Western liberal. (Lordsburg, N.M.) 1887-1919, 1896-09-18
SCOOPED.

II was high noon I'm the Rockies. Tho
bright. scorching rays Of the western
sun stole Over the ragged edge Of the
Ceur d'Alene range down into the
narrow valley below, where they light
ed on the head Of q solitary traveller,
tired and dust worn from his long jour
ney since daybreak. Bob Long was not
accustomed TO such jAunts as this-that
wa evident Yet in a measure he was
enjoying il. In any event, after coming
into Rocky Canyon for the privilege Of
''roughing II, " he had no intention Of
going back on the venture at this stage
of the game. A two weeks vacation,
during which he need not turn in q line
Of copy, did not come but once annual
~, and it was not TO be wasted III back
ward chances. But he was tired, and the
little beast under him did not possess
the most restful of movements. Then,
too, tho road wal 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 all at sea.
The narrow trail wound around the
side Of n craggy mountain, then dipped
into the valley again. The elevation
disclosed to view an approaching horse
man riding with the ease of long prRc-
tice. Five minutes later the men halted
to exchange greetings.
Hello, strangerl Prospectin?"
We'll. yes, q little. Prospecting fol
pleasure"
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 ont 'nough dust
10 keep q Teller in chawin tobaccer. !
can testify to that Been here goin on
three year now.
Bob looked incredulous.
Your report doesn't agree with the
Tumors 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
wal not desired in Rocky Canyon by
this experienced inhabitant.
How far is it to the nearest mining
campi" he asked.
Jack Doolan's is down there a spell.
But I'd advise you to keep out o. Jacks
camp fer the time bein. Fellor murdered
there this mornin, and there's a mighty
warm reception waitin fer any stranger
that happens TO turn up durin the next
three days. Better give EN- a chance to
cool on q little"
Bob's reportorial instincts took a
lively turn.
who wal her" 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 fine
cut down to Jack'A"
what induced the act7"
Cant tell you any more. Jest advis,
you to keep clear o. Jack Doolan's til
some other GURUS FOOLS paid the penalty.
Good day, stranger"
But Bob was not to be frightened intC
Abandoning his trip. Besides. here wal
Aacoop for The Meteor, and tho value
q . scoop 10 that enterprising sheet wa
not 10 be ignored Bob resolved TO q
on and tEust to luck and his own adroit
ness 10 ave his neck. The stranger haC
shown 100 much anxiety for his peaceful
departure for him 10 give full credenc'
20 the story, and before Bob had riddeI
. mile no had thoroughly convinced
himself that he had conversed with TIN
real murderer provided that the Who'll,
thing wa not q fake, and that by con
tinuing his journey he would be tn
means OF the capture and punishment o
the escaping criminal.
Another mile and he came TO a camp
That part Of the travellers information
Wa correct at least, and inquiry quick
~ proved hat il was Jack Doolan's
Contrary to his expectations, Bob me
with y h~c0pitable reception withou
any suggestion Of suspicion. True, jim
Smith wa murdered there that morn
Ing. but Jim Smiths murderer had al
ready been Apprehended, and, from tn
bottles feet Bob discovered dangling
In the brosss back f the camp. had eYi
IDENTIFY met with lofty treatment. A
any rata. some one bad paid the penal
y, and Bob had nothing 10 fear.
IL made = great story for The Meteor
Bofng ON the ground. Bob got all tn
detailS and they needed no embellish
ing He did not rest until he had tn
story % tie wires though IL neoessitat
ca an aEtsa TN miles on horseback Il
Jimt0HA. tka nsareSt telegraph station
Bat Tho Meteor Appreciated it, and tina
No nmoienk
The next day Bob rstuFned 10 JaCl