Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1898-05-25
A TENDERFOOT'S
HORSE TRADE

IT. HE starlit gloom of glorious mid
summer night was settling over
the prairie as George Sanders jog
ged slowly and painfully along, still a
dozen miles or SO from his next stopping
place. His horse was an excellent one,
but very tired from It's long journey.
George WAS n tenderfoot. His health
failing under too close application to
business in the East, he had taken his
doctors advice TO pass a year or more
out of doors by accepting an invitation
from an old friend to Join him on his
cattle ranch in the northern part of
Texas. He was now on his journey
thither, and full two hundred miles
from his destination.
As he rode along his attention was
arrested by the clatter of hoofs and a
few moments after single horseman
came within view. He reined his stsed
up sharply when within a dozen yards
Of our friend, and greeted him with an
affable nod and smile.
Through the dim light George beheld
stalwart individual in the pictur
esque garb of the frontier. He also OBJ
served that he bestrode a magnificent
animal, which evidently had been
driven very hard, as it was fecked
heavily with foam.
Good evening, stranger" said the
plainsman, pleasantly. (which way, If
/ am not too curiousT'
The mans friendly manner won
George at once He answered freely
as to his purpose, destination, and SO
on, casually remarking that his horse
was about whipped, and that he feared
fits strength would not hold out to the
end
ITO Weldon's ranch" exclaimed the
stranger. Then mebbe yer the relation
he spoke about? I'm from Weldon's-
b'Iong thar-and am kinder looking up
lost stock. Queer, amt 1t, how folks'Il
meet sometimes? Yes, Hank spoke
about your coming not more'n week
ago"
George was oyerjoyed to meet with
one who knew his old friend. The two
cantered along side by side for some
miles, and became quite unreserved in
their interchange of condolences.
Here's q hoss," said the stranger,
IN the course of the conversation, "that
hain't got his ekal on the plains. He's
one of Hanks best stock, as will gal
lop night and day without feed or
water If he't got ter. Now, I'll do by
you Jest as Hank would want me to If
he was here. l amt in no hurry, being
jest jogging along looking for Weldons
brand, while you've got nigh two hun
dred miles afore We, and not much of a
-. Il,
that you can take this boss back to
Weklon's and III take yourn. 1 can
trade him into something afore another
day " over"
BE spoke so disinterestedly, and his
horse was SO obviously q superior one,
that George accepted the offer without
hesitation. They dismounted. discuss
ed the points of the horses as critically
as the darkness permitted, exchanged
saddle and bride, remounted and con
tnued on. After cantering along for
several miles the stranger-he gave his
name as William Horton-bade George
a pleasant adieu and turned to the
south. The darkness swallowed him
and he was seen no more.
George was good judge Of horse
flesh. and found that his acquisition
was a superb one. He was strong. fleet
and spirited-three qualities that. uni
ted with soundness Of limb and kindli-
ness of temper, make the perfect ami
NAL. He was still thinking over the
generosity of the stranger when he
reached Burrit's Station, and was soon
comfortably settled in the only public
house in the place.
While he was dispatching the fare
placed before him he heard sounds OF
an animated discussion from the direc-
ton of the barn. His wlA dow being
open to admit the languorous southern
.,reezes, he found no difficulty in hear
ing ali that was said.
Il tell you he tallies to a dotr' cried
a stridently inslstent voice. Look at
the boss, and then read the description.
Goal black; weight ten hundred; long
name and tail: white left fore foot; scar
on right haunch-it's him to a dot! Two
hundred dollars reward for the hos
and Judge Lynch for the thief!'
George did not grasp fully the sig
nificance of what he had heard, and yet
he understood it we'll enough to make
him thoroughly uneasy. He was still
eating when the door opened and near
ly a dozen men filed solemnly in.
A bronzed individual, bushiiy beard.
ii, constituted himself spokesman.
Apologizing for the intrusion, etc, he
Lald:
Stranger, there was a hoss stole
from Killers ranch several days ago,
hat ar same hoss being n vapable hoss:
md It's our painful dooty to ask how
be come under your saddle-hey,
boysT"
The crowd grunted assent.
George was fully alarmed by now. he
nad read much about Judge Lynch and
his summary dealing with horse
thieves. and he knew that a suspect
was not always given an opportunity
10 establish his innocence, even If he
possessed 1t. 1t mattered very little to
the prisoner whether he was innocent
Or guilty so long as the court persisted
In thinking him guilty.
.Gentlemen," said George, rising af
;er a brief formal discussion of the sit
nation. Il am we'll aware that circum-
stances are against me, but l assure
.ou Of nv innocense and of my ability
10 prove it if given time. We have onl!
to find Mr.. Horton
A roar of laughter interrupted him.
Suppose We telegraph for him" eN