The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-02-10
UP THE FLUME.

VI LIZ LIZ vi LIZ
It was the fall Of the year. and the
xipened glory of autumn was over the
far southwestern town. The streets
were yellow with the golden beams Of
the sun: beams tha. crept up as the
day heightened, and mingled with the
purple of the mesas.
The morning was so beautiful that
Sheriff Clifford. as he stepped into the
post Office, whistled familiar air, with
happy enjoyment of life in general and
the weather 10 particular. Bu. his ex.
uberance was checked by the appear
ance of man whose dark face wore a
sinister look. aud who was known as
"Pedro, the Mexican tesmster."
Sheriff Clifford knew that the fellow
bore an evil reputation; that deeds
dark and dire had been attributed to
him. But heretofore he had been cum
ming and stealthy, aud no accusation
could be proven. But this morning he
appeared possessed Of . spirit Just the
reverse, for when Sheriff Clifford in.
quired, Why do you carry that gun.
Pedro p he replied with bravado. Il
am going to kill Hercules, the Ranger,
on sight !"
Clifford was startled by an exclama-
tion Of such import uttered in so free
manner, and by q man not given to
jesting.
Il wouldn't say that, Pedro; put up
the weapon; you do not need it. ."
His reply was vindictive and deter
mined.
Il have sworn to kill Hercules, ani
l am going to do it J"
don't talk nonsense Pedro Give
me that gun and say YOU are only Jest.
ing, or L shall be obliged to arrest
you"
Pedro knew that he must yield to
Giiford's authority; he passed over the
gun, cunningly remarking as he did so:
"Pedro is no fool When he is in
earnest he keeps his own counsel"
Clifford, much relieved, replied:
Take my advice, and do nothing
that will lodge you in my quarters. "
With characteristic shrug of his
shoulders, the Mexican went into the
street. Sheriff Clifford was troubled
even after the assurance given him,
and he sought out Hercules, to warn
him to be on his guard in case of
treachery on Pedro's part. Around
corner came man of colossal height
and proportions. He was six feet five,
with shoulders straight and of great
breadth graceful. sinewy limbs head
finely formed and hair closely cropped.
A face that could wear fierce, cruel
look or kind and genial one, Just as
the heart throbbed to the mans untu.
tored nature or to his spasmodic fits Of
gentleness and humility. Because Of
his extraordinary size he was called
"Hercnles," and because Of his rowing
life, tho Ranger"
n He was walking along with a smile
|on his lips. Like Sheriff Clifford. he
felt tho exceeding beauty and splendor
Of tho morning, and thoughts generous
and noble prompted him to kindly
deeds. He had taken q sobbing child
Up In his strong arms and soothed it to
Quiet He had restored the fallen
bundle ofIn old woman. taken her to
hor homo, and rs he said good day."
slipped FIVE dollar bill into her
trembling hand. He had taken sa-
j loon keeper to task for selling liquor to
\ (el youth whose refined faoe spoke elo-
|quently Of childhood of Christian
EGraining. Tho lad told Hercules that
no had come "out West" and fallen into
,vil ways,
why not go homo again, young
Il ytor q
II "Can not do IL ; haven't got tho
money" was tho torso hopeless reply.
''ls that all ?" said Hercules. Here,
|atnke this purse and what 1t contains
| .hu coach Ia just leaving.
n Before tho boy could realize his good
fortune no was aboard aud oil for tho
East. Hercules sauntored on in tom
ler, thoughtful mood until ho Was
sccoatod by sheriff Clifford.
"dlad TO meet you, Hercules | do
not know whether this communication
has weight or not fodro, the tea,1'
ster. haa said that ho will kill you on
bight, or, At loagt, before sunset
INSTANTLY tho blood Of lloroales was
Ipn ilro hut hia tone was quot, aud
Ilho eheriff waa deceived by IL,
'iedro said that, did hop We'll, We
sball 500 u
Tbap ie pasned on. and In u lonely
,by street encountered Pedro. Before
the teamstsr could make u movement
Hercules said
"ilaads up. Benor Pedro r.