Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1896-05-29

little settlements and mining cam; S.
The hOrseman took a rapid but close
survey of the landscape before he de-
scanded from the hills
"Yonder are the New Era mining
camps" he murmured. at is hero that
expect to find Dyke Despard. For two
days have traced him, and have rea-
son to believe that DantOn, his accom-
plice, is to meet him there and divide
their plunder and leave the country. He
certainly will not recognize me in this
disguise. He shall not e:cape me. lie
shall be punished for his many crimes.
He shall tell me where l can find the
woman | loye-IneZ Tracey"
1t was Darrcl Grey who spoke, but
not. in prOpra persona, as the reader
first saw him.
lie was e'abOrate}y disguised and in
nowise reSembled the young scout who
had rescued lnez Tracey the eventful
night at Ten Spot when our story
opened.
His disguise and appearance in tho
district described may be briefly eX-
planned
When he had been set free by Shadow
Snake at the outlaws stronghold IN
Lone Canyon, he had. as directed, gone
at once to Miners Gulch.
lie knew that it would be dangerous
and useless to attempt to find lnel or
the scout with the hostile tribes around
him. His return to the Gulch was not,
tn refore, letreat, but forced hight
for safety.
Once arrived there, he arou cd tho
natives by relating all the exciting
events of the preceding few days. The
result was that a score OF determined
men set out the next day to rescue ter
imperi cd companion, Ranger Ralph.
Not trace of the scOu, lncz, the old
hermit, or the Indian princess could be
found.
The Modocs had returned to their usual
camp, where they were so numerous
that journey thither woad be useless
The bandits had been dispersed or
killed, and the disappointed Darrel could
learn nothing of Dcspard or the sur
viving members of the land.
All the parties to the recent plot OF
the desperate had mysteriouSly and
strangely disappeared.
Utterly dSpirited the young scout re-
turned to Miners Gulch.
lie had no means Of knowing whether
Inez Tracey was prisoner in the hands
of the ModocS or was the captive OF
Despard lie inclined to the latter be-
lief, however, and at last determined to
act upon it.
Assuming that Desparl had escaped,
he resolved to gain trace Of his where
aboutS if possible. 1t was for this rea-
son, knowing the WHY foe with whom he
had to deal, that he disguised himself.
He visited Lone Canyon, found tho
tavern in ruins, and the bandit strong
hold entirely deserted. Thence he went
south, visiting all the many mining
camps along Pueblo River.
He pretended to be prospector, but
kept a sharp lookout for some OF the
escaped outlaws
Finally. one day, he mot at tavern
man whom he recognized as a former
member of Despard's band. From him
he deftly learned that Despard and Dan
ton had eScared the MOdOcs They
were to meet at Dead Mans Gully in a
| few days. Despard was in hiding and
| DantOn had gone after some hidden
| treasure.
That afternoon Darrell arrived at the
| gully, whore a tavern that was gen
eral center for the miners was located
| Darrell announced to the landlord that
he intended to remain for several days,
and secured a room at the tavern
That night and all the next day he
haunted the bar-room Of the place,
keeping sharp lookout for DeSpard
He made many guarded inquiries a to
| the outlaw, but could learn nothing def
| mite concerning him.
The next evening, however, an EPISODE
occurred which indicated that his ehortS
to locate Despard were destined TO DC
| rewarded with success at last.
1t was Just afles dusk, and he was
seated in chair near the BAR wnen
stranger entered the pace.
The others in the room, engrossed in
card playing and drinking, did not no.
tice him, and rarrcl himself only b.
slowed a passing glance at him. The
stranger bore small sachel in his hand
and wore a heavy sOmbrerO that effect
ually shadowed his bearded face.
lie addressed the landlord in a low
tone The moment he spoke Darrel
started VIC entity
"Danton." he breathed, excitedly
lie had instantly recognized the voice.
He controlled his emotions, however,
and listened intently
"Are You the landlOrd?" asked the
disguised DantOn.
"Ies"
81 was to meet friend here"
"What is his name?"
"FuortadO."
"a MeXican?"
"Yes"
"There's no one here Of that name, "
said the landlord,
~Then he hasn't come yet I'll wait
for him. Can you give me a room?"
"YeS"
nanton paced a coin on the counter
"And send FuertadO to me when he
comes
"All right"
DantOn was ed to an apartment in the
rear of the bar-room by the landlord.
Darrel Grey was kecnly excited. Ho
walked out into the open air and re.
| Aectcd deeply. His enemies were near
| ly in his power
The disguised stranger was certainly
DantOn. The man Fuertado he had
named was undoubtedly Dyke Despard.
"What had | better dO?" he mused
Darrell formed quick resolution. lie
had made the acquaintance Of one of the
principal men of the place the day pre-
vious, and mad impressed h m iavorably'
His name was Brown, and he was an eX-
oflicio Sheriff of the district
Darre hastened at once to the cabin
where he lived. Briefly he related the
true object of his visit to Dead Mans
| Gully. The Sheriff listened interested
ly He had heard Of Dcspard, and evil
IDENTIFY bore him no friendly feelings
"You want me to help yOu?" he said.
"YeS," replied Darre.
q A,,I l,o N ~