Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1892-02-07

said I.
TOO much spree for good watch, .
says he.
Glider Sizzum ought to look sharper
Hes a prime leader. But he TUX
dance, agree and faro last night with
perfect looseness. Idunno what's come
over Sizzum; bein great apostles
maybe too much for him. But then he
knows Their amt no Utes round here to
stampede his animals or run off any OF
his gals. Both er you men could have
got you wife apiece last night, and ben
tweety miles on the way and nobody
the wiser. Now, boys, be alive with
them mules. / want to be of"
Where are Smith and Robinson?"
asked. missing the two gamblers as we
started.
LET 'em slide, cuss 'emm said Jake.
''Tain't my business to call 'em up and
/ fetch 'em hot water and black thelr
boots. They moved camp away from
Us over into the brush by you. Reckon
they was afeared some on US would be
goin halves with 'em in the pile they
raked last night, Let 'em slide, the
durn ripper0itS! Every man for his
self, l say. They snaked me to the flg,
ure of slug at their cheatin game, and
now they may sleep till they dry and
than TO grasshopper pie for me-"
Jake cracked his long whip. The
mules sprang forward together. We
started.
l gave one more look at the caravan
we had seen winding so beautifully
down on the plain no longer ago than
yesterday evening. Rosy morning
frightened on every wagon OF the
great ellipse. Not soul was to
be seen of all their tenants. recog'
nized Mr.. Clitheroe's habitation
at the farther end. That, too, had the
same mysterious, deserted air, as II the
sad pair who dwelt in it had desperate
ly wandered away into the desert by
night.
Brent would not turn. He kept his
haggard face bent eastward toward the
horizon, where an angry sunrise began
to thrust out the quiet hues Of dawn.
followed the train, doggedly retus'
ing TO think more OF those desolate
friends we are leaving. Their helpless
fate made all the beauty of the scene
only crueler bitterness. What right
had dawn to tinge with sweetest violet
and with hopeful rose the shelters OF
the camp Of delusion and folly.
We rode steadily on through the COO
haze, and then through the warm, sun
ny haze of that October morning. Brent
hardly uttered word. He left me the
whole task Of driving our horses. a
difficult task this morning. Their rest
and feast of yesterday had put Pumps
and Fulando in high spirits. had my
hands full.to keep them in the track.
We had ridden some eighteen miles
when Brent fell back out OF the dust OF
our march and beckoned to me.
Dick" said he, III have had enough
of this"
He grew more like himself as he
spoke.
II was crushed and cowardly, last
night and this morning." he continued.
"FOr the first time in my life my hope
and judgment failed me together. You
must despise me for giving up and quit
ting Miss Clitheroe."
my dear boy" said l, "we were
partners in despair"
mine is gone. l have made up my
mind, will not leave her. l will ride
on with YOU to the South Pass. That
will give the caravan start, so that
can follow unUbserved. Then l will
follow, and let her know in some way
that she has friend within call. She
must be saved sooner or later whether
she will or no. Love or no love, such a
woman shall not be left to will herself
dead, rather than to fall into the hands
of q beast like SizZum. l have no mis-
sion, YOU know" and he smiled drearlly.
II make one now. l cannot fight the
good fight against villaiDy and british
ness anywhere better than here. When
l get into the valley will camp down at
Jake's. / can keep my courage up
hunting grizzlies until she wants me.
Perhaps | may find Biddulph there STILL
What do you say, old fellow? l am
bound to you for the journey. VIII you
forgive me for leaving yon?"
'You will find it hard work to leave
me. 90 with you and stand by you In
this cause, life or death"
'My dear friend! my brother!
We shook hands on this.
Our close friendship passed into com
pleted brotherhood. Doubts and scru-
pies vanished. We gave ourselves TO
our knight erranJry.
eve will save her, John" said /.
"She is my sister from this moment"
His face lighted up with the beauty
of his boyish days. he Strengthened
himself in his saddle, gave his fair mus
tache twirl, and hummed, for gayiety
of heart, ''Ah non giunge" to the eeat
of his mustangs hoofs.
We were riding at the bottom OF lit
tie hollow. The dusty trail across the
uufenced wilderness, worn smooth and
broad as a turnpike by the march OF
caravans, climbed up the slopes before
and behind US, like the wake OF a ship
between surges. The mail train had
disappeared over the ridge. Our horses
had gone with it. Brent and were
alone, as if the world held no other
! tenants.
Suddenly we heard the rush OF a
| horseman after US.
Before we could turn he was down
| the hillock-he was at our side.
He pulled his horse hard upon his
launches and glared at us. A fierce
look it was; yet bewlldered look, as OF
one suddenly cheated OF revenge ne
had laid finger on.
He glared at US, we gazed at him, an
! instant, without a word.
! A ,bos+Iy muir this aDDaritiOu-h