Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1896-09-18
SCOOPED.


bright. scorohing rays Of the western
sun stole over the ragged edge Of the
Occur d'Alene range down into the
marrow valley below, where they light
ed on the hend of solitary traveller,
tired and dust worn from his long jour
ney since dnybreak. Bob Long was not
accustomed to such jaunts az this-that
was evident Yet in measure he was
enjoying il. In any event, after coming
into Rocky Canyon for tho 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 line
of copy, did not come but once annual.
ly, and II was not to be wasted In back
ward glanccs. But he was tired, and tho
little beast under him did not possess
the most restful Of movements. Then,
too. the road was lonely--fearfully 30.
Bob began to wonder how no had man
aged to miss all the camps, for he know
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 no was all ut sea.
The narrow trail wound around the
side of u craggy mountain, then dipped
into tho valley again. The elevation
disclosed to view nm approaching horse
man riding with the ease Of long prac-
tice. Five minutes later the men halted
to exchange greetings.
Hello, stringent Prospecting
swell. yes, little. Prospecting foi
pleasure.
sorry to disappoint you, stranger,
but you won't find 1t 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 Teller in chawin tobaccer. /
can testify to that Been here goin on
three year now. F."
Bob looked incredulous.
"Your report doesn't agree with the
runners that find their way out Of this
canyon.
Fact. jest the same. Mighty poor
place fer u 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
Campo he usked
Jack Doolan'9 is down there spell.
But ] d adyiFc you to keep out o Jacks
camp fer the tirc bcin. Fellor murdered
there this mornin, and there's mighty
warm reception wnitin fer any stranger
that happens 70 turn up durin the next
three days. Better give 'em IA chance to
cool off II little "
Bobs rcportoriaI instincts took u
lively turn.
"Who was hep" he asked
"Jim Smith.
Man of any prominence"
"Yon bet he was. Owned half the
claim.
Wealthy
Somewhat, ncaningly.
"Who killed him.
"That's what they're tryin to find
out down to Jnck's "
"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 & paid the penalty.
Good day, stranger.
But Bob was not to be frightened into
abandoning his trip. Besides, here was
scoop for The Meteor. and the value
OF "A scoop to that enterprising sheet was
not to he ignored. Bob resolved to 20
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
himEelf that he had conversed with the
real murderer provided that the whole
thing was not n fake, and that by con
tinuing his journey he would DO 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 Doolan'B.
Contrary to his expectations, Bob met
with hospitable reception without
any suggestion of suspicion. True, Jim
Smith was murdered there that morn
ing, but Jim Smiths murderer had al
ready been apprchcnded, and, from the
bootless feet Bob discovered dangling
in the breeze back Of the camp. had evi-
IDENTIFY met with lofty treatment. At
any rate. some one had paid the penal
ty, and Bob had nothing to fear.
1t made 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 thouUh il neceAaitat.