Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1892-03-19
Dayton, Nevada Saturday, March 10, 1892.

siderable loss OF Time, ana ne resolved 10
use every moment in putting distance
between himself and his pursuers.
For quarter of mile he ran with all
the speed he could muster, and then,
with sinking heart he made the dis
covery that the woods were growing
more open, offering him but little chance
of concealing himself.
With this discovery came the sound Of
rapidly advancing hoofs behind him,
and he knew that his pursuers would
soon be upon him. 1t was useless for
him to attempt to escape by continuing
his course up the creek. and he glanced
rapidly about him for the purpose Of
discovering some place of concealment.
There was no available thicket near at
hand but happening to glance toward
the creek he saw a mass of driftwood
lodged on the bank and overhanglng the
water There was not IL moment to lose,
and letting himself into the water till he
was almost submerged he crept forward
till he reached spot beneath the over
hanging driftwood.
He did not gain his place of conceal
ment u moment too soon, for in d 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 reined in
on the bank not ten yards away. and the
same voice continued Two Nv ye go
up the crick and I'll take a look fer
tracks about hyar. 1t may be that he
haint 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 in 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 il 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 70 realize that anything he
could say in lHs 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 tho 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, al
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 il
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 dc
but remain in his present position till
night set in. when he had decided tC
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 We're in the vicinity.
Seeing no sign of the foe, he took off his
garments. and wringing the water from
them soon had them dried i'll the sun,
/ h.aI, ,,,h in l,sA hna M