The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1896-08-05
SCOOPED.


sun stole over the ragged edge Of the
C0ur d'Alene range down into the
narrow valley below, where they light
ed on 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 it. 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 in a line
Of copy, did not come but once annual
1y, and it was not to be wasted in back
ward glances. But he was tired, AID the
little beast under him did not possess
the most restful of movements. Then,
too, the road was 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 craggy mountain, then dipped
into tho 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! Prospectin?'
"Well, yes, 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 out 'nough dust
to keep Teller in chawin tobaccer. I
can testify to that. Been here goin on
three year now"
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
pluC6 leT u stranger W lOCdUt
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 off q little"
Bob's reportorial instincts took a
lively turn.
"Who was he?' be asked.
Jim Smith"
MAN of any prominence?"
"You bet he was. Owned half the
claim ~
Wealthy"
Somewhat, -" meaningly.
"Who killed hiu?"
"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 FOOLS paid the penalty.
Good day, stranger.
But Bob was not to be frightened into
abandoning his trip. Besides, here was
a scoop for Tho Meteor, and the value
Of scoop to that enterprising sheet was
not to be ignored. Bob resolved to go
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
milo 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.
timing his journey he would be the |
means Of the capture and punishment OF
the escaping criminal.
Another mile and he came to q camp.
That part Of the travellers information
was correct at least, and inquiry quick.
ly proved that it was Jack Doolan's.
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 unprecedented, and, from the
bootless feet Bob discovered dangling
in the breeze back Of the camp, had evi.
IDENTIFY met with lofty treatment. At
anv rate some ona had maid the penal.