The Cook County herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Minn.) 1893-1909, 1897-07-10

admit it, although you are very cool
| about it-and I admire you for it. We
western men like true grit"
I am almost sure my captive chuck
led at this.
But watt" went on, delighted at
the sensation would make when the
men returned; "wait till the others get
here! Don Pedro, do you see that tree
out there? Watch it, for there you'll
swingv' =
My prisoner paled.
Look here, young fellowv' he said,
still keeping his arms elevated, "you
present decidedly warlike appearance
in that rig, and your actions are de-
cidedly unpleasant. Don't you think
you hadtbette let the joke drop?"
I was almost letting the rifle drop,
for it was very heavy, but I answered
that Golden Gulch miners did not con-
slider horse-stealing a joke, and gently
reminded him that the rifle was loaded.
My arms were beginning to ache.
Suppose the boys should not come
back that night, what should I do?
Just then heard the clatter of horses
hoofs on the hard rocky road. Nearer
and nearer came the sounds, and then
the whole party swept down the noun
tain and drew rein in front of the
cabin.
Father! Jack! Dick!' I shouted,
I've caught him! He's in here at the
mercy of my rifle!"'
"Who?" came the answer from with
out.
why. Don Pedro Gonzalez, the
horse-thief!' I said, as my father and
Jack Allen entered the cabin; "and
there he is!'
l lowered my rifle and looked at my
audience with beaming face. Father
and Jack looked at each other, then at
me in my warlike costume, then at my
prisoner and then-they burst out
laughing!
"Well, I'll be pinched!' cried Jack,
between laughs and roars. Look at
the togs the kids got onv'
"k1d!' l yelled Indignantly. els this
my reward for the terrible ordeal I
have just gone through"
ran from the cabin in a towering
rage to the rest of the party outside,
and saw man bound on horse and
guarded by Dick and Mr.. Rogers.
Get on to de kid in war clothes!"
cried Dick.
"Dick! I gasped, pointing to the
man on the horse "Is that Don Pedro
Gomalez?"
That's what he calls himself,' said
DICK, although his real name is plain
Jim Haddon, horse-thief and general
rooDer. We caught him half way across
the mountain on Mr.. Rogers horse.
we found Jacks gold dust on him,
and he confessed both crimes
Dick" Iscried, *'if that is Don Pedro
who is the man I've been holding at
the end of my rifle all evening?"
First I heard of it," said Dick, and
dragged him into the cabin.
BY this time my, Don Pedro had ex-
planned that his name was Donald
Smith and that he was sent to the
Gulch by large San Francisco mining
company to inspect and, perhaps, to
buy some claims. He had arrived that
evening, and finding the place deserted
had ventured into the first cabin he
found open. to be pounced upon by me.
You may imagine my feelings! Sup
pose Mr.. Smith should repeat some OF
my big western talk-the boys would
never quit guying me.
But he did not give me away, for
which I thank him with all my heart.
He only gave me a wink and asked
me if, being a backwoodsman, I had
ever heard of Davy Crockett's advice?
He said it was "Be sure you're right
then go ahead!" and I think it's good
advice, don't you?
Several miners sold out their claims
to the company that Mr.. Smith repre-
sented, and father finally did the same
for which was glad, for I have never
felt comfortable after the night cap
tured Don Pedro.