The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1901-02-21
.elHOrner, Texas Highwayman.
By J. N. QuaiI.

he met couple Of cowboys half way
up Frio Canyon aud only a short dis
tance from the Pruett and Nicholl
ranch. They belonged to that outfit,
and were out afoot to round up the
herd horses.
Anybody pass up the canyon last
nighty' asked the Sheriff
'Ain't seen any one, one Of the
cowboys replied, ''but there's sign on
the trail Of two shod horses going up
Conldnt have been any Of ours, be-
cause they're oil barefoot What's up,
Sheriff."
"Hold-up Joe Horner and another
fellow stood up the stage at Sabanel
Other fellow took a shot at old Marks.
Got all he had, aud cut the mail sack.
too. That's Government lookout; but
the Marshal, he's out in Eagle Pass,
so I'm doing it alone. Hurry back
with those horses and yon'll be in time
for the fun I'm going to pull the
whole ranch as a posse Horner'll
fight like blazea. I'm a-thinking And
the Sheriff galloped to the ranch.
II had been rather quiet on the Frio
for months No shooting. in fact,
since the last attempt by Mexican
horpe thieves TO run of the p. g. \.
bunch, when h0nors were only even,
as the Greasers lost one man and one
Of the cowboys had been indisposed
for q few weeks thereafter Naturally,
the Sherifrs news threw them into a
fever Of excitement for q time, their
onls regret being that it was not their
ancient enemy. she Greasers, that they
were called upon 20 pursue. Natural
~. too, after hearing the whole story,
they decided anong themselves that
Hornef was entitled to chance, and
they determined 70 give il 70 him il
he'd take IL After a hurried break
fast eight men from the ranch joined
the Sheriff and started mp TO the head
Of the canyon
Chances are that we'll find them
hiding IN the cedar brake up there, p
said Bin Nicholl, "for il they travelled
al night they viii be keeping under
cover during daylight
Here's their trail cutting % here
70 the right. sure enough. Sheriff. ?
said one Of the cowboys, after they had
ridden almost an hour in silence.
They're making Tor the cedar by the
tracks. and We may run up on them
almost anywhere 10 that thicket"
Amt that smoke np there on the
leii?" asked the Sheriff, pointing TO a
thin white spiral cloud that curled
lazily away over the brake
That's smoke, said Bill Nicholl
cedar smoke, FOR can smell it now. I"
Haven't tnrned IN yet, suggested
a cowboy. Probably getting their
grub We Amt going TO catch weasels
asleep. let me tell you
Were going 70 come pretty close
to il, said the Sheriff, for TN give
them a little more time
Why not fush lhem9" asked an
other cowboy.
They'd hear as coming a mile
away" said Bill Nichoil. and be
picking us OF before we couid get any
where near them s.
Wen dismount right here. said
She Sheriff, ''and divide into two par
ties You take Que bunch. Nicholl.
aud cut around 10 the right. 80 as 70
get behind them. III take the rest,
leaving one q the boys to watch the
horses, and sneak up 70 tue left. and
then well have them between two
fires. You fellows on the other side
lay low until you hear rs veil and then
come a-rnnning. Be ready 10 let GO
as soou as you see them, foi that s.
what you'll dnd them a-doiug.
The Sheriii's plan was quietly ear
ried oul. and as ae saw the two parties
oi four men each disappear in opposite
( directions At the edge Of the brake.
the cowboy who had been left behind
with the horses slipped his left arm
through the bunch of bride reins.
pulled an ugly-looking six-shooter
from the scsbbard at his hip and sat
down in the tall grass 90 await the
event
For an hour. perhaps. not a sound
came out Of the brake but tile occa-
sional gobble Of n wild turkey cock as
be strutted among his hens. Once a
big bnck fed mp to the edge Of the
cedars aud offered a tempting target to
the recnmbent cowboy Away of, on
the mesquite covered fat below. Wild
doves were eooing plaiutively to their
mates. aud everything was eloquent
of peace on earth.
Then q pistol shot rang out and
walked the echoes. then a wild halo.
followed by scattering volley. Then
cheering and a rattle OF shots from
tho right The quarry had evidently
made OF 10 that direction, and
Nicholl aud bic men were getting into
the game.