The Wrangell sentinel., 1909-07-15

The cold grey dawn 0: T am in favor of knocking them saying. That side of the town has got to be wiped out eventually or our property will be worthless. Let's scare their old parade out of sight and let them see that We are running the town"
 Some objection was raised. but in the end the worthies were all satisfied with a plan that promised dire trouble for the neighboring burg. But only the six cattle barons knew of it when the morning dawned. The rivalry of Western towns does not permit of much confidence or exchange of cour- tesles.
 There was another conference that night, but the eattlemen did not know Of It. Only two were in it-Harry and Led. When they parted it was with laugh and a merry call from the for mer: "It will be fun for all of 'em." Independence Day dawned with the beauty of the prairie skies shining over the town It was a day for the young to rejoice in and for the old to be thankful for. Mayyille was astir early and there was not a resident who did not feel that he was interest ed in the celebration, both for the pur pose of making for his side the best showing possible and to outdo the op- position The rival parades started at 10 o'clock.
 The two young men were the re- spective marshals of the day and each guided his troops as best he could through the crowds that filled the streets The south enders were gor- geous in their fnery from the stores. l The Goddess of Liberty rode on a float | all by herself and the horses were gay | ly fitted out for the occasion with rib | bons and bunting. The north end had a more sedate, but more expensive az gregation It had in line all the cow boys of the ranch owners and there were some fancy riders among them who could and did make the onlookers wonder at their skill.
 As the bands played and drowned out the noise of each opposition com. pany the two marshals of the day led the lines toward a tree-lined avenue and then with quick turn brought them out plump against each other in the broad street! It was the most ex- citing time of the towns history. The men were mad and the women indig- l nant-the children alone were happy. They saw two parades instead of one.
 But suddenly something else hap pened. Out of the grove that hid stable sprang a number of men with guns. They leaped into the road and | fired them with deafening reports. It was intended to frighten the south enders and it did. It also frightened the others, for the parades were there | together.
 My stars, what a panic" exclaimed Colonel Norton. "I wish we had not | done it."
 We'll he might. The teams went here and there, out of the control of the | drivers. Then one was seen running down the street-it was the one with | the Goddess of Liberty. Behind it went two riders-Harry and Led It was a race for life. The two young men were well mounted, but they had swift horses to catch. At the end of the road was a hill and down at the bottom a bridge. Their time was short On one side rode one and on the other his rival, Now both realized that they were to test the love of the woman they both admired.
 Dorine clung to the wagon, which pitched and wavered, alone on the vehicle.
 Here" shouted Harry, jump to me and I will hold youi"