked the captain of Cooney.
The company had all turned their eye:
on Cooney, who answered uneasily: mo
cat at the ranch OF Los Animas, aud as
was anxious to oyertake you ali, left my
rations. so as not To overload my horse"
Ibid you see Mclean and his rangersr
asked fhe captain in whining soft voice
IL struck the ranch after they had left,
answered Cooney.
"You lier yelled the captain as h
Strengthened himself, revolver in hand
which he leveled at Cooney. adding: "Yo'
are now ON a scout for them, expecting 4
betray u.s.
The whole company rose up, FIVE re
volvers glistening on Cooney.
The fire, which had been kept up In
bright blaze, illuminated the whole scene
Cooney raised himself his hands hanging
byhis side; he knew that the least move
ment would send 1--WE bullets through him
snow, Cooney,n said the captain, IN
more lying; you have betrayed us and yo'
are now on an errand OF treachery Hol
up your handsr'
Cooney held up his hands.
"Boys,h added the captain, s'cover hin
with your barrels while tie him.
The captain went to his saddle and un
tying his lariat he stepped behind Cooney
whose hands he took down and fastene
securely behind his back. Tnen facin
Cooney, he said:
.Now, Cooney. let us hear what 20
have to say. Your hours are short, ur
less you can show us that you ar
straight.n
sI have nothing 10 say" answere
Cooney, looking fesrlessly at his confet
crates. "You have seen me face deaf
often enough to know that am not afrai
TO die"
The other American interrupted hin
.'Noue of your tongue, Cooney; we n
know how slippery you are. Come 10 th
point. How comes 1t, that instead {
your meeting us at Les Animas, III
Rangers were there waiting for usl II
hadn't been for Pedro Concha, we woul
have been trapped. He met us some tw
miles beyond, and he said you were thei
also.h
"Answer thatr' yelled the American.
'sPedro lied, !" answered Cooney.
"Well, we will search yoI,n said u
captain; "the proofs must be on yoi
either in money or In papers"
While talking, Cooney had gradual