Gilpin observer., 1901-06-27
'em over that crowd. and get away in

IN tne course Oh LQree nOurS OF nara
riding, we came out of sharp cut into
the canon of Two-owe-tee. A brief
examination convinced us that we
should find no better point at which
to make a break in the herd and turn
them back upon the rustlers. The gap
of Two-owe-tee was here some two
hundred yards in width with inacces-
sible sleeps on either hand.
We rather counted on a fight, and
Ferd planned for 1t like general. He
even consented that Florence should
take part in cannonading the herd,
whereat she at once became calm and
superior person. She agreed to keep
close in to the mouth of the cut, after
we should get the herd going, and in
certain length Of time to take her
flight back over the trail by which we
had come
Even when we told her we should
fight, pointing out from a height the
high banks of dry. run where we
should make our stand when we had
run the herd over the rustlers, she ap-
proved the plan.
We quickly took our places. Flor
ence stood just outside the mouth of
the cut, with several giant crackers
and some matches in hand. She was
little pale. but cool and collected, and
showed no sign of fear.
The foremost horses of the herd
were soon close at hand. OF course the
dust they raised completely hid us
from view of the rustlers in their rear.
They were coming at free trot on
each side of the creek channel. We
waited until the leaders had halted.
snorting, in front of us. Then we light
ed our crackers and flung them-eight
or ten-one after the other. Florence
took her part in the cannonade, throw
ing her crackers as far as she could
toward the horses.
For half minute the canyon roared
and reverberated with an astounding
racket. This thunder and smoke flung
the leading horses back upon their fell
lows until all were punched like flock
Of scared sheep.
Then we rode at them, each of us
flinging final cracker upon their
heels, and all of us yelling like crazy
Bannocks at frolic. In no time we
had them going-just hitting the
wind" in the widest kind OF "coun-
ter-stampede." We followed, aware at
first of the active operations OF rus
tiers in our front. The swerving lines
told us plainly enough where they
were. The dust and confusion pre-
vented our seeing anything more than
half dozen yards distant.
BY great good luck, we came together
in crossing a curve of the creek-bed.
We rode at the tail of the herd until
assured that the frightened horses
would run as long as they were able
that our stampede could not be coun-
tered for an hour or more. We knew,
from the time which had elapsed. that
the rustlers, not fearing immediate
pursuit, had saved wind and speed
for long chase.
And now we turned back, determined
to take our stand in the mouth OF the
cut and guard the pass until the stock
men should begin to come in from
Lander. 1t was only through the gap
of Two-owe-tee that the rustlers could
hope to run stock off our range.
Dust hung heavily in the gap. and In
order to dodge the rustlers. II posi-
BILE, we rode back down the creek chan
mel, which held only here and there
pools of water.
The fellows were suspicious OF
larger force close at hand. or they
would doubtless have charged us at
once. They looked about rather anx-
iously. scanning the creek banks above
and below.
Presently the four got in line and
began moving slowly toward us. They
evidently wanted to make sure at the
first fire.
Halt where you are or somebody'll
get hurtw shouted Fred. The rustlers
glanced at each other. Two of them
grinned wickedly. They came on with
out pausing.
Halt, there, tell you!" he called,
and in a tone that would have stopped
any but the most desperate of men.
The men fingered their Winchesters.
They were about to begin the fight.
Then in a breath and out of the dust
that still banked along the sleeps
Florence came galloping directly to-
ward them.
The fellows turned their heads quick
ly at hearing the patter Of her pony's
hoofs, and the leader wheeled his horse
sharply about. The latter lowered his
rifle he had half-presented when he
saw a girl confronting him. 1t was
well enough for him that he did SO.
Florence pulled up in front and a
little to one side OF this astonished rus
tier.
"Those are my brothers down
there" we heard her saying in a clear
voice. IL am going to help them drive
the horses. guess my stirrup-strap is
breaking loose" And she stopped
over nm the side opposite the man as