Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1897-11-25

jured up fell TAR
short of what did happen.
Don is tall, 1.-the, athletic Young
fellow, always willing to give hours of
hard work toward mastering any new
trick on his wheel, while have always
put in all my leisure time in trying to
cover as much ground in as straight
forward manner as possible.
AS we turned our backs on Kansas,
and our faces toward that land Of pos
sible adventure, the Strip said to my
companion:
Now, Don, there is to be no fancy
riding"
mot bit, old slow-coach," he an
swered merrily, unless you give the
word"
And smiled as the wheels hummed
over the hard dirt road, for would be
the last to suggest fancy riding, as
have no desire that the one with whom
ride shall attract the whole attention
OF every passer-by, whether it be a
pretty girl or comely matron, and as
long as two ride along in an even man.
ner the chance exchanges from bright
eyes are more likely to be impartially
distributed.
We had but crossed the line into the
Strip when we learned that the cele-
brated outlaw, Dock Denneth, had been
captured, and was then confined at the
county seat of X county.
You will understand that we were
but idlers along the way, with no de-
sire to lean far forward and "scorch"
along; but rather lettering in our
movements and seeking all plausible
excuse for lingering along the road in
the bright but cool sunshine of the
spring. Thus it was that we were the
recipients of all the gossip of the road.
and in this way, too, we found out
that there was to be an attempted res
cue of the outlaw.
AS we neared the county town of X
county, on the evening of the third day
of our outing, we were more than once
cautioned that there would probably
be "shindy" and we were advised to
both keep away and to be sure and be
"on hand to see the fun"
For my part, had no desire "to see
the fun" and so told Don, but he would
listen to nothing but that we should
ride. straight into town, and was in
great haste lest We should arrive too
=. late.s}
Had he but listened to me there
would, probably be one more desper-
ado safe behind the bars, and we would
not have had the disgrace of occupying
the cell vacated by that same outlaw.
AS we approached the county town
the whole plain, which stretched out
unbroken to the horizon in every direc-
ton, was dotted over with horsemen.
singly and in twos and threes, riding
apparently to all points of the com
pass; some at a walk, some in a lop-
ing gallop, and still others in a mad
run.
Rumors seemed to float on every fit
full breeze. Now it was that the friends
OF Denneth were gathered in over
whelming force; then that the town
had been patroled so closely that all
doubtful strangers had been kept out;
and again that Denneth had been spir-
tied away to z county for safe keep
ing. Still another rumor had it that
he had already escaped. But through
1t all ran strain of the utmost belief
that the sheriff was master of the sit
uatlon-that he was the right man in
the right place.
On our approach to the town we
were halted by band of broad-hatted,
belted, spurred and heavily armed men,
each OF whom would have sworn was
veritable outlaw Having closely
questioned us, and fully satisfying
themselves that we were but harmless
travellers, we were allowed to proceed,
AS we left the party, Don made few
jumps in what he terms his "Buckiug
Broncho" act, which called forth a
cheer from the men, and then, as we
wheeled along, he apologized so pro-
tusely that I forgave him, the more
readily as they were but rough men,
from not one of whom you would wish
a glance of approval.
AS we wheeled silently I'D side
street we were suddenly brought to a
dismount by sharp, very business
like command to halt and throw up our
hands. A smooth-faced, clean-shaved
man, wearing soft, narrow-brimmed
hat, stepped out in front of us.
Sorry to disturb you, gentlemen. -
he said, in an indescribably cool, even
tone, "but as you probably know there
is liable to be trouble in this town
and we want to know where all the
cards lay"
I'VE are only couple of markers -
said Don in that easy manner peculiar.
ly his own.
And then the man laughed in a Meas.
ant, propitiating way; as for me.
never did understand card slang.
The man stood and studied for fnl1
minute, at which I wondered very
much, for any one would take him 70,
a man who was used to deciding ouick.
ly on most important matter. Had
then known what was in his mind
should only have wondered how he
could decide and plan so quickly.
Can you turn a trick on that ma.
chine, or is straight game all w,
can thrown" and he looked to Don fo,
an answer.