The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1896-09-25
SCOOPED.

sun stole over the ragged edge of the
C9ur d'Alene range down into the
narrow valley below, where they light
ed OH the head of solitary traveller,
tired and dust worn from his long jour
ney since daybreak. Bob Long was not
accustomed to such jaunts as this-that
was evident. Yet in a measure he was
enjoying il. In any event, after coming
into Rocky Canyon for the privilege OF
"roughing it," 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 i'll line
of copy, did not come but once annual
", and it was not To be wasted i'll back
ward glances. But he was tired, and the
little beast under him did not possess
the most restful of movements. Then,
too, the road was louely-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 All 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 craggy mountain, then dipped
into the valley again. The elevation
disclosed to view an approaching horse
man riding with the ease of long prac-
tice. Five minutes later the men halted
to exchange greetings
Hello, stranger! Prospcctin?"
"well. yes, little. Prospecting foi
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-
mcnt. Don't even roll out 'nough dust
TO keep Teller in chawin tobaccer.
can testify to that. Been here goin on
three year now. y
| Bob looked incredulous.
| Your report doesn't agree with the
rumors 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
was not desired in Rocky Canyon by
this experienced inhabitant.
How far is it to the nearest mining
camp" he asked.
Jack Doolan's is down there spell.
But I'd advise you to keep out o Jacks
camp fer the time bein. Teller 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 'em chance to
cool of little.
Bob's reportorial instincts took a
lively turn.
"Who was he?" 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 find
out down to Jacks.
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 s paid the penalty.
Good day, stranger.
But Bob was not to be frightened into
abandoning his trip. Besides, here was
a scoop for The Meteor, and the value
of scoop to that enterprising sheet was
not to be ignored. Bob resolved to &c
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
10 the story, and before Bob had ridden
mile he had thoroughly convinced
himself that he had conversed with the
real murderer provided that the whole
thing was not fake, and that by con
tinuing his journey he would be the
means of the capture and punishment OF
the escaping criminal.
Another mile and he came to camp
That part Of the travellers information
was correct at least, and inquiry quick
,, " proved that it was Jack Doolan's
' Contrary to his expectations, Bob me-
. with a hospitable reception withou
any suggestion Of suspicion. True, jim
: Smith was murdered there that morn
: ing, but Jim Smiths murderer had al
ready been apprehended, and, from the
bootless feet Bob discovered dangling
. in the breeze back Of the camp, had evi
IDENTIFY met with lofty treatment A
any rate, some one had paid the penal
ty, and Bob had nothing to fear.
It made great story for The Meteor
Being OH the ground, Bob got all thu
details, and they needed no embellish
ing. He did not rest until he had thu
: story ON the wires, though il necessitat
|, ed an extra ten miles ON horseback T.
Jimtown, the nearest telegraph station
But The Meteor appreciated it, and tina
was sufficient.
The next day Bob returned to Jacl
Doolan's. prepared to continue his va
,stion that had been so suddenly inter
4 rupted. He had hardly entered TN
4 Camp. however, when the man who ha
e given him the main facts in the murde
otory called him aside.
y Say, stranger, do you want anothe
. story? Since you're in the biz you Nigh
4 ms well have all that's goin, and there
cussed lot of il round these diggin'
lest at present. We're suspicionin, JAG
and me, that thay's n gang o. counter
Q feiters back in the mountains some err
6 You know that Teller you met ON III
road yesterdays Well, he's one o 'en
Q err miss my guess. He didn't want 20
}. mp here. Mistook you fer governmel
ahsn Seef"