The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1902-03-11

wind was pouring over the plains from
the southwest aS he logged along over
the sandy hills just south Of the Kan
sas line He was looking for stream
Of water where he might rest and re-
fresh his horse. when his keen eyes
caught sight of TWO horsemen coming
at full speed over bin about two
miles away.
knowing that be had not been seen,
he contrivcd to meet them unexpected
ly in narrow valley just beyond.
Hello. boys" he called out in the
bantering tone Of a cowboy to cow
boys. What's the matter: You seem
to be trying to get there ahead Of
time"
Keep a civil tongue i'm your head.
stranger" erowled one of the men as
they refined In their fatigued horses by
his side Don't make the mistake Of
meddling in other peoples business
"No use getting sassy about 1t.
Drurv replied. My business is every
bodys business. and sometimes other
people's business is mine. For in
stance. you have no honest business
TO ride your horses to death as you are
doing
Il reckon they're our horses" replied
the other man in a surly tone, land If
We want to ride them to death it don't
cost You nothing
In the midst Of this reply the man
hunter had seen a significant thing
through a narrow line Of valleys that
stretched away between the hills to
the northwest Half dozen horse
men had crossed the line. going hard.
As near as be could judge they were
about three or four miles away. If he
could cause these two men to dis
mount. and be able to hold them thirty
minutes the half dozen hOrsemen
would reach the top Of the hill less
than a hundred yards away before the
cowboys could see them. That these
two men were attempting to escape
justice appeared more certain from the
sharp lookout both Of them kept over
the valleys and hills to their rear.
The moment the two men stopped
the horses put down their heads and
began to bite off huge mouthfuls OF
grass. as If it had been long since they
had been properly fed.
NO offense. boys" said the man
hunter in 4 copcliatory tone, but it's
shame If you don't let those poor
critters rest and eat bit. My horse
don't need it q fourth as much as yours
but I'm going to set a good example"
He alightcd and pushed his horse out
into the rich grass.
One of the men drew q flask from
his saddle pouch. This among the
cowboys was like the Indians pipe Of
peace.
"Well. stranger" said the man with
the flask as both men allghted and
turned their horses into the grass
your advice is purity good, and as you
seem to be a good natured, harmless
sort Of cuss suppose you take nip
with u.s.
Drury took the proffered article of
peace.
Here's to friendship In a flask Of
good old whisky" he said holding it
aloft, while he recited bit Of verse.
The boys forgot themselves as they lis
tened.
| "Gie him strong drink until he wink.
That's sinking in despair,
| For liquors guild 10 FIRE the bluid,
| That's prest wi grief and care.
'Then let him brousc and deep cafouse,
VIE bumpers flowing Ger,
| Till he forgets bis loves and debts
| And minds his griefs 20 more"
Each took drink.
Drury reached again for the flask
and it was returned to him.
Here's to the liquor that makes US
kings. our horses thrones and our guns
scerters of death to our enemies. But