Wallowa chieftain. [volume] (Joseph, Union County, Or.) 1884-1909, 1902-11-13

great snow-capped peaks hemmed
them in, peeping over one another's
shoulders to the far horizon.
So steep were the rocky banks on
either side of them that the larch
and the pine seemed to be suspended
over their heads, and to need only a
gust of wind to come hurtling down
upon them.
Nor was the fear entirely an illu-
sion, for the barren valley was thick
ly strewn with trees and boulders
which had fallen in a similar manner.
Even as they passed a great rock
came laundering down with a hoarse
rattle which woke the ecnoes in the
silent gorges and startled the weary
horses into a gallop.
AS the sun rose slowly above the
eastern horizon. the caps of the great
mountains lighted up one after the
other, like lamps at a festival. until
they were all ruddy and glowing.
The magnificent spectacle cheered
the hearts of the three fugitives and
gave them fresh energy. At wild
torrent which swept out of a ravine
they called a halt and watered their
horses. while they partook of hasty
breakfast.
Lucy and her father would fain
have rested longer but Jefferson
Hope was inexorable.
They will be upon our track by
this time" he said. Everything de-
pends upon our speed. Once safe in
Carson, we may rest for the remain
der of our lives"
At night time they chose the base
OF a beetling crag. where the rocks
offered some protection from the chill
wind, and there, huddled together for
warmth, they enjoyed a few hours
sleep.
Before daybreak. however. they
were up and on their way once more.
They had seen no signs of pursuers,
and Jefferson Hope began to think
that they were fairly out of the reach
of the terrible organization whose en-
nifty they had incurred.
He little knew how far that iron
grasp could reach, or how soon it
was to close upon them and crush
them.
About the middle of the second day
Of their flight their scanty store of
provisions began to run out.
This gave the hunter little uneas-
iness, however, for there was game
to be had among the mountains, and
he had frequently before had to de-
pend upon his rifle for the needs of
life.
Choosing sheltered nook. he piled
together a few dry branches and
made a blazing fre, at which his
companions might warm themselves,
for they were now nearly FIVE thous-
and feet above the sea-level, and the
air was bitter and keen.
Having tethered the horses and
bid Lucy adieu, he threw mis- gun over
his shoulder and set out in search
OF whatever chance might throw in
his way.
Looking back he saw the old man
and the young girl crouching over
the blazing fire, while the three ami
mails stood motionless in the back
ground. Then the intervening rocks
hid them from his view.
He walked for a couple of miles
through one ravine after another
without success, though from the
marks upon the bark of the trees,
and other indications, he judged that
there were numerous bears in the vi
cinity.
At last. after two or three hours
fruitless search, he was thinking OF
turning back in despair, when cast
ing his eyes upward he saw a sight
which sent thrill of pleasure
through his heart.
On the edge of jutting pinnacle,
three or four hundred feet above him,
there stood a creature somewhat re-
sembling q sheep in appearance. but
armed with pair of gigantic horns.
The big-horn-for so it is called
was acting. probably. as a guardian
over a flock which were invisible TO
the hunter; but fortunately 1t was
heading in the opposite direction, and
had not perceived him.
Lying on his back. he rested his
rifle upon a rock and took long and
steady aim before drawing the trig-
ger.
The animal sprang into the air,
tottered for a moment upon the edge
Of the precipice, and then came
crashing down into the valley be.
meath.
The creature was too unwieldy to
lift. so the hunter contented himself
with cutting away one haunch and
part of the flank.
With this trophy over his shoulder,
he hastened to retrace his steps, for
the evening was already drawing in.
He had hardly started. however. be-
fore he realized the difficulty which
faced him.