Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1899-01-05

aSa SorSazsxZls
Then, diSmounting, Ray and MAYNARD
knclt beside the dying man.
tories except in case of Indians. Like as
not we'd stir up some sheriff among
these fellows and he'd spring the law
on US. We're no posse comitatus, but
yonders our horses all the same. Just
dismount, you mon, till the moon gets
behind that Cloud he continued, at
which the foremost troopers noiselessly
slipped out of saddle, and all the long
column followed suit.
Ten minutes later, as noiselessly and
circling we'll away from the boisterous
camp, the troop stole away from the
shadowy canyon, and, favored by the
darkening clouds, rode easily around to
dismounted and, following Ray and
Maynard, crept softly forward, and,
speaking in low, reassuring tones to the
nearest horses of the little herd went
swiftly from one to the other. Each one
recognized as government "mount"
was quickly secured by a lariat loosely
knotted about the neck, and the trans
fer of what the captain called the
''stawk" back to the care of their old
masters was well nigh complete when
out peeped the moon again. A mule set
up an unearthly bray, dog barked
furiously, and some straggler from the
band of jewellers gave one wild yell of
warning, instantly followed by IL cry
Cavalry, by God! Look out, fellers!''
There was rush for the horses, a
volley of oaths and excavations, scram-
BILE for saddles and show of six shoot
ers, but above all the uproar one voice,
furious and meroiless. rose dominant.
Course your traitor hide! This is
your doing, Boston," Then followed a
shot, shrek for help, another shot,
and then, pistol in hand, Ray dashed
forward into the thick of the throng.
"Stop this!" he commanded. "Stop,
or, by God, we'll take hand. Bring
up the troop. Maynard. Grab that luna
tic, some Of you
But with a spring like cat the "lu-
natic his pistol still smoking, threw
himself astride COW pony and dashed
away into the darkness. Some of his
gang ran for their horses and followed
suit. Others, stupetied, stood gazing up
at Ray. Others still were bending over
a grooming, PROSTATE form. The fire
light fell on the pallid, distorted face,
and Maynard knew it at a glance. Here
at last was Nathalie's tormentor Here,
shot to death. lay Boston
A word from Ray had sent dozen
troopers in pursuit of the murderer
Another word, and those who remained.
stunned and half sobered, were sur
rounded and held by another squad of
blue shirted troopers. Rough yet tender
hands bore the sinking man closer to
the fire and gave him stimulant He
gazed miserably up one moment, search
ing their faces as though in hope of
some word of encouragement and his
eyes met Maynard's s. He knew him in
stantly, and his face, beading now with
the sweat Of agony, took on an implor-
ing look. He strove to speak, and one
Of his fellows turned and said:
HE wants to say something to you
gentlemen
Then, dismounting, Ray and Maynard
knelt beside the dying man.
"They'v We killed me, he almost Sob
bed. "They knitted me at Cheyenne
months ago because swore I'd have no
part in that robbery. I've been curse
to all Of my people, but wasn't that
mean. was mean enough, though, to
borrow-every cent-that poor girl had
at Russell. She was my cousin. She
did all she could to save me-to make a
man of me. She even borrowed money
to lend to rue, but I've saved over a
hundred-I'd have paid it all if God
had-lst me live. It's-all in that silk
bag-round my neck. Lieutenant, you
are square man-I'm sorry ! ever
hurt you, but had to or get caught
under her window. l wouldn't bring
harm to her-for the world. Shake
hands on it, lieutenant and promise me
you'll give it to her-that money It.
all I've got. Shake
And with his twitching hand in the
firm grasp of the young soldier Boston
died.
Another week, and with their recap
tured horses Ray and Maynard were
again on duty with the regiment anil
under orders for home, hut before the
move began there came tidings that in
volved change in the personnel of the
old regiment and one it could not wei
come Barry received his promotion t,
a lieutenant colonelcy, and new num-
Der cleaned i'll silver over the crossed