Elmore bulletin. [volume] (Rocky Bar, Idaho) 1889-1906, 1893-06-03

A few hundred yards above she headed
her for low bank on the side nearest 10
the highway. A moment later she had
the horse safe behind friendly screen
of small trees.
Hastily tying the halter to a sapling
she stole cautiously through the under.
brush to point near the spot where she
had last seen the men.
They were still there, but evidently
contemplated move of some sort
Mentally Kate made note of two facts.
the frs; Of which was that both men
were yillainous looking specimens of hn-
manity; secondly. their horses were reek-
ing with sweat and apparently much ex-
hausted
Leaving the animals to feed by the
wayside. the two presently crossed the
road and struck into IA path leading
down to the brook, one of them point
ing with his rattlesnake whip to Saomis
footprints in the black soil
Katie heard her name pronounced by
the most savage looking one, and mo
ment later the scoundrel passed by.
scarcely three feet from her place o.
concealment. Within easy reach Of the
coveted treasure. he was, luckily for
Katie. unconscious Of the fact With
his heavy whip he struck an ugly little
blow at the identical bush through
which bright eyes were peering. For
moment, as the little girl afterward ad-
mitted. she was almost afraid"
On her hands and knees she crept back
a short distance. ruefully mindful Of the
fact that numerous sharp stubs and roots
were running her Sunday gown. When
far enough away she arose to her feet
and fed back TO Naomi with the speed
of q hunted deer. christening her,
Kate started to lead her toward the road,
though she knew not what obstacles
might intervene, the thick growth of
young trees rendering il impossible for
the eye to penetrate many yards in ad.
vance.
They were almost out; SO near, in fact,
that some oddly twisted birches, which
Kate remembered to have observed grow
ing upon the opposite side of the track,
were in fun view, when horse and leader
were both brought to sudden halt.
A huge fallen tree lay directly in front
OF them. shutting off all hope of escape
In that direction. On one side the
gnarled, earth covered roots of another
prostrate monarch Of the forest present
ed an equally formidable barrier, and at
her right lay many dead branches, the
cracking of which would inevitably be
tray her presence to the human blood
hounds SO close upon her track. Poor
Katiel
! In moment Katie felt great, glad
thrill Of hope springing up within her
heart. Instantly she resolved to mount
Naomi and make bold dash through
the brush at all hazards. Accordingly
she climbed to seat in the saddle pre-
paratory to making the attempt.
Naomi, however, was an intelligent
brute and had no notion of running the
gauntlet in such reckless manner To
katies surprise she obstinately refused
to advance a hairs breadth in the di-
rection her mistress desired. but. instead,
commenced backing off Being taller
than Kate. it may be that she had made
discovery which the girl certainly had
not. |. g., that a pair of extremely fierce
black eyes in that quarter were watch
ing every movement with sinister in.
terest.
A few PAGES back the mare stopped;
then started rapidly forward and, almost
before Kate comprehended what she was
Ebout sufficiently to tighten her hold.
the horse went over the gigantic log with
something of the agility of kitten. her
hind feet sending out 4 ringing echo as
they struck against the hard wood
"Bravor cried our heroine. forgetting
prudence in her admiration.
A loud shout. followed by hoarse inn
precation, instantly gave her 10 under
stand that her whereabouts had been
discovered, However. the way before
her was clear enough now. Naomi swept
out into the track and galloped away at
breakneck pace.
For the life of her Katie could not have
refrained from sending back triumph
ant little huLzah to the discounted rascal
who stood watching his prey thus make
her escape.
His reply was a bullet, which went
whizzing by her head 80 close that she
felt the breeze 1t created in passing.
The other man. warned by his confeder.
ate, came running up. and hastily
mounting their horses. both started in
hot pursuit. But those weary steeds
were no match for Naomi, who, fresh
from her incoming. appeared to exult in
the wild race she was leading.
For mile or two the chase was kept
mp, but curses and flying shots proving
alike Intellectual in recalling the brave
little maiden. they at length turned theil
horses in an opposite direction and rod,
sullenly back, and were seen no more in
those parts until some months later
when Nemesis hunted them down on
charge of horse stealing. which wa
proven against them. So far rs tn,
writer knows they are still under govern
ment surveillance, and likely 10 be 8,
: for some years TO come.
Without further adventure Kati,
reached Rydal. and had the satisfaction
of seeing old Mr.. Steinfelt in possession
Of his money.
The sheriff of the county, who was
friend Of Mr.. Tynedale. accompanied
her upon her return.
In spite of being an accomplished
equestrian, our young friend nowaday
never ventured upon such long journey
: unattended.
, The Tynedale family and their friend
are still disposed 20 lionize her in conse
: auence Of the episode above narrated
but Katie modestly waves all claim 4