The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1899-07-01
A Fireworks Capture.


ditch. The upper gang and the low.
"a err gang We're at outs. The former
had lost a horse and the lower gang was
supposed to include the thief
1t just means a fight" exclaimed Mack
TO Simpson, as the two members of the
lower gang rode over the plains one sum-
mer night. "There can't be any horse
stealing around these parts and not have
fighting"
No; and the feeling isn't any too good
already" added the other.
The ponies Hoped easily, and turning
down the trail went swiftly into the thick
suntowers of a ravine. 1t was nearly sun
set and the tall weeds seemed to be al
most like young saplings. Suddenly the
horses stopped; ahead was an unusual
ught, white-topped prairie schooner
"A one-horse rig, too' exclaimed Simp-
son, looking at the thills that were on the
front of the wagon.
And deserted, too" and Matt drew
nearer to the strange outfit.
well, what do you think of a man that
Will do thisF He pulled the curtains
aside and showed the sleeping form of
boy perhaps Z years old. The little fell
low looked peaked and helpless and the
sympa thies of both the men were aroused
by the sight.
well, he's a rascal" was the reply at
last and the curtain was dropped.
He amt a rascal" came from the in
side of the wagon. MY papa is good to
me-"
Hello. there, what are you doing here?"
asked Matt
Waiting for fireworks papa has gone
after them. lie always gets them for me
On the Fo'ther July"
"What did ha COW ocl,od NIL
Says his father has gone after fire.
works-a likely story. The boys hungry !;
that is what is the matter with him"
well, let's feed him. I'll go over and
get MIN something from the camp. And,
say, I'll bring him some fireworks. too.
I'd forgot it, but to-day is the Fourth of
July, and the boss has lot of rockets and
things ready to fire off. All the men are
out hunting for the horse thief and they
have forgotten all about it. | can steal a
few
Away rode Matt in the gathering dark
ness, and although the pony went very
fast, and the man did not stay in camp
more than few moments, the wait SEEM
I'd a long one to the watcher in the ravine
with the boy. The child was hungry and
nervous and conhded to the man that he
had been lawful sick" Simpson felt ex-
ceedingly sorry for the little one and was
more and more indignant at the actions of
the man who had forsaken such precious
charge.
Here he comes" he said at last. when
the rattle of horses hoofs was heard on
the prairie sod. Matt came down the ra-
vine and had some difficulty in finding
the wagon hidden in the sunfowers. AT
last he opened the package of food and
laid the fireworks on the grass beside the
boy.
Supper first" was the order from
Simpson, and the three ate the generous
supply that had been brought.
Good thing not TO take the kid to the
ranch" said Matt. 1.-THE men will have
a rough time there tonight, and they
wouldn't spare the boy
Now for the fun" and away went one
of the rockets into the darkness, scatter
Ing its splendor over the level plains that
spread from the edge of the ravine. The
Jack rabbits and the prairie owls saw it
and wondered what it could be.
Somebody else saw ii, for away off TO
the south, where its light was visible only
as faint glimmer, there was a company
of horsemen, and they turned their ami
mails in that direction.
"Harkp said Matt, as the fun was at
Its height. Somebody's coming"
L Ne 1lSHt Oh the ldSI rocket mad given
a passing view of a man on horseback at
the crest of a ravine. In moment the
man was near them and he was accompan-
led by large number. In the midst of
the party, with his head bound in a large
red handkerchief, was seen the figure of a
man tied on a horse.
I'VE have got the thief" said the leader
of the newcomers.
WELL" replied Matt, what are Won
bringing him here for?'
1--WE kind of lost our way and we
thought this was the camp. But we are
going to settle with the rascal right here.
anyhow. 1t might not be best to take
him to the camp, after ALL"
"Sure it is the man?'
Bound to be-got the horse"
In the dim light of the little fire of sun
flower stalks that somebody had kindled
the prisoner was brought forth. He pre-
scented pitiful appearance and the men
almost felt sorry for him. Still, they
knew the unwritten law.