The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-05-18
Wilder Grahame in St. Nicholas.

S 4 with no companions Dut q
1o< pony and 5000 half-wild
and restless cattle. Most
boys would not have relished the posi-
ton even in time of peace. And now
a band of desperadoes of the worst
type was known to be approaching.
White savages who have no fear of
the law are worse than savage In
dians. A scout had brought word that
the terrible "Bolter gang" We're on
their way to raid the cattlemen Of
the valley, and all hands had since
been busy gathering the scattered set
tiers into the central stockade for pro-
lection against this marauding band
of ''rustlers," or cattle thieves.
Whatever may be said against the
cowboy, laziness and cowardice are
not among his failings; so it is not
surprising that the ranchmen began
to prepare most actively to give their
unwelcome visitors a warm reception.
Up on the mountain lay the scout,
waiting to send the signal of warning
when the foe should enter the pass.
Below, fearless riders dashed over the
plains, bringing in the scattered cattle
and preparing for long and vigorous
defense. Until the sigma! came there
was no danger, and, as all hands were
needed in driving up the more distant
herds, the stockade was. for the time,
left comparatively undefended. That
was how it came to pass that Ernest
was left alone to guard the corral
gates till the remaining cattle were
driven in and the heavy fastenings
safely secured. There was little for
him to do but watch till the other herds
arrived. Then he would have to swing
the big gates open and help turn the
leaders in. This might take some hard
riding and not a little danger. Often
the least unusual thing is enough to
start those herds of half-wild cattle
on mad stampede before which there
is no safety but in flight. A single
misstep and horse and rider would be
trampied to pieces by q thousand hoofs.
The cattle were restless that day
ready for a stampede on the slightest
psovocation. AS though they scented
danger, they shifted the air, paved.
and lowed till Ernest began to fear
they would attempt to break from the
inclosure.
Within the stockade the women were
doing what they could in preparation
for the coming sight. Guns were be-
ing cleaned and examined, ammunition
boxes dragged into more convenient
places, and the little fortress strength
ened in every possible manner. In
fact, every one was busy at some ac-
tive work except the scout, away up
on the mountain, and Ernest. No Won
der the lad felt almost alone in the
world.
Would the meE be ready to return
before the signal came? Of course
they would be all right anyhow, for
they would have time to get back after
Bolter came in sight of the scout.
They could leave the rest of the herds,
If necessary. But the excitement Of
the cattle he was guarding seemed to
be contagious, and Ernest's restless
ness, like theirs, increased. He gall
loped up to little plateau, and, dis
mounting, looked anXiously toward the
spot where the scout was stationed. as
if expecting his signal. His attention
was about equally divided between the
trail by which the men would come
and the lookout on the mountain. The
lad was not by any means coward.
Accustomed as he was to the dangers
aid harGships of frontier life, even the
cowboys admired his daring. Still. it
was with Il keen sense of relief that
he saw an approaching cloud of dust
that told him the men were coming.
But was it really the men? The cat
tie never came like that unless they
were stampedii:g. Surely that couldn' t
b: Bolter. The scout would have been
sure to see him and give warnirg-un-
less he had been surprised and cap
tured.
Older heads than Erncst's would
have been anxious ut that moment.
Furiously the cloud Of dust approached,
Grew near, then parted. and out Of it
A. came, not horns, but horses rid