Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1899-01-11
SCOOPED.
By ELSIE ROBINSON.
t%copYRIoHr. 1891

ItoFt hiohhs AoV0t
II was high noon in the Rockies. The
bright, scorching rays of the western
sun stole over the ragged edge of the
Occur d'Alene range, down into the mar
row valley below, where they lighted
on the head of a solitary traveller, tired
and dust-worn from his long journey
since daybreak. Bob Long was not ac-
customed TO such jaunts as this-that
was evident. Yet, in a measure, he was
enjoying it. In any event, after coming
into Rocky canyon for the privilege OF
"roughing it." he had no intention OF
going back or the venture at this stage
of the game. A two-weeks' vacation,
during which he need not turf in a line
of copy. did not come but once annual
ly, and il was not 70 be wasted in back
ward glances. But he was tired. and the
little beast under him did not possess
the most restful of movements. 'Fhen.
too, the road was lonely-fearfully so.
Bob began 10 wonder how he had man
aged TO miss all the camps, for he knew
he was in the heart of an extensive min
lIS hloAllNN. ~ htDb lIuNNlr uS SHIP.
because he could not be satisfied to stop
until he had arrived at some definite I'M
d~erstanding with himself in regard to
his location. Now he was all at sea.
The narrow trail wound around the
side of a craggy mountain, then dipped
into the valley again. The elevation dis
closed to view an approaching horse
man, riding with the ease of long prac-
tice. Five minutes later the men halted
to exchange greetings.
"Hello, stranger, prospective"
swell, yes, a little. Prospecting for
pleasure"
Sorry to disappoint you. stranger,
but you won't find it in these ere dig
gins. Rocky canyon don't produce
nothin' but hard work and disappoint-
ment. Don't even roll out 'nough dust
to keep a Teller in chawin' tobaccer. l
can testify to that. Been here goin' on
three year now"
Bob looked incredulous.
"Your report doesn't agree with the
rumors that find their way out of this
canyon"
Fact. jest the same. Mighty poor
place fer a stranger to 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
Campo he asked.
Jack Dcolan's is down there a spell,
But I'd advise you TO keep out o. Jacks
camp fer the time bein'. Teller MUIR
dcred there this morning, and there's a
mighty warm reception waitin' fer any
stranger that happens TO turn up durin'
the next three days. Better give EN- Il
chance TO cool off a little"
Bob's reportorial instincts took a live
ly turn.
"Who was he?" 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 .Jaci's."
'What induced the act?"
Can't tell You any more. Jest adj
wise you to keep clear n Jack Doolan's
till some other Gurus fools raid the
penalty. Good day. stranger"
But Bob was not Ia be Fl ghtened into
abandoning his trip; besides. here was n
scoop for the Meteor. and the value OF a
scoop to that crterrrising ehcct YVES not
to ne ignored. Pnh resolved 10 90 on and
trust TO luck and his own gd~roitness
to save his neck. The stranger had
shown too much anxiety for his peace
full departure for him IN g'ye full
credence to the story, and before Boz.
had ridden a nile he had thoroughly
convinced himself that hc had con
versed with the real r;ul~ dcrCr-pro-
vided that the whole thing was not n
fake-and that by continuing lbs jour
ney he would hc the means of the cap
ture and punishment of the escaping
criminal.
Another mile and he canic to a camps:
that part of the travellers information