The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1896-10-05
SCOOPED.

1t was high noon in the Rockies. The
bright, scorching rays of the western
sun stole over the ragged edge of the
Coeur d'Alene range down into the
narrow valley below, where they light
ed on the head of solitary traveller,
tired and dust worn from his long jour
ney since daybreak Bob Long was not
accustomed to such jaunts as this-that
was evident. Yet in a measure he was
enjoying it. In any event, after coming
into Rocky Canyon for the privilege OF
''roughing it, he had no intention of
going back ON the venture at this stage
CT the game. A two weeks vacation,
during which he need not turn in line
of copy, did not come but once annual
~, and it was not to be wasted in back
ward chances. But he was tired, and the
little beast under him did not possess
the most restful of movements Then,
too, the road was lonely-fearfully So
Bob began to wonder how he had man
aged to miss all the camps, for he knew
he was in the heart of an extensive min
ing district. He kept travelling simply
because he could not be satisfied TO stop
until he had arrived at some definite
understanding with himself in regard
to his location. Now he was ell at sea-
The narrow trail wound around the
side of craggy mountain, then dipped
into the valley again. The elevation
disclosed to view an approaching horse
man riding with the ease of long prac-
tice Five minutes later the men halted
to exchange greetings.
Hello, strangerl Prospecting
"Well, yes, little. Prospecting fol
pleasure. F"
''Sorry to disappoint you, stranger,
but you won't find it IN these ere dig
gins. Rocky canyon don't produce
nothin but hard work and disappoint-
ment. Don't even roll out 'nough dust
to keep feIler in chawin tobaccer !
can testify to that. Been here goise on
three year now.
Bob looked incredulOus.
''Your report doesn't agree with the
rumors that find their way out of this
canyon. -
Fact, jest the same. Mighty poor
place fer a stranger to locate. -
Bob began to surmise his presence
was not desired in Rocky Canyon by
this experienced inhabitant.
How far is it to the nearest mining
camps he asked.
Jack Doolan's is down there spell.
But I'd advise you to keep out O Jacks
camp fer the time bein. Teller murdered
there this mornin, and there's mighty
warm reception waitin fer any stranger
that happens to turn up durin the next
three days. Better give 'em a chance to
cool off little. -
Bob's reportorial instincts took
lively turn.
''Who was he?'' he asked.
Jim Smith -
MAN of any prominence?''
"You bet he was. Owned half the
claim -
"Wealthy?'
Somewhat" meaningly.
"Who killed him?''
That's what they're tryin to find
out down to jacks
what induced the act?''
Cant tell you any more. Jest advise
you to keep clear o Jack Doolan's till
some other cur us fool S paid the penalty
Good day, stranger.
But Bob was not to be frightened into
abandoning his trip. Besides, here was
a scoop for The Meteor, and the value
of scoop to that enterprising sheet was
not to be ignored. Bob resolved to go
on and trust to luck and his own adroit-
ness to save his neck. The stranger had
shown too much anxiety for his peaceful
departure for him to give full credence
to the story, and before Bob had ridden
mile he had thoroughly convinced
himself that he had conversed with the
real murderer provided that the whole
thing was not fake, and that by con-
tinuing his journey he would be the
means of the capture and punishment of
the escaping criminal.
Another mile and he came to a camp.
That part of the travellers information
was correct at least, and inquiry quick
ly proved that it was Jack DooIan's.
Contrary to his expectations, Bob met
with a hospitable reception without
any suggestion of suspicion. True Jim
Smith was murdered there that morn
ing, but Jim Smiths murderer had al
ready been apprehended, and, from the
bootless feet Boo discovered dangling
in the breeze back of the camp, had evil
IDENTIFY met with lofty treatment At
any rate, some one had paid the penal
ty, and Bob had nothing to fear.
1t made a great story for The Meteor.
Being on the ground, Bob got all the
details, and they needed no embellish-
ing. He did not rest until he had the
story on the wires, though it necessitat-
ed an extra ten miles on horseback to
Jimtown, the nearest telegraph station.
But The Meteor appreciated it, and that
was sufficient
The next day Bob returned to Jack