Connecticut western news., 1897-01-21
SCOOPED.

Itwas high ncon in tke Rockies. The bright, scorching rays of the western sun stole over the ragged edge of the CGur d'Alene range down into the narrow valley below, where they light ed on the head of a solitary traveller, tired and dust wcrn from his long jour ney since daybreak. Bob Long was not accustomed to such jaunts as this-tkat was evident Yet in a measure he was enjoying it. In any event, after coming into Rocky Canyon for the privilege cf ''roughing it," he had no intention of going hack 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 ly. and it was not to be wasted in back ward glances. But be was tired, and the little beast under him did not possess the most restful cf movements. Then, Ecb began to wonder how he had man. aged to miss all the camps for he knew Lewas in the heart of an extensive min irg 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 10 his location. Now he was all al sea.
 The narrow trail wound around the side of a craggy mountain, then dipped into the valley again The elevation disclosed 10 view an approaching horse man riding with the ease of long prac- ice. Five minutes later the men halted to exchange greetings
 Hello, strangerl Prospectin"
 Well. yes. little Prospecting fo, pleasure.
 ''SorIy to disappoint you. stranger, but you won't find it in these ere dig -in's. Rocky canyon don't produce nothin but hard work and disappoint- ment Don't even roll out 'nough dust 10 keep feller in chawin tobaccer 1 can testify to that Been here goin on three year now"
 Fob looked incredulous.
 Your report doesn't agree with the rumors that find their way out of this canyon.
 dIts NSl tlc sdtltt- 0AHlllN pDDl place fer a stranger 10 locate.
 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 acked.
 "Jack Dcolan's is down there spell. But I'd advise you to keep out O Jack . 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 a chance so cocl of a little. "
 Bob's reportorial instincts took C lively turn.
 "Who was hef" he asked.
 Jim Smith"
 "Man of any prominence?
 "You bet he was Owned half the claim"
 wealthy?'
 Somewhat" meaningly.
 "Who killed him?'
 That's what they're tryin to find out down to Jacks.
 What induced the act?'' Can't tell you any mere. Jest advist you 10 keep clear O Jack Doolan's til some other cur us fools paid the penalty Good day, stranger.
 But Bob was not to be frightened into abandoning his trip Besides, here wal a scoop for The Meteor, and the valu, of scoop to that enterprising sheet wa not to be ignored Bob resolved to 2, | on and trust to luck and his own adroit 2ess to save his neck. The stranger hat shown tco much anxiety for his peaceful | departure for him to give full credenc- to the story, and before Bob had ridden a mile be had thoroughly convince, him: elf that he had conversed with th real murderer provided that the who'll thing was rot take, and that by con tinuing his journey he would be tn means cf the capture and punishment o the escaping criminal.
 Another mile and he came to a camp That part of the travellers informatiol was correct at least, and inquiry quick ly proved that 1t was Jack Doolan s Contrary to his expectations, Bob me with a hospitable reception withor any suggestion of suspicion True. Jir Smith N as murdered there that morn ing, but Jim smiths murderer had al reaoy been apprehended, and, from tn bootIess feet Bob discovered danglir in the breeze lack of the camp, had evi dentIy met with lofty treatment A any rate, some one had paid the penal ty, and Bob had nothing to fear.
 It made great story for The Meteor Being on the ground, Bob got all tn details, and they needed no embellisl ing. He did not rest until he had tn story on the wires, though it necessitai } ed an extra ten miles on horseback { Jimtown, the nearest telegraph station But The Meteor appeciated it, and ths was sufficient.
 The next day Bob returned to Jac Doolan's, prepared to continue his VI cation that had been so suddenly intel rupted. He had hardly entered tn camp, however, when the man who ha given him the main facts in the murlt story called him aside. "Say, stranger, do you want anothC story? Since you're in the biz you migl
 as we'll have all that's goin, and there ' a cussed lot of it round these diggin
 jest at present. We're suspicionin, Jac and me. that thay's gang O counte feiters back in the mountains some'er
 You know that feller you met on ti
 road ysstsrday' We'll he's ens e len