Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1896-12-04
THE TRAY OF DIAMONDS.
BY DEAN MATTHEWS.

Over the rough, broken bride path
which extends along the face of Blocker
Bluff, about halfway up tine side of the
gray rocks of the mountain, and few
hundred feet above the valley of the
Little Washita, there rode one evening
young fellow of medium build, in the
garb of cowboy.
The path along the verge, though I'M
even in its surface, was wide and safe,
SO the horseman advanced Ieisurely,
with no thought beyond the common
run of travellers reflections.
Trouble was awaiting him however.
He was just rounding sudden bend
in his course when his reverie was dis
turbed by the hoarse command:
"Hold hard thar. Ned Bruce, an
hands upl"
The cowboy knew enough about such
things to at once lift his hands skyward I;
then he leaned over and peered to the
left of his path, where, across the top of
gray bowlder, there rested the SHIN
merirg barrel of rife exactly on line
with his shirt bosom.
"Well, friend" inquired the traveller,
as his bronco stopped still, "what can
do for your"
Before the man with the rife had an
swered there stepped from behind an
other rock two more men, who advanced
toward the cowboy, and one of whom,
as his face became plainly exposed In
the white light of the moon, caused Ned
Bruce to tremble despite his efforts to
show no fear.
"Gabe Garyp he muttered, and he
was overheard by the other, who laughed
short and hard as he answered:
"You know me-"
Slightly" returned Bruce. "You are
best known as Pistol Gabe, the chief of
that crew of cut-throats who call them
selves the Rough and Readys."
The outlaw bowed.
"You flatter me he sneered. Then he
seemed to grow furious, his features as
Stunning the gloating. viltainous look of
wretch with foe in his power.
With one deft movement, while his
companion held the cowboy covered,
the bandit chief slipped Ned's weapons
from his belt and invited him to dis
mount.
ado you know, you miserable spy,
that Pm going to kill your" said the
outlaw freely, his bristling teeth show
Ing in a murderous smile.
al haven't the least doubt about 1t, an
swered the cowboy coolly, as he lowered
himself to the ground, where within
half minute the three men had his
hands bound at his back. And, indeed,
Ned Bruce knew within his heart that
the time had come for his last reckon
ing.
He had too long melted the enmity OF
this ruffian to hope for lenience. For a
number of months he had been endeav-
oring to bring about the capture of Pts
tol Gabe and his followers, making him.
self the leading member of bodies of
men with that purpose in view, posting
up notices of reward for information re.
garding the outlaws whereabouts, and
in short doing everything which could
not fail to attract the keenest displeas,
ure from the bandit leader. He had
met him but once, and had then pursued
him for miles through the hills ant
canyons until the wonderful feetness Of
the outlaws horse had carried him be
yond his reach.
Eyes, Bruce" now said Pistol Gabe, a,
the three outlaws formed a triangle
around their prisoner, "you have
crossed me once too often. CANNOT
afford to have person like you run
ming at large
The outlaw then held his watch where
the moonlight struck It.
"Half past eight" he said Eos
"Yov must be done " W. y WI
hand passes the sAoss