The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1897-08-14

Yes, says Jim, 1t may ne that the
brook flows from the SOUTH"
Then we might have chosen much
shorter way
Possibly, but it would have been q
rocky road. Trust me. J. know this
country"
They now enter narrow gorge, and
in a few moments small tent, piles OF
sand and a. pit meet the surgeons
gaze. Some rough-looking men sit
there.
Are those your comrades?"
Yes, Doctor"
They don't seem to be very busy
We'll, you know, Doctor, when there's
sickness in the family it interferes with
business.
rs the injured man in the tent?"
mo; there was no room for him, so
we rugged up sort OF hospital, which
l think you will admire"
They both dismount.
What's the news, jack" asks Jim.
"Oh, nothing special" answers the
man addressed. "A couple of deputy
sheriffs. came along and asked for our
permits to dig. OF course it was all
right.
did they ask any questions?"
They wanted to know whether we
had seen anything OF Black Sam and
his gang. We told them that no sus-
picious characters had made their ap-
pearance.
And then they went OFF,"
Yes; they were bound West-they
said to the Colorado reservation"
well, then we sha' see them again
for while. Where's the rest OF the
boys2"
Billy Is with him. Tom, Bob and
Ned have gone to Henderson's ranch
to buy beef. Our grub is running low"
Brannard begins to show signs of i'm
patience.
Eyes, yes, Doctor, cries Jim; there's
just q little formality to be observed
here. You must be blindfolded.
Are you mad? shall not consent.
Come, Doctor; be reasonable, urges
Jim; there's big secret at the bottom
Of this"
Il don't like your actions" cries the
surgeon. II shall have nothing to do
with you.
Don't be foolish. You must do your
duty"
AS things have turned out, I re.
fuse!"
"Then we shall force you," and as
Jim mods to his comrades, they draw
their pistols and level them at the sur.
geon's head. will you do what you
have been brought to do?" inquiries Jim,
in an angry tone, cor would you prefer
to be bulleted?"
Naturally, l prefer the former. But
what's the necessity Of blindfolding
me?"
We'll, you see, we have discovered
very rich mine, and We don't want you
to know the entrance to it."
Once blindfolded, the men lead Bran
nard here and there for few moments,
and then suddenly make for a definite
point. A chllliness, as If in some un-
derground place, is at once noticeable.
The trickling Of water reaches his
ears. Jim, who is carrying his wallet,
and leading him by the hand, calls out
"'Stoop down-stoop down." And then,
after a moment, Brannard feels the
band loosened from his eyes and hears
Jim say: Here we are, Doctor!"
The unwilling visitor finds him self in
roomy, cave-like place, lighted by two
lanterns. In one conner lie number
Of small, strong packing boxes and
leather sacks, such as are used to
transport gold ore. In another the man
with the broken leg is stretched out on
rude couch He is q rough-looking
fellow, with black beard, hair and pale
face.
Without doubt" thinks Brannard
to himself, this. is Black Sam, and
have tumbled into nice nest Of ban.
dts"
It was in truth Black Sam, the famous
robber, once a tavern-keeper at Fort
Worth.
Here's the doctor, says Jim to his
leader, to whom he then whispers few
words.
Step this way" is the injured mans
reply. 80 You know who ann"
Il do not"
Then so much the better for you. ;
Come, set my leg for me-.
The task accomplished, Brannard
thus addresses his patient: Everything
is now in order. You must lie still a
few weeks. until the bones knit. And
now that l have done my part, I ask
to be let co."
You've got to stay here for tho
present, Doctor.
Impossible! My friends ct tho
They must get on without YOU"
How long shall you keep me here?"
Until l can walk. That's for
safety"
And must be kept prisoner here for
six long weeks?" cries Brannard, beside
himself.
why not?" replies Sam. calmly.
iii pay you-well, say q thousand dol
lars We've plenty Of the stuff.
II will accept none Of your stolen
gold" cries Brannard, pointing 10 tho
boxes and sacks.
Don't talk nonsense Doctor. A
thousand dollars in your wallet is bet
ter than bullet in your head" Tho
surgeon was silent. "Come, decided"
Il yield to brute force"
you've got good sense"
"A searching party will 30 sent out