The leader. [volume] (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1895-1905, 1897-04-28


RI dim trail under my
&c horses feet, yet l
realized that had lost my way.
TO the west, lying like black ribbon
sroipst the orange light which the sun
Was still sending athwart the sky,
locmed the scraggy timber that marked
the course of the lilo Pecos. This alone
was sufficient to convince me that had
missed the trail that would have led
me to my destination.
knew that the ranch house of Don
Miguel Sanchez, with its numerous
sheds and corrals, stood on the left bank
Of the stream, and would be plainly Wis
iblc TO me now, had followed the right
trail; but no sign of human habtation
met mygaze The important errand upon
which nv uncle had dispatched me rem
dered nv situation doubly exasperating.
/ had in my possession nearly thou
sond dollars, which | was to deliver to
The don, and as the country was known
IN be infested with low class of Greas-
crs. who looked upon robbery as legit-
innate means of obtaining livelihood,
felt more than vexed at myself Tor my
stupidity in losing my way.
had ridden nearly fifty miles since
beginning my journey, and, for aught |
knew, | might have come score OF
miles out of my way. The worst OF the
matter was had not the faintest idea
as TO the direction should take in order
10 reach the ranch-whether up or down
the stream. But there could be moth
ing gained by stopping to lament over
my misfortune. Night was already at
hand. and | must be moving.
rode in a brisk gallop toward the
dim line of timber, hoping that when l
reached there / should be able to decide
as TO the proper course to take.
The night was moonless, and the stars
blinked dimly through an ashy haze.
The dim trail had been following was
no longer visible, and was in doubt rs
to the wisdom of attempting to find my
way in the darkness. Every mile that
Knight travel might only carry me far
Their from my destination.
My reflections were interrupted by
the CLEAN Of light just ahead. and as
advanced perceived that it issued from
small cabin that stood in the midst of
clump of trees on the bank of the
stream. The sight was glad one to
me, for now felt assured of obtaining
directions which would enable me to
continue my journey.
Stopping my horse in front of the
cabin, dsmounted and walked toward
the door. AS l did so the figure of
man appeared on the threshold, his tall,
burly form sharply outlined against
the light within. His hair was long, his
face half covered with a bushy beard,
and perceived that pair of heavy pis-
tolls were thrust in his broad belt. L
did not like the looks of the stranger.
out there was something reassuring in
his voice when he spoke.
Wall, how dye do, youngster?" he
SAID, in an easy, off-hand way. at
amt often Teller sees a civilized face
IN these parts. Walk right in-meek
yourself at home"
i thank you," I replied, "but l am
anxious to get to the ranch of Don
Mguei Aanchez, and as have missed
the trail stopped to see if you could
set me right"
wall, now, that's what call misfor-
,una.e, he said, in tone of regret. 81
halnt been in these parts but week or
TO- an only know enough of the coun-
ny Ter find my way back ter Vegas"
twas sorely disappointed at the stran.
gers words, for l now realized the IN
certainty of being able to reach nv des-
'nation that night.
l feel sorry, l do, by Jupiter" he
went on, but as the matter can't be
neipeo, can only do the next best
a'ng by askin' ye ter stop with me for
'ne night. My 'commodations amt the
aire" 40 '"e'
Inc invitation was given in such a
',ahK and cordial manner as to disarm
vi suspicion that ! might have had re-
eardlng the mans honesty. and after
,uoments reflection, l decided that it
"~u'u DE better to remain guest of The
s"ahger than risk journey through
:" unknown country at night.
~. was ushered into a very small room,
1%"gy and almost devoid of furniture.
en- 81 one corner was huge pile of sacks
.e" with wool, and near the fireplace,
- winch smoldered few live Goals,
~ ,0ou rude table, on which were some
.a cups plate of freshly broiled beef
pot OF steaming coffee.
A,.er picketing my horse where he
Saa crop the grass that grew along the
afsin OF the stream, my host invited
NM partake OF the frugal repast
'~ ny, ne had placed ON the table.
WINE ! ate few mouthfuls of the
n ana drank the black coffee which
~ poured into tin cup for me, he sat
,sn niha cloud of tobacco smoke, and
aked ina garrulous way.
'earned from his talk that his name
...s leo Coon, and that he had come
,s, 'S .he Rio recos for the purpose of
Il saning sheep ranch, should he
,,oa. a'oraoiy impressed with the loca-
ihss, ew TO judge by appearances,
sa s'e was little to Indicate that he had |
kntions. '"s o1s n's ="
pr,ss asnot say that WINS fayorably inn
+, ~ with the manner Of Zeb Coon. |
IA mere was something in his careless
,s,i.s 9pen way Of speaking that dir
~ my my suspicious. On the whole. ! |
yb,sa'aer pleased than otherwise that
~ ~ stumbled on his cabin.
FSasss and money which had