Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-12-21
CHAPTER VII.

once" said Hank Dawson.
His face was stern. The men nearest
him. and who lived near at hand, who
wore not compelled to accompany their
lady friends or re atiyeS home, volun'
teered to assist him in clearing up what
promised to be the greatest sensation In
the county. IT.,
They stood looking at the horse, which
moved his head back and forward lii
restless manner
"Dad, this horse has been abused"
1t was Clubs voice.
"See-here are marks. You can see
them. And you can feel the Jumps Oh
him. Some brute has kicked or beat
him. 'Tain't likely as Dan Bash would
ever do that"
~No. I never scon man who was
kinder with all animals" said Hank,
quickly. "Youre right, Club. Here,
gentlemen. you can see and feel for your
selves"
The crowd examined the horse care
fully. There was just enough light le1t
to see the marks.
"It's a dern shame" said Eli Potts, the
landlord of the tavern at the corners,
who was always on hand at wedding
or funeral, "cos they brought folks TO-
gether."
Eli's opinion was heartily indOrsed by
the crowd.
The horse was Quivering with excite.
ment, He put his nose in Chubs hand
eagerly A human being craving sym.
pathy couldn't have expressed hlmseil
nlainer than Dan Bash's horse. And yet
Dan had only had the animal two weeks:
To be sure, he had borrowed the loan OF
the beautiful gray; he knew its temper
and disposition, but he had not invested
in the gray until he was sure OF the
school. Then he purchased the horse as
an investment He had said to the
blacksmith and his affianced that ne
would double his money on the young
gray. .,
she suddenly gave way to her tears when
the women were all gone and she was
hanging over Dams horse.
"I was lust thinking. He built so much
on this horse, dad"
eyes, he did And a mighty g0od
Judge of horses Dan was.
"Don't say was, father, don't"
"I mean is. Who knows but he's all
right"
%Well. we must go and see" said Club.
@Wholl 90 to where he put up? Wed
best divide-there's no telling which way
he come"
"That's fact"
The men whispered. Half of the force
that volunteered to search for the rider
| of the horse were in their saddles now.
A man with forethought rare brought
=, 1 10 Axy NJ ~ 4
mount. Another brought Hank Daw-
sons.
"This is an ugly business, I'm afeared, !"
said Hank Dawson as he mounted his
big roam, good traveller.
"Father, if the crowd will so to Dan $
house, and If they don't find any word or
him, divide and go round by the bottom
of the big road. I'll take lot with me,
and We'll scatter among the big pines.
That's the way to cover the most ground
at once. And whoever finds him will
take him to the nearest place-here, or
back to mis- stopping place.
All agreed that ChEb's suggestion was
timely, the very best thing that could be
done
The crowd separated immediately, af-
ter providing themselves with material
| to strike lights, and prosecute the search
thoroughly in the forest.
The search was conducted with vigor
and spirit. Four different parties pushed
in different directions toward the house
where Dan Bash had made his home.
They cried aloud at intervals, listen
ing for the response that never came.
| They peered into underground, hred
| pistols crossed and recrossed rarely
travelled paths, but no sign did they dis
cover Of the missing bridegroom.
An hour later gloomy crowd assem-
! bled at the house where Dan had made
/ his home since he assumed charge or tne
school.
The men talked in low tones; each
had his own idea, but they did lot speak
out boldly. The first man to express
! himself clearly and boldly was Hank
! Dawson.
Gentlemen, it looks like wastin time
to look further. OF course, I'm goin' to
look on the road home again. Any one
that wants to can go with me. don't
expect any one, tho. Seems lost time
Half a dozen volunteered on the in
slant.
[ Thanks, gentlemen. I'm O6leeged
t ye. It's powerful sight O. trouble
but one good turn deserves another.
You all know you can count on me-.
Club"
"Well, father?"
In was a remarkable thng-every one
remarked it-that Club never said