Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1905-11-17
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(Copyright. 1905, by Daily Story Pub. Coz

(COpyngNt, lSo0, Ny
The only animate object in sight on
the vast wilderness of fairness to the
east was a prairie schooner drawn by
a pair of lean. struggling horses which
was making its way towards the maven
ahead.
The weary horses, under the double
inspiration of the whip in the hands
of the unkempt man on the seat and
the suggestion that the trees ahead Of
fered. increased their tired walk to a
poor imitation of a trot, which was
finally effectuaI in landing them at
the foot of the slope while old So
was yet quite distance from the
western horizon.
As the outfit came to standstlll
the other occupants of the schooner
made themselves manifest. A young
woman with an infant in her arms de-
scenGed the rear steps, and while he7
husband unhitched and embarrassed
the horses, improvised bed from
miscellaneous collection of clothes, de
posted the baby thereon and proceed
ed to bring from the interior of the
wagon the things necessary for the
preparation OF the evening meal.
Nell exclaimed the man sudden
ly, we're goin' to win out one of these
days, see if We don't
The wife laughed happily. Il think
we've won out now, Jim. Who IN all
the world has boy like this?'
"Oh, the kids all there, you bet, but
you know, Nell, you amt used to this
sort of life and it's goin' to stop soon
now. can tell you
There, there. Jim. don't talk like
that Everything's all right as long
as l have you and baby. Now. sir. as
a pun shment for being SO gloomy, you
can take that pail and go and look for
some fresh water"
He obediently took the pail and
started off in the direction OF the
woods, whistling merry tune.
He had not penetrated into them
very far before unmistakable signs OF
water began to show themselves. AS
he proceeded the underbrush and
trees began to assume healthier
look and here and there small patches
of moss made their appearance. and
finally there was borne to his ears
that low sweet sound so dear 10 ev-
cry plainsman' neart-the trickle OF
q running stream.
He dropped on his hands and knees
by the side of the brook and sampled
the water. The quality suggested
springs, so he decided to walk up
stream in the hope of finding one of
these treasures of the plains.
With this end in view he arose from
his knees and had stopped over to
pick up the pail when the sharp COM
mand-
Throw up your hands, Jim Will
heart with a rush. However, he hao
been brought up in the west and knew
what would immediately follow if
the command was not promptly
obeyed. so the same moment that
brought him to his feet brought his
hands above his head in which posi-
ton he waited stoically for further
develOpm ents.
He mad not long to wait
Il see you've had the right kind OF
trainin'. pal" said the same voice.
Gone on, boys" it continued. Well
git through with this job quick"
In Obedience TO his orders a half
dozen men, mostly cowboys, appeared
from behind various hiding places and
surrounded Williams.
The leader, handing his rifle to one
of the others, produced a lariet and
approac hing the man in the center of
the ring.
DO YOU see this rope?" he asked.
Williams nodded.
Well. this end Of it - goin' to be
tied to that there limb over there,
while this here end OF it is gon' to be
tied around your neck. You foller
me-"
NY God, men" cried the desperate
man. whats become of Nell and the
KID il you string me up? I'm all
they've got. Let me go and see them
first. Give Inc five minutes, will you,
boys" he pleaded. You can hide at
the edge of the woods and plug me
if make break
A silence followed this request
which vas finally broken by Hank.
"Wal," said he slowly, Il reckon our
time ain't SO terrible precious but