Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1896-08-27
CHAPTER VII.

In a former Cnapter II was salu tndt
Captain Brandon placed the utmost re-
lance in all but one Of his men, and to
this man he could not openly show his
suspicion. His name was Patch, and
he was employed at Omaha to drive one
of the mule teams Short, thickset and
bullet headed, Patch looked an ideal
prizefghter, an effect heightened by a
broken nose and the absence Of front
teeth Patch was very taciturn beyond
the professional swearing at his mules,
profanity being considered on the plains
as essential 10 the mules progress and
usefulness as harness. He rarely spoke,
and he never joined the people about
the campfire in the evenings.
His great delight was to sit ON the
wagon box and chew tobacco. He actu-
ally devoured great black slabs Of it.
From this perch ne would watch the
immigrants, or rather he would watch
one of them, Clara Blanchard He fol-
lowed her every movement with his red
trimmed eyes, and at times was so fasci-
mated as TO fall into a mesmeric state
and sleep ON the box all night.
Patch submitted to Captain Brandon's g
discipline. He had dread Of the tall
guide, and would have offered no re-
sistance had that person kicked him, but
behind this show of obedience the de-
based spirit was in revolt. He would
have deserted at once but for the fascina-
ton that kept him within the sight of
Clara Blanchard Through his dim
brain the thought crept. ''If l was to
help bust this outfit up, them Bouton
chaps mout let me have charge of her
like kinder reward.
While watching his mules that day
Patch discovered something which had
escaped the notice Of Captain Brandon
and which could not have been thought
Of by Bouton's party-viz, the river
on which the semicircular corral wall
abutted, was so shallow at the upper
part Of the camp and for many yards up
the river that it could be waded with
out reaching a depth above the knee,
and in this way the place could be sur
prised and taken in the rear. Patch
was ON guard the first half Of the
night, and it can be said that he was
too much absorbed in the contemplated
treachery to give any thought to the
duties or dangers of his position He
listened eagerly TO everything that YVES
said, and the instant he was relieved
he resolved to test the practicability Of
his own scheme. He succeeded in reach
ing the outlaw camp and was brought
before Bouton, who at once asked:
''Are there many more like yoa over
in that camp?"
''No, boss, there amt another one.
was mighty lonely over there, and that's
why left. -
''Lefty' repeated Bouton.
"Yes. Lit out. "
You're deserter, them"
'As full blowed and fresh one as
you ever clapped eyes ON, :" chuckled the
wretch. 81 can give you few wrinkles
that II "pen ynur eyes -
"Well, what are thays''
Patch lowered his voice to make his
words more impressive and confidential,
and then told Of his discovery and Of
fered to guide Bouton and his men.
But what if you are a spy and want
to lead us to destruction?" asked Bou-
ton, who in his heart felt that the
wretch was sincere in his villainy.
Couldn't you shoot me down at once
if you seed was givin you away?"
Bouton believed the renegade and
was resolved to try his plan at once.
Two hours Of daylight remained, time
sufficient to win and to have an hour to
spare
"One-haf Of the force viii be sufi-
cient, said Bouton. Get ready, men,
as / call your names. "
He was selecting his men when Black
Eagle sped in from the darkness and
stood gasping in their midst.
what is it, Black Eagle? Speak"
shouted Bouton, alarmed at the manner
of the young Shoshone.
Henry Kyle
What Of him?"
"Killed, we fear! Come, comel Cap
tain Brandon is back in the hillsp' And
Black Eagle waved his arms in the di-
rection from which he had come.
After Captain Brandon left the camp
-ostensibly to find the man who had
been firing at them all day, but really
10 spy out the enemy and to get good
idea Of their force and raise the siege If !
feasible by bold dash-he crept to the
summit Of the cliff and found the rifle
mans post deserted. From this vantage
ground he could count the men about
there and see exactly where the vedettes
were posted Satisfied with the sur
vey and resolved to lead dash on the
slHping outlaws, he started back to his
owrfsamp by a circuitous route that led
him farthest away from the enemy.
He had gone safely over half the dis
tance when he came to halt by hear
ing low voices near by. Captain Bran
don crouched down behind rock and
listened. The voices soon ceased, and he
could hear the light, quick step Of an