Los Angeles herald., 1906-01-14
CHAPTER ".
PICKED CHICK EMS"

tts<~Aos tremely unpleasant to handle IL ne
considered himself ill-treated
We now turned our attention to our trlends
down the creek. The scared mongrel had rid
den back to the other, and they seemed TO be
holding consultation; but, after few mo-
ments conversation, they mounted their horses
and, firing couple of shots toward us, by
way of parting salute, rode off toward The
east.
They took my horse with them, OF course,
but their exploit had been a barren one, alter
all, as he was little better than the pony Jud
had shot, and they had left both their sad
dles-one upon the dead pony, his owner be-
ing too thoroughly frightened to stop ana
take it off, and the other was still hltcheo 10
the black too badly damaged TO oe OIL use W
any one again. ~ :,
We walked down to the half-breed S luck
less pony and found HIM quite dead: Inc
ball had entered his chest and passed length
wise into his body.
Taking off his saddle we made our way
back to the camp, leading our horse by the
rawhide.
Upon reaching our camp after the scenes
related in the last chapter, we sat Gown "
mediate upon our situations. we ielI our
selves fortunate, of course, in having one
horse left us, but were anything puV s"''9i''
with the turn of events.
After getting so near home from success
full hunt, to be taken in" IN such shame
full manner; to have couple OF horses sloiel
from under our very noses by men Wholh we
had entertained at dinner as guests, ana IN
the very moment of polite adleu ana de-
parture was eXasperating in the extreme.
We were exceedingly chagrned, but could
not feel very much Inundated; ior Ihouen
little more than boys we had done all that
men could do, and between our efforts and
those of Nero, the fellows had little for which
to congratulate themselves in their venture;
If we had not been green from the States,
such trick would never have been played
The rascals had probably had their eyes
upon our horses ever since we had been IN
the country; had, no doubt, followed us to
this very place, and, seeing the situation OF
with the deliberate intention OF stealing them
both from us IN broad daylight. Hence the
lie in regard to the stock,
"Wel" said Jud, after we had talked the
/ don't like the idea of spending another
night away from our own camp after what
has occurred. Hope nothing has happened
to Charlie and the mules he added, gloom
lily, as We set about packing up
The dogs had been proving, about up the
creek and for wonder, had neither seen
nor followed us in our chase after the horses
but had come back in our absence and helped
themselves to the venison and were now ly-
ing contentedly stretched upon the grass.
We set to work and strapped our packs and
the extra saddle upon Nero, and moved on
up the creek IN search of place to cross.
We had but a little way to 60 before find
ing fording place, and crossing the valley,
were shortly upon the high prairie, headed to
the southwest.
we had assembled the slope, and dark bank
of clouds, rapidly approaching the sun, could
be seen in the west, darkening the prairie
away in front of US with its huge shadow.
"Jud,' said /, Pm afraid we're in for
soaking. and it won't be very pleasant out
shelter, and with night coming upon us"
''0h, / guess not" careeSsy replied my
companion. You see, there is no lightning
in those clouds, and we hear no thunder, and
storms seldom occur this time of year with
out both"
the surface of the sky, which grew darker and
more lowering, and the sun was soon entirely
obscured by the hurrying mass Of vapor
1t was not long before the wind set IN
with a perfect gale, and the rain came down
in binding scuds directly in our faces.
'Whew!" said Jud "Ihis is more than l
bargained for. Do you believe we can face
this"
'You tell was my answer. It's going
to be hard work to make Nero face such a
storm; but we might as well go forward as
backward, as We shall have to take it any
way"
"Wc'll go forward" said he. "We will
have TO travel TO keep warm. Never heard
OF such cold ralrlstorm IN June. IN chilled
through, just standing here moment"
We drew our blankets round us, holding
them in front with one hand, Indian fashion,
and each taking hold OF Nero's lariat, pushed
ahead bending over SO as to break the force
~.