Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1892-06-04

blanket from beneath the saddle on the
dead horse at her side, she folded it up
and placed it beneath the unconscious
mans head. Then she hurried to
small hole of water in the ravine, short
distance away. Taking off her apron
she wet it, and returning bathed the
mans face and hands.
Presently he opened his eyes and gazed
about him in bewildered manner.
What has happened?' he asked in a
weak voice, making a vain attempt to
arise. Where are the boys?"
Your horse fell and has hurt you,"
replied Fanny. "What must l do to
help your
What! You?" he cried, gazing at
the girl in astonishment. "You-you
are old Riggsbys girl!''
"You must let me help you anyway"
said Fanny.
For several moments Ropes remained
silent, his gaze fixed upon the girls face.
'You know who am, do your he
asked presently.
Eyes; you are Mr.. Ropes
"And still you want to do something
for me?' he asked, speaking with great
effort, and his voice sinking to whisper.
"Yes-yes-I must go for help-now!'
She rose from his side as if to go.
"Waitr'
He uttered the one word, his voice
dying away in an inaudible whisper.
She seated herself by his side and be-
gan to bathe his face and hands with
the wet cloth. Presently he spoke again
1T amt no use to go for help
reckon" he said weakly. IL can't
last long"
A look of pity swept over Fannys
face
81 will go for my father, and we will
take you to our house" she said gently.
Il will go as quickly as can-I will be
gone but little while"
Approaching her horse, which was
cropping the grass near by she mount
Ell and rode swiftly in the direction of
nome.
1t was dark when she returned, bring
ing her father and a neighboring claim
holder, who had been passing the inn
when she arrived there.
They found the injured man still con-
scious, but very weak. Placing him
upon the litter which they had hastily
constructed, they carried him to the inn
and placed him upon the couch in the
little parlor.
The doctor was then brought, but af-
ter examining the injured man he shook
his head.
II can do nothing for him, " he said to
those gathered about the bed. There
are internal injuries of a fatal character.
and he can last but few hours at the
farthest."
Il know it" said the dying man in a
whisper. But before go want to
undo some of the injury have done
Toto
He stopped abruptly, fixing his eyes
upon Mrs. Riggsby.
Then after moments silence he con-
tinued: II have letter which carried
away from here by mistake. 1t belongs
to Mrs. Riggsby there. was mean
enough to keep it to get revenge, but |
hope you'll forgive me-
He paused, and then with a great eff
fort he drew letter from his breast
pocket and handed it to Mrs. Riggsby,
Its the one you lost, Simon" she
said. glancing at the directions.
Yes, said Mr.. Riggsby; that is the
letter"
You see | broke it open," went on
Ropes. ''It-it was a mean trick,
butt
Never mind that" replied Mrs.
Riggsby. I'VE freely forgive you. We
all do things that are wrong"
She folded the letter in her hand and
seated herself by the bedside.
A messenger was dispatched to Ben
Ropes ranch house and in an hour re-
turned, accompanied by Bud Ropes and
half dozen cowboys
Everything possible was done for the
injured man, but of no avail. 1t was
plain that he was sinking rapidly.
A few of the settlers had gathered
there, having heard of the accident, and
now they stood there among those who
short time before had been their bitter
enemies, without one thought of malice
in their hearts.
The dying man looked upon the little
group, a strange light in his eye.
Presently he spoke to one of the cow
boys in whisper. The cowboy knelt
by his side for few moments; then ris'
ing and turning to those collected about
the bed, he said:
He sez he amt got long ter live, an
fore he goes he wants us ter promise ter
be friends. know we haint done jist
right, an if the settlers'll fergive us fer
what we've done" -
Willingly willingly" said Simon
Riggsby, stepping forward and taking
the cowboys hand, We've all been
ter blame; but let us fergit the past an
be friends.
Silently the cattlemen and settlers
clasped hands. while there was trace
of tears on more than one bearded cheek
A few moments later Ben Ropes had
breathed his last.
ITO BIC CONTINUED
A fire at McMinnville, Oregon
Tuesday. caused a loss of S11 900