Arizona republican., 1902-11-27

in a desolate country to the north, while to the south of it is a great sweep of barrenness.
 "Precipitous mountains, their sum- mits covered with snow, surround the green and fruitful valley, which is four to six miles in width.
 There are but two entrances, one a narrow defile, guarded by a sentry. and the other about sixty yards in width, known only to the inha bitants. where they drive in the cattle gathered in on their occasional raids. These mountains are cliff-like in their forma- tion. They hem in the valley as effect ually as though they were a great wall.
 "I noticed Hooper, as we proceeded along the faintest kind of a trail, hang a white handkerchief from his horses bridle. Not long afterwards, as we were turning a large granite boulder in our path, voice that seemed to some from underneath our horses and caused Mrs. Bates to give a little scream said:
 Better stop, Jim; what's your bust ness?
 "'Hello, pard,' replied Hooper, stop
  tleman.'
 Whats their game?'
 Tourists. But they're the right sort
 Tt wasn't a picturesque figure that clambered down the side of the narrow canyon. He was tall, dressed in a cor duroy suit that had seen much service. and chewed tobacco"
 MT. Bates, assenting. continued that he explained that they were due there entirely to the tales that had been told them. He produced his card and made a frank statement about himself and wife.
 As he opened his coat he showed his emblem as a member of the order of Elks. The corduroyed outlaw gave the sign and shook hands heartily. He was also a member.
 ''We have several here" he explained. Now. Jim Hooper, you git back to the park where you're needed. We can take you back when you want to go.''
 The Bostonians bid good-by to their guide and waited, chatting with the sentry, for an hour, or until he was re- lieved. He then conducted them to q well sheltered and shady spot in bend in the creek, where they pitched camp.
 "I guess this is as far as you can come" he said, until see what they are willin' to do."
 That evening a group of horsemen called upon them. There was nothing wild or uncouth about them, Mrs Bates says. They gave no information about themselves, but welcomed them and re- peated the request that they should not wander beyond their tent They were 1 at liberty to explore any part of the territory between the tent and the ! front rampant
 Dick the sentry, has brought some dressed poultry, eggs and cream. These were supplied every day to the camp CTS, and in such a delicate way that | the offer of money would have been an offense
 Farms and orchards dot the valley. Tor the outlaws raise apples and peach es. They have good herds of cattle and the country is still full of game. They live under certain form of gov ernment, many of the tenets being uu- written, but nevertheless understood and obeyed
 There is no quarreling, all disputes | being settled by arbitration among three or more selected for the purpose. It is evident there are some men of hrm character and superior powers who rule wisely this little community with its 200 or 300 outlaws.
 No attempt has been made to dis lodge the nest of bandits, who levy on farmers and ranchmen for occasional punches of cattle or sheep, and who sally out when funds get low and rob railroad train or blow open a bank safe.
 Not long ago, shortly before the i Bateses went to the Hole. a bank in one of the small towns east of the Yel- lowstone park was robbed and S22. 900 | secured.
 This money was used immediately 1 to pay debts," said MT. Bates. "There are certain merchants who carry the bandits on their books, and whenever
 they make haul they promptly settle 1 up.
 1 Hoskins, who keeps the general store at Granger. Wyo., on the Union l Pacific, has a $5O,OOO stock. The gen | tiemen in the Hole years ago told him | that he could conduct his business sat 1 isfactorily and would never be troubled 1 by any one if he would sell them goods l and would keep his mouth and ears | shut
 "They go down to Granger. bring in 1 supplies. and Hoskins has never los