Alpena argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1893-1909, 1893-06-07

the young cottonwood bushes,
Webb Mcclure saw what had at
tracted his companions attention.
Two large covered wagons, with "a
drove of cattle coming on behind,
were moving slowly along over the
prairie, only short distance from
their place of concealment.
There was a tall man, with long
jet black hair, riding a fine black
horse alongside of the wagon in the
lead. He seemed to be earnestly
engaged in conversation with the
driver.
A low whistle fell from Bob
Fulton's lips.
Webb gazed at him in great sur
prise. What did he mean?
did you notice that fellow rid
ing by the head wagonp"
Yes said Webb, wondering at
Fulton's excitement.
Did you recognize him."
NO." returned Webb. II didn't
see his face"
III did, and it was Black Nat
HIMSELF" was the thrilling declar-
alton.
"Black Nat Can it be posi-
ble?"
"Yes; | can't be mistaken, for |
saw him several times at Oklaho-
ma City before he began the bust
ness he's now in. Then | saw him
once afterwards at our settlement,
said Bob.
"What can be his game now
with those movers?" asked Webb,
as they continued their watch.
II don't know, but I've an idea
he's acting as guide to those NOV
ers, and is leading them into a trap
where he can rob them of their
stock. A sort of false guide, you
know"
"Seer' cried Webb. HIS riding
away now," and he pointed toward
the man on the black, spirited horse,
as he galloped off. The movers
kept on IN the same direction taken
by Black Nat.
"I'll tell you, Webb; I'll ride at =
ter Black Nat, keep a sharp eye Oh
him, while you ride after the
wagons and learn all you can
about Them" said Fulton.
"All right" said the boy; I've
never served as scout, but | suppose
| can try"
That's good. I'll watch the
movements of that hend and meet
you at those cottonwoods over
yonder in an hour or two at the
longest.
So saying, Fulton skirted along
the edge of the woods, keeping an
eye on Black Nat.
When che black horse had dis
appeared beyond a hill, and Webb
was sure he would not be observed
by the william, he rode boldly out
on the prairie in pursuit of the
movers.
As he drew near enough he
could see that the cattle were driv-
ell by a little girl of nine or ten
who rode an old pony. The first
wagon was dawn by a span of ex-
cellent mules and driven by a man
but the second one, drawn by a
pair of pretty bay horses, was driv-
ell by a woman, evidently the mans
wife. Some rather travel stained
urchins were peering out from UNI
der the wagon-cover, as he rode up
and greeted the man.
whats your name, and where
are you bound, stranger" asked
Webb, feeling his way.
James Carey, and I'm bound fol
Oklahoma, young sir" replied the
man, evidently taking Webb for
some young sprig who had better
be at home with his mother.
"Oh, you are! If you hadn't
told me, | might have thought
you were going to No-Man STAND
seeing you are headed that way
carlessly answered Webb.
You're surely mistaken, for !
was overtaken by a man who is
very familiar with Oklahoma, and
he said to follow him and he'd lead
me right to the settlement where
want to go.
"Was that the man who rode of
a little while ago?"
Eyes; do you know him?'
Very we'll from reputation"
Isn't he reliable man,
"Yes, in a way" said Webb
smiling. you can rely on his
stealing all the stock he can get
his hands on"
The man laughed, and remarked
on the fellows agreeable manners.
YES" said Webb, "he has nice,
manners and knows how to play it
on a tenderfoot.
Likely, but how am | to know
you are any better than the man
you are defaming?" asked Carey,
shrewdly.
Just ask anybody in Red Rock
Valley settlement the difference be-
tween Webb Mcclure aud Black
Nat" answered the boy.
"Red Rock Valleyp" cried the
traveller, showing sudden interest.
"That's where | want to CO.
Are you from there?
III live there :"
Maybe you know Pete Mullen