Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-10-12

pushed up the steep, winding road with
steady stride, their heads swinging.
Not till they entered the canyon did
they lag into walk. The clouds
hung low. In great gray masses, cover
ing even the secondary peaks. Patches
Of snow began to appear at the road
side. It was bleak, inhospitable and
silent world.
'There Is something ominous In this
Stiffness" Ann said at last.
"Where do you suppose we will meet
Munro's men?'
Anywhere after we leave the half
way house, according to report"
"You know this man Munro?"
1--WE met him"
''1s he as terrible as people think
him?"
HE seemed very boyish to me and
not at all terrible"
1.-THE morning papers stated that he
had assumed absolute control up there,
and that his men were drilled in true
military fashion"
80 much the better for u.s." answer
ed Ann, ''for he viii see that we are
protected"
At about II o'clock they reached the
wide mountain meadow out of which
the Bear creek fell. The clouds hung
Just, above their heads, broad, seam
less gray roof.
At the halfway house they found
stage load of people and several freight
ers, and every mans mouth was agape.
The tavern was survival Of the
days when railroads were Of the far
away future-a long, low log structure
with roof Of dirt out Of which dead
weeds Haunted. The front room, which
swarmed with men in rough clothing.
seemed to be country store and post
Office as well as an eating house. A
small, active old woman met Ann with
toothless grin. "step right this way
and get out O. the smudge."
Ann followed her into a minute bed
room which opened OF the dining room.
The old woman began to clatter. "Put
OF your things here. My, but them's
dne furs! Did We drive up from the
springsi Are you going on to the
eampi"
'Yes."
"Waal, you'll find it lively up there!
As near as can learn they mean bizy'
she whispered. "Some O. Jack Mum
ro's men are in there now eatin' They
keep mighty sharp watch on who
comes in these days. soon's you're
ready I'll put you and. your man down
at my end Of the table and I'll look
after ye"
Ann laid aside her furs, but retained
her hat, and as she re-entered the room
made dazzling appeal to those rough
fellows, who eyed her with sly side
glances.
Braide, already seated, rose to meet
her. 1--WE have reached an outpost Of
the guard and will be Intercepted be-
fore we leave, fear"
II am quite ready to meet them" she
replied, bending to her plate. "They
can't refuse to let US pass"
The talk at the table was not illu-
minating. Each man apparently strove
to fill his paunch before his fellow.
Only one Of them seemed to study Ann
and her companion with candid inter-
est. This was small man with
chin beard and an eye as keen as that
OF blue Jay. As the other men filled
up and left the table he came down and
carelessly took seat near Braide.
II reckon I've seen you BEFORE" he
began pleasantly.
II shouldn't wonder. I'm DR.. Braide
Of Valley Springs"
where you amin to 60 now, if it's
a fair question:"
ITO Skytown.''
"Goin' to treat somebody's" asked the
old woman, who was lowering near.
Ann interposed. Eyes, he is going up
to treat my brother Louis, who is lying
II at Mr.. Raymond,s cabin"
The stranger glowed again. Didn't
gee nothin' Of the sheriff's army on the
way, did ye?" Here he winked at
Braide.
The doctor smiled. mot thing. /
don't think they've left the valley yet"
"pd advise 'em not to. I'm going
over to the camp myself, and If you
don't mind I'll jest nacherly jog along
q rod or two ahead Of you-to show
you the road"
AS he rose to go the stranger said:
III so be it you folks have any infu-
ence with Rob Raymond, preach him
into Joining the movement. It'll be a
mighty sight safer for him and a big
help to the miners"
After the miner left the room Braide
said: We're in the enemy's country.
He was plainly warning us, and his
going along is in the nature of-an arm
cd guard"
ellis escort may be of use to u.s." re-
piled Ann. "Who was that man?" she
asked of the old woman, who fairly
whispered her answer.
"That's old Steve Adams. He's boss
of this squad. All six o. them men are
Munros pickets."
As Ann and the doctor drove on the
clouds began to lift, rolling slowly,
ssaaAt0ualTs. zSlyctsn4ax uswasd sssn