San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1892-04-22


was almost submerged he crept forward
till he reached spot beneath the over
hanging driftwood
He did not gain his place of conceal
ment moment too soon, for in a few
seconds he heard the tramp of horses
feet as the cowboys galloped wildly
along the creek.
"Shoot the young murderer wharever
you see him." he heard one of them ex.
claim with bitter oath as they rode by.
Suddenly one of the horses was refined in
on the bank not tel yards away, and the
same voice continued: 1.-TWO Nv We go
up the crick and I'll take look fer
tracks about hyar. 1t may be that he
hain't left the thicket."
Dams heart almost stood still with
fear as he heard the words. Would he be
discovered? He heard the man dismount
and walk along the bank of the stream.
Then the steps ceased within three yards
of the driftwood where he lay.
There was moment of the most pain
full anxiety for Dan; then to his relief
the man walked away, and few min
utes later the youth heard the sounds of
his horses feet as he rode back down the
stream.
Though chilled to the bone in the cold
water, Dan did not venture to leave his
hiding place for some time after all
sound of his pursuers had died away.
At last he drew himself cautiously
upon the bank, and glancing rapidly in
every direction to assure himself that
none of his foes was lurking III the
vicinity he rose and hurried across the
creek. Walking rapidly for quarter
of mile he suddenly left the timber
and concealed himself in the tall grass
that grew in the valley and crawled for
ward some forty rods. This he consid-
cred better hiding place than the
woods afforded, on account of there be.
ing less likelihood of his pursuers search
ing for him there. Now that he had
gained place where there was but a
small chance of him being discovered,
he felt certain sense of security. But
now that there was no immediate dan
ger threatening him he found time to re-
feet over the tragic events of the morn
ing, and with these reflections came the
keenest remorse and anxiety. How
earnestly he regretted his encounter
with Bud Ropes, and now in his cooler
moments he blamed himself for his
hasty actions. He might have avoided
the youth by riding away from him, but
the deed was done now and there was
nothing to do but make the best of it.
That Bud Ropes had been killed by the
shot from his own pistol Dan had but
little doubt, and that he would be ac-
cused of his murder was already demon
strated by what he had overheard from
the men who were in pursuit of him, yet
in his own mind he knew he was inno-
cent, and it was only in an attempt to
save his own life that the fatal bullet
had been directed against his opponent.
But he knew the desperate character
of the men with whom he had to deal
well enough to realize that anything he
could say in his defense would be treat
ed with scorn. That they would visit
sure and speedy punishment upon him
should he fall into their hands he had
not the slightest doubt. % ~
What should he do? To return home
would not only subject him to the great
est danger, but would doubtless result in
placing his father in a similar situation.
The more he thought over the matter the
more convinced he became that it would
be best for him not to return home. at
present at least.
That the cattlemen, bent on vengeance,
would watch his fathers house waiting
for his return, Dan was sure, and he real
lied the danger he would encounter in
trying to reach the place.
To stir from his present hiding place
before nightfall would be hazardous in
the extreme, since he was convinced
that the cattlemen would be routing the
country in every direction with the hopes
of running him down.
There was nothing left for him to do
but remain in his present position till
night set in, when he had decided to
make his way to the settlement on the
Mormaton river, several miles to the
north.
Having settled his course of action in
his own mind, he once more glanced in
every direction about him to see if any
of his pursuers were in the vicinity.
Seeing no sign of the foe, he took off his
garments, and wringing the water from
them soon had them dried in the sun,
which was now high in the heavens and
shining down with considerable warmth.
Having dried and replaced his gar
ments, he crept beneath a small bunch
of sumachs close at hand, where he
found protection from the now hot rays
of the sun.
He had had nothing to eat since the